LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) are seeking interested applicants to fill a vacancy on the St. Mary’s County Library Board of Trustees. The opening is for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027.

The Library Board of Trustees works closely with the Library Director to provide oversight of the library’s budget and policies. Trustees serve as advocates for the library and play a vital role in helping shape the future of library services in St. Mary’s County.

Applicants should expect to attend twelve meetings per year. The monthly meetings are typically in the afternoon during the second Thursday of each month at 3 pm. Familiarity with and use of the St. Mary’s County Library system is strongly preferred.

Interested residents can complete the online application at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/boards.

All applications must include a resume and be submitted by October 30, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed by the current Library Board of Trustees, who will make recommendations to the CSMC for final selection.

For more information, contact Gillian Bacon at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1709.

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

SOLOMONS, Md. – Oct. 1, 2026 –As of today, Otodus megalodon, commonly known as megalodon, is Maryland’s official state shark. The extinct species was the largest shark ever to live.

With this designation taking effect, Maryland becomes the first state in the nation to recognize an official State Shark.

Known primarily through its fossilized teeth, the megalodon is closely associated with Maryland’s geologic record. Its fossils are found in the Chesapeake Bay region, offering important insights into the area’s prehistoric marine ecosystems.

Although megalodon disappeared millions of years ago, its legacy underscores the long-standing ecological importance of sharks in ocean systems—past and present. The designation highlights Maryland’s rich paleontological and modern marine heritage and provides new opportunities for public education about marine life, conservation, and Earth’s history.

The Calvert Marine Museum, Maryland’s State Paleontology Center and where this initiative started, has long supported research, education, and public engagement related to the region’s fossil record, including the study of ancient sharks such as megalodon.

The museum extends its appreciation to the Maryland General Assembly for passing the bill and Governor Wes Moore for signing it into law. We also gratefully acknowledge Senator Jack Bailey, Delegate Todd Morgan, and their respective staff for sponsoring the legislation, as well as to the many individuals and organizations who contributed their support throughout the process.

Two kayakers are safe today after a grueling 30-hour ordeal on the Potomac River ended in a dramatic nighttime rescue on Thursday, September 24, 2026.The missing paddlers were discovered uninjured on Craney Island, huddled inside a duck blind just north of Potomac Heights in Charles County, Maryland.
The incident began Wednesday, prompting a massive multi-agency search spanning both the Maryland and Virginia shores of the Potomac River. For nearly a day and a half, rescue crews combed the water with no sign of the duo.
The breakthrough came around 8:30 p.m. Thursday evening when Fireboat 8 from the Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department launched a five-member crew to aid Fairfax County authorities in a final push to locate the missing kayakers.
As Fireboat 8 pushed through the darkness toward Craney Island, crew members scanning the Maryland shoreline spotted a frantic commotion. The two missing individuals were inside a duck blind, waving their arms wildly to catch the vessel's attention.
Rescuers quickly pulled the kayakers aboard Fireboat 8, where a preliminary medical evaluation confirmed that, despite their extended exposure, both were in good health and uninjured.
The kayakers were subsequently transferred to Fairfax County Fireboat 420 and transported back to the Virginia shoreline, where their fateful journey had originally begun.
Local officials are reminding residents to always check river conditions, wear life jackets, and carry communication devices when heading out onto the water.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (September 30, 2026) – The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is reminding customers of several new state laws taking effect on October 1 that aim to enhance roadway safety, modernize administrative processes and simplify requirements for Maryland drivers and vehicle owners. 

Starting tomorrow, October 1, the MVA will begin issuing official warning notices to Maryland residents who own vehicles registered in another state. Chapter 487/Senate Bill 111, which was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, is one of a handful of new laws going into effect in Maryland October 1 and is intended to bring improperly registered vehicles into compliance. The notices begin a 60-day period for vehicle owners to properly register their vehicles or provide proof that Maryland registration is not required. No fines will be assessed during this period. The warning period also follows two direct outreach efforts in January and July,  where the MVA sent courtesy letters encouraging vehicle owners with possible out-of-state registrations to register their vehicles in Maryland. The MVA has also engaged in continuous outreach through social and traditional media channels.

Vehicle owners who remain out of compliance after the 60-day warning period will be fined $7 per day, up to a maximum of $420 for each improperly registered vehicle. If vehicles are not properly registered after 120 days, the MVA will notify the appropriate local jurisdictions for additional penalties, which may lead to civil action including booting, towing, vehicle impoundment and/or the seizure of out-of-state plates.
“At the MVA, we are committed to being a partner and a resource for our customers. We want to provide Maryland residents the support they need to comply with state law and make that process as easy as possible,” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said. “If customers have questions or other concerns that stop them from plating where they live, don’t wait. Reach out to us now. We will help you work through the process of becoming compliant.”

Drivers who are new to Maryland or maintain out-of-state registrations can find resources at mva.maryland.gov/PlateWhereYouLive. Active-duty military service members, spouses, and dependents can receive non-resident permits free-of-charge. Customers who need to register their vehicle in Maryland but have outstanding debt or other financial restrictions are encouraged to contact the MVA for assistance identifying payment options and next steps. Customers can reach the MVA online through ContactMVA or call 410-768-7000 to speak with an agent.

Other Key Initiatives Effective October 1

Improved Accessibility to Ignition Interlock Program (Chapter 81/SB 38): Individuals over the age of 21 who violate an alcohol restriction can participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program in order to modify a license suspension or revocation or receive a restricted license. Previously, this was only available to individuals under age 21. Failure to successfully complete the program would result in a one year license suspension.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Questions (Chapter 539/SB 68): Every driver skills examination will feature at least one question related to motorcycle safety awareness. MVA has increased the variety of potential motorcycle safety questions in its test question pool as a result of the legislative change covering sharing the road with motorcyclists, proper lane positioning, following distance, crash prevention and other topics covered in the Maryland driver’s manual and rookie driver’s manual. MVA developed question options in consultation with safety advocates, who testified in support of the law.

Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) System Pilot Program (Chapter 870/HB 107): MVA will establish the ISA System pilot program by October 1, 2027. Individuals with enough points to trigger suspension or revocation of their license under state law are required to enroll in the pilot program. Over the next year, the agency will develop a framework and regulations for the program to support participants in safe operations of vehicles equipped with ISA systems. The law includes strict data protection guardrails, prohibiting the sale of program data and requiring deletion within 30 days. MVA will provide a report on the pilot program to the Governor and General Assembly by December 30, 2030.

Vulnerable Road User Protection Act (Chapter 285/SB 487): Enables and establishes a process for the State Highway Administration and local jurisdictions to install speed cameras to improve safety for vulnerable roadway users on critical corridors. Maryland’s Vulnerable Road User Assessment identifies corridors eligible for automated speed enforcement cameras.

Clear Before You Drive (Chapter 668/HB 474): The MVA is required to assess one point against a violator’s driver’s license if they fail to make reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice from their vehicle. If a violation contributes to an accident the MVA will assess three points against the violator’s license.

Reducing Costs for Credentials (Chapter 116/HB248): Reduces printing costs for identification cards, driver’s licenses and moped operator permits by no longer requiring pictures to be in color. This is expected to save $114,000 in FY 2027 and $152,000 during subsequent years.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will perform routine maintenance on the?MD 4 (Governor Thomas Johnson) Bridge ?at the Calvert County / St. Mary’s County line starting 6 a.m. Sunday, October 4. One of two lanes will be closed, and the lane will open to traffic no later than 2 p.m. that afternoon, weather permitting.

Maintenance crews will replace reflectors and clean the drainage system and bridge deck (driving surface). Drivers will be guided using a flagging operation. The State Highway Administration will use flaggers and portable variable message signs to guide motorists safely through the work zone.

Drivers are asked to slow down in the work zone for the safety of all drivers and the crews working to improve our roadways. Portable variable message signs will provide advanced notification of the work. Customers may contact the District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or 1-800-331-5603 with any questions.?

The State Highway Administration is?Serious About Safety.?Motorists are urged to remain alert and avoid distractions when traveling through the work zone. Motorists should obey all posted speed limits.?Motorists can dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside?assistance. 

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, news and travel information, visit roads.maryland.gov.

CDS Violation: 26-80784 On September 16, 2026, Sgt. Kelly conducted a traffic stop in the area of Rt. 4 and Steeple Chase Drive in Prince Frederick, for equipment violations. Upon making contact with the driver, Kwantae Shamar Wright, 19, of Baltimore, the odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. During a probable cause search, deputies located Suboxone strips and one Ziploc bag containing cannabis. Wright was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with CDS: Possession- Not Cannabis.

CDS Violation: 26-80531 On September 16, 2026, Deputy Flaherty attempted to stop a vehicle for a moving violation near Mackall Road and Parran Road in St. Leonard. The driver, Conway Glen Savoy, 40, of Lusby, failed to stop and fled at a high rate. Deputies stopped the vehicle in a private driveway off Ross Road and took Savoy and passenger Julia Nicole Gallodoro, 31, of St. Leonard, into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed suspected crack cocaine in pill capsules near Gallodoro’s seat, in three straws in the passenger door pocket, and in a pill grinder and another straw. Both were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with CDS Possession—Not Cannabis and CDS Possession of Paraphernalia.

Damaged Property: 26-80668 On September 16, 2026, Deputy Connolly responded to the 7200 block of 7th Street in North Beach for the report of damaged property. The complainant reported damage to the residence’s front door jamb near the handle and deadbolt, possibly caused by a pry bar. The damage is estimated at $500.

Damaged Property: 26-81667 On September 19, 2026, DFC Grierson responded to the 2300 block of Park Chesapeake Dr in Lusby for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised that upon returning to their home they discovered the glass window on their front door had been shattered. The estimated value of damaged property is $300.

Theft: 26-80018 On September 14, 2026, Deputy Brown responded to the 12800 block of Rousby Hall Road in Lusby for a reported theft. The complainant advised her vehicle had been tampered with and approximately 3 to 5 gallons of gas were siphoned from her vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $15.

Theft: 26-80335 On September 15, 2026, DFC Deinert responded to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office located at 30 Church Street in Prince Frederick for the reported theft. The complainant advised a package he ordered and had delivered to the 500 block of Patuxent Reach Drive in Prince Frederick had been stolen. The estimated value of stolen property is $138.

Theft: 26-80314 On September 15, 2026, Deputy Angell responded to Weis Market at 750 Prince Frederick Boulevard in Prince Frederick for a reported theft. Witnesses and store surveillance showed a woman placing multiple containers of crabmeat into a grocery bag without paying. Deputies located the woman at a neighboring business and identified her as Marie Savona Carrington, 68, of Prince Frederick. The investigation determined that Carrington stole $92.33 worth of merchandise. She was charged with Theft: Less than $100.

Trespassing: 26-80655 On September 16, 2026, Deputy MacWilliams responded to Jerry’s Subs and Pizza, located at 10290 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk, for the reported trespassing. Investigation revealed Micheal Joseph Keller, 63, of no fixed address, had been previously trespassed from the entire Dunkirk Marketplace. Keller was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property. 

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – ?Sept. 30, 2026? – The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division, is notifying the public of a wastewater overflow that occurred at the pumping station located at 204 Prince Frederick Blvd. in Prince Frederick. An estimated 500,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was released into Mill Creek.  

On the morning of Monday, Sept. 28, staff identified abnormal flow readings and pump run times at the pumping station. Crews immediately responded, brought the flow under control and completed disinfection of the affected area with lime by approximately 9:30 a.m. 

The Calvert County Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) were notified in accordance with state reporting requirements. 

The overflow is believed to have resulted from damage caused by recent heavy rainfall. Significant storm-related erosion undermined the streambank, causing it to collapse onto an exposed sewer line. The damaged sewer line fractured, allowing untreated wastewater to discharge into Mill Creek. 

The incident did not affect drinking water quality or wastewater service to customers. 

County staff have stabilized the site and are working with engineering consultants and MDE to evaluate the damage and develop a permanent repair for the sewer line. The county will continue to monitor the area throughout the repair process. 

As a precaution, the Calvert County Health Department's Division of Environmental Health advises residents and visitors to avoid direct contact with the waters of Mill Creek in the affected area for 10 days, through Oct. 8, 2026.  

For questions about the wastewater overflow, contact the Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division, at 410-535-2204, or email WaterandSewerage@calvertcountymd.gov. For more information on protective actions and recommendations contact the Calvert County Health Department at 410-535-5400. 

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.  

Jerry Beatty, convicted in the 1982 kidnapping, rape, and murder of 22-year-old college student Stephanie Roper, will appear for a parole hearing on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at the Maryland Correctional Training Center in Hagerstown, MD. The hearing follows Beatty's petition for a sentence reduction under Maryland's Juvenile Restoration Act (JUVRA), which allows people convicted as juveniles to seek shorter sentences after serving 20 years. His JUVRA hearing was originally scheduled in 2024. The court denied his request in February 2026. In explaining its decision, the court addressed the brutality of the crimes, the opportunities Beatty had to change the course of events, and his failure to address his mental health diagnoses. Parole is a separate process, and Stephanie's family and Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center (MCVRC) will once again be there to make sure her voice is heard. Stephanie’s family faces a predicament that has become familiar to victims’ families across Maryland: repeated proceedings over the possible release of the person who harmed their loved one. Under JUVRA, an eligible person may seek a sentence reduction as many as three times, with another motion permitted at least three years after a denial. A new law taking effect on October 1 also bars the Maryland Parole Commission from permanently denying parole and requires future parole hearings after a denial. These separate processes can overlap, requiring families to prepare for hearing after hearing, relive the crime, and speak again for their loved ones and the safety of their communities.

Stephanie's mother, Roberta Roper, has spent the last 44 years fighting for her daughter and for crime victim throughout Maryland. The family has consistently opposed Beatty's release. Facing a parole hearing only months after the court denied his sentence reduction adds another painful burden to a family that has carried this loss for decades.

The property contains a network of streams that flow toward the Patuxent River, helping protect forest habitat, water quality, and the rural character of Southern Maryland.

For Gwen Bankins, however, protecting the property was about more than its natural resources. It was about preserving a family legacy that reaches back generations.

“It was about building and preserving the legacy of land in the first county in Maryland, St. Mary’s County,” Bankins says.

The property has been in her family since her great-great-grandfather purchased it. At a time when African Americans faced significant barriers to land ownership, his ability to acquire and retain land represented an important achievement. Today, Bankins sees the conservation easement to ensure that legacy continues.

“Being an African American at the time my great-great-grandfather purchased it was not something easy, and to leave a legacy of African American ownership is not something to be taken lightly,” she says.

The Rural Legacy Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources helps protect the state’s most important agricultural, forest, and natural resource areas through permanent conservation easements. The Bankins property adds an important block of protected forest within the Patuxent River watershed while ensuring that the land’s conservation values will endure.

For Bankins, working with PTLT has particular importance. “PTLT cared about my property and what the legacy of land means in St. Mary’s County,” she says. “PTLT cared about preserving the land for future generations.”

The conservation of the Bankins property also contributes to the protection of the Patuxent River watershed. Its 83 acres of woodland and streams provide habitat and help maintain the natural functions of the landscape by slowing runoff, filtering water, and protecting stream corridors.

Bankins views the future of the property through the same lens as its past.

“Resilience, strength, it gives you the opportunity to pass a legacy to future generations. These are the roots for the future.” That sense of stewardship takes on particular meaning as Maryland approaches its 400th anniversary.

“The Founders came across the water for something better. We need to preserve their intent,” Bankins says.

The Bankins easement represents both environmental conservation and the preservation of a family story—one rooted in land ownership, perseverance, and a commitment to ensuring that future generations have something to inherit.

“Conservation easements are about much more than keeping land undeveloped,” says Abigail Greenwell, Executive Director of Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust. “They protect the places that tell the story of our communities and provide families the opportunity to define their legacy. The Bankins property is a powerful example of how land conservation can preserve both land and the history carried by it.”

About Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust

Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the farms, forests, streams, and natural lands of Southern Maryland. PTLT works with landowners to conserve important properties through conservation easements and provides ongoing stewardship to ensure that protected lands remain protected for generations to come. To date Patuxent Tidewater Land has conserved over 7,000 acres of rural Southern Maryland in perpetuity. To inquire about conserving land contact saveland@ptlt.org.

The Charles County Department of Health is alerting all citizens and visitors to a rabies case identified in Charlotte Hall, MD. One skunk tested POSITIVE for rabies on September 28, 2026 in the vicinity of Ryceville Road and Pudges Place.  If you or your pet recently had contact with a skunk from this location, please call the Charles County Department at 301-609-6768.

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

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

A current rabies vaccination for your pet is vital. Please get in touch with your local vet for an updated vaccine for your pets. Rabies vaccines are available through your veterinarian, as well as at local businesses including Petco, Banfield, and Tractor Supply, as well as through the FREE drive-through rabies clinics hosted by the Charles County Department of Health and Charles County Animal Control on Sunday, October 18th and November 15th for dogs, cats, and ferrets. The clinics will be held at 10425 Audie Lane in LaPlata, MD, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Please bring your previous rabies certificate to receive a 3-year vaccine. Please contact 301-609-3425 or 301-609-6751 for questions.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX) will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown.

This meeting is open to the public and will be recorded. The recording will air on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) TV Channel 95 as part of the regular CSMC meeting replay and will be available for on-demand viewing via our YouTube Channel post-production. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website by clicking Board Documents from the SMCG home page.

Information on the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, including meeting schedules, minutes, and more is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/csmc. For more details on the meeting or to request accommodation, please call the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340.

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. – ?Sept. 29, 2026? – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners voted to award the sale of $75.9 million in public improvement general obligation bonds during its Aug. 18, 2026, meeting.  

The bond sale helps finance public projects to improve, upgrade and build county infrastructure and facilities previously approved in the FY 24-26 capital improvement plans.  

The winning bid for the bond sale Sept. 29 came from Hilltop Securities, at a true interest cost of 4.66%.  

In September, Calvert County Government’s AAA credit rating was reaffirmed by three independent credit rating agencies, reflecting the county’s strong economy, robust revenues and sound financial management. The AAA credit rating allows the county government to secure funding through bond sales at lower interest rates, reducing borrowing costs for major capital projects.  

Bond funding is included for the following ongoing projects: Northern Middle School improvements; Prince Frederick Loop Road; Barstow Convenience Center upgrade; Hall Aquatic Center roof/HVAC replacement; sewer collection rehabilitation; Solomons Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades; Back Creek loop water main; West Prince Frederick storage tank; Southern Middle School HVAC; St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad facility replacement; Boyd’s Turn Road; Brooks Administrative Building; Calvert Pines Senior Center renovation/expansion; and Little Cove Point Road curve repair.   

The bond sale also provides funding for several other projects.    

For additional information, contact the Calvert County Department of Finance & Budget at 410-535-1600, or email budgetteam@calvertcountymd.gov.    

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

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – ?Sept. 29, 2026? – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners appointed Bradley J. Neitzel as the new attorney for Calvert County Government on Sept. 29, 2026. Neitzel, currently chief of litigation for the Baltimore County Office of Law in Towson, was selected after a competitive recruitment process. He will join Calvert County Government on Oct. 19.  

“We are extremely pleased and fortunate to have such a qualified and experienced attorney joining Calvert County Government,” said Commissioner President Todd Ireland. “Neitzel brings with him decades of legal experience serving the citizens of Maryland.”     

Neitzel has served as an assistant county attorney in Baltimore County since 2021. Before that, he was a senior assistant county attorney for Harford County from 2016 to 2021 and worked for the Maryland Office of the Attorney General as an assistant attorney general and senior counsel for litigation. He also served as assistant state’s attorney in the St. Mary’s County Office of the State’s Attorney from 2007 to 2008.  

Neitzel received his law degree from the University of Illinois in 1998, a master’s degree in biblical studies from Union Theological Seminary in 1995 and a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the University of Virginia in 1993.  

The Calvert County Office of the County Attorney provides legal services to the Board of County Commissioners, the county administrator, county departments and advisory boards and commissions when instructed by the county commissioners. Services include providing legal advice; reviewing deeds, bonds, contracts and other legal documents; handling civil litigation involving the county, its officers and employees; advising commissioners during meetings; drafting local and state legislation; and maintaining the county code.  

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 – Stanley Martin Homes has withdrawn its request to change the land use designation for the Wildewood Preserve property. As a result, this application will not be included for consideration by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and will not be subject to public comment during the public hearing for the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. 

The public hearing will be conducted on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room of the Chesapeake Building located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and sign-up sheets for those wishing to speak will be available in the lobby.

Residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback on the draft St. Mary’s 2050 plan. 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, October 13, 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.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1500, or via email to StMarys2050@stmaryscountymd.gov. Community members are also welcome to stop by the LUGM office to speak with a member of our team. Additional information, including office hours and location details, is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LUGM.

About St. Mary’s 2050

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

[September 29, 2026] The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for the month of October: 

Monday, Oct. 12 (Indigenous Peoples' Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville will be closed.
• All school-based community centers are open.
• All indoor pools will be open noon to 5 p.m. for open swim (Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center and North Point). Lackey Indoor Aquatic Center is closed.
• The Waldorf Senior and Recreation Center will be closed.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center will be open for scheduled programs.
• Elite Gymnastics & Recreation Center will be open for normal operating hours.

Thursday, Oct. 22

• The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services and treasury offices will close at 11 a.m. for staff training. 

Operating status for other county-affiliated agencies:

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

[Tuesday, Sept. 29] The Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management is proud to announce the release of Preservation Matters: Celebrating Charles County’s Historic Places, a semiannual magazine celebrating historic preservation in Charles County.

This year’s publication explores local history during and after the Revolutionary War era as part of the nation’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Local historians, archaeologists, preservation professionals, and community researchers collaborated to produce this special issue.

Highlights include a feature on Thomas Stone, a Charles County resident and one of four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. Other featured topics include archaeological discoveries in Port Tobacco, Charles County's tobacco history, Black Civil War soldier James Gross, and the 1926 La Plata tornado.

The issue also recognizes the recipients of the 2025 Charles County Preservation Awards and highlights the Lower Cedar Point shoreline restoration project.

You can view the online version of Preservation Matters: Celebrating Charles County’s Historic Places here.

To request a physical copy, contact Cal Carpenter at CarpenterC@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-645-0584.

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

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will host their 18^th annual Community Shredding Event on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. – noon at the St. Andrews Landfill, located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road.

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

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

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

For more information on DPW&T, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/dpw or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government is inviting community members to help shape the future of transportation in Lexington Park by participating in an upcoming Community Planning Meeting for the FDR Boulevard Extension Planning Study.

The Community Planning Meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 FDR Boulevard in Lexington Park.  A formal presentation will begin at 5:30 PM.

Community members can access the Public Comment Report providing information from Community Planning Meeting #1 that was held on May 26, 2026, and the online public survey results, and additional planning study information by visiting the project website at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/FDR.

This planning study focuses on extending FDR Boulevard from Pegg Road to MD 246 (Great Mills Road) in accordance with the concepts outlined in the Lexington Park Development District Master Plan and is intended to improve traffic flow to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, reduce emissions, shorten travel times, and reduce congestion and traffic accidents.

Community members are encouraged to visit the project website to learn more about the study and review project materials. The Public Engagement Plan (PEP), available in both English and Spanish, provides additional information on how the community can stay involved.

Questions regarding the project may be directed to the St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) Project Manager, Allen Settle via email to Allen.Settle@stmaryscountymd.gov or by calling (301) 475-4200, ext. 3525. For more information, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/FDR.

Individuals needing accommodation or assistance to participate in the Community Planning Meeting, such as language translation or accessibility support, should contact DPW&T Project Manager Allen Settle at (301) 475-4200, ext. 3525, at least two business days prior to the meeting. Please note the meeting location is physically accessible.

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.

Caroll H. Spriggs II was sworn in as Maryland’s new state fire marshal Sept. 28 in the Chesapeake Hearing Room at the Calvert County Administration Building in Prince Frederick.

Spriggs served with the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department in Calvert County for 38 years. He is the first African American to serve as Maryland state fire marshal in the department’s 132-year history. He was appointed to the position Sept. 16. To view the swearing-in ceremony, visit the Calvert County YouTube page. To learn more about Spriggs’ appointment, read the Maryland State Police press release.

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 (September 28, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Charles Henry Thompson, Jr., 32, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 95 years and 6 months in prison with 50 years and 6 months of active incarceration for assaulting his former girlfriend and shooting her male companion.

On October 30, 2024, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Valley Estates Drive in Lexington Park for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, deputies learned from witnesses that Thompson and a co-defendant had driven to a home where Thompson’s former girlfriend and a male companion were visiting. Upon arrival, Thompon shot, assaulted, and robbed the victim. During the encounter, Thompson displayed the firearm in a threatening manner towards his former girlfriend.

“The Defendant brutally attacked a defenseless man unprovoked and mercilessly terrorized him and his ex-girlfriend, leaving them in utter fear for their lives,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Domestic violence impacts more people than just those who are in the relationship; its effects extend to family members, friends, and others, creating a rippling effect throughout our community. There is no place in St. Mary’s County for such lawlessness.”

Following a five-day jury trial in December 2025, Thompson was convicted of two counts of first-degree assault, armed robbery, firearm use in the commission of a crime of violence, six additional firearm-related charges, theft, and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.

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

Detective Kortnie Marsch of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Amy Lorenzini presided over the case.