LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 29, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has published all responses to the 2023 Community Survey. The community is invited to access and read the survey results at www.FirstSheriff.com.

The survey's primary objective was to assess citizen satisfaction with the quality of services provided by the Sheriff’s Office services and to gather valuable insights into public safety concerns within the community. The data from the survey has been collated and will serve as a foundation for guiding future decisions and enhancing plans for operation and enforcement strategies.

Sheriff Steve Hall expressed his gratitude to the community: "I want to thank everyone who took the time and thoughtfully answered the survey questions. The information from the survey results will be instrumental in guiding our resource allocations as we work to address and alleviate public safety concerns. We strive daily to meet the needs of our community, provide prompt and professional responses, and, most importantly, continuously improve our processes.”

The survey was made accessible to residents through an online form hosted on the First Sheriff website. Additionally, survey input was sought from community members at various public events, including the St. Mary’s County Fair. The results of the survey will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of law enforcement services within the county.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enhancing public safety, reducing the fear and incidence of crime, and nurturing public trust.

The State Board and Superintendent Choudhury have come to a mutual agreement on transition that results in Mr. Choudhury resigning as State Superintendent of Schools on October 6, 2023. Mr. Choudhury will transition into the role of Senior Advisor to the State Board of Education on policy and strategy matters effective October 7, 2023, and will serve through June 30, 2024.

In this role, Mr. Choudhury will provide expert-level advice, guidance, and recommendations to the State Board on crucial policy issues pertaining to the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the 2023 State Board and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Strategic Plan, and other State Board and MSDE priorities. The full transition agreement can be found here.

The State Board would like to thank Superintendent Choudhury for his dedicated and excellent service to the children and educators of Maryland. The Board looks forward to continued partnership with Mr. Choudhury in his role as Senior Advisor. Mr. Choudhury successfully led the State through phase one of the transformation of Maryland’s education system, which included rebuilding MSDE for the Blueprint era, accelerating improvements in reading proficiency rates, and launching innovative programs to chart the course for a successful future.

As we enter phase two of the transformation, the State Board and MSDE will sustain the laser-like focus on improving outcomes for all students by partnering with key stakeholders to further the policy goals of the Blueprint and the Strategic Plan. The State Board will name an interim superintendent in October to complete the current term through June 30, 2024.

The joint State Board/MSDE transition team will support MSDE leadership during the forthcoming transition period. The State Board search committee will continue its immediate work of identifying a search firm to assist in recruitment for the permanent superintendent.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Matthew Mark Mazza, 28, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to the maximum penalty of ten years in prison for the felony manslaughter by motor vehicle that tragically took the life of an 18-year-old victim.

On July 9, 2022, at approximately 3:35 am, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision. Preliminary investigation determined that a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Mr. Mazza, was traveling on Willows Road when it struck the rear end of a 2015 Ford Focus, operated by Jamari Tyrese Duckett, age 18 of Great Mills, Maryland. Mr. Duckett was transported to an area hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, July 10, 2022.

Evidence showed that seconds before the crash, Mr. Mazza was driving at speeds between 76 MPH and 91 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. A blood test proved Mr. Mazza’s blood alcohol concentration level was 0.13 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The legal limit is 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

“While my office fought for and received the maximum penalty allowable by law, justice demands more. When drunk driving at extreme speeds steals the life of a young man, ten years is never enough. I will not stop until the penalty for this crime accounts for its devastation. With the support of Jamari’s family, I will be partnering with Senator Jack Bailey and Delegate Brian Crosby to change this law to increase the maximum penalty,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling.

At the sentencing hearing, the State requested Mr. Mazza be sentenced to the maximum penalty of ten years in prison. The Maryland Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence between three months and four years. The Court imposed ten years, which is the maximum sentence allowable by law.

Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Boyd prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. Corporal Brandon Foor of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Amy D. Lorenzini presided over the case.

On September 28 at 10:13 a.m., three students at St. Charles High School became involved in a physical altercation in a school hallway. While attempting to stop the altercation and separate the students, two school staff members were assaulted and received minor injuries. The staff members injuries were treated by medical staff at the school. A school resource officer is investigating, and criminal charges are pending against the involved students. The students also face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Ofc. Duley at 301-609-3282 ext. 0494.

 Today, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced a new partnership with the Children's Aid National Center for Community Schools to expand support for school districts and community schools through the high-quality implementation of Blueprint Community Schools.

The Children’s Aid National Center for Community Schools will work closely with MSDE's Executive Director of Community Schools and Expanded Learning, focusing its efforts on local education agencies and cohorts of community schools at different stages—those conducting needs assessments, those in their implementation plan year, and those in years three or more of implementation.

"We are embarking on a journey that will redefine the future of education in Maryland," said State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury. "This collaboration with the Children's Aid National Center for Community Schools provides us with a powerful engine to drive change. Its expertise in community-centric education will be invaluable in our unrelenting mission to narrow and ultimately close opportunity and achievement gaps. The Blueprint and our Strategic Plan are our compasses, leading us toward an education system where every child is equipped for college and career success. This partnership reflects our unyielding resolve to make this vision a reality for all Maryland students."

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with community school leaders and practitioners across the state of Maryland,” said Abe Fernández, Director of the Children’s Aid National Center for Community Schools. “This is an exciting time for the community schools movement nationally, and Maryland is emerging as an exemplar of how to take the community schools strategy to scale. We look forward to working with education leaders and partners across the state to advance their commitment to the academic achievement and healthy development of Maryland students.”

This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in the state’s commitment to educational excellence and equality. Together, MSDE and the National Center for Community Schools will strive to provide the essential resources and support needed for all Maryland students to achieve their full potential.

Children's Aid is a New York City-based organization dedicated to helping children in poverty succeed and thrive. Its National Center for Community Schools is a technical assistance provider specializing in building the capacity of schools, school districts, and community partners to organize around student success. The Center brings three decades of practice-based experience and proven strategies to this new partnership, ensuring that Maryland schools will benefit from the best practices in community-based education.

For more information about the Maryland State Department of Education, visit marylandpublicschools.org.

For more information about the National Center for Community Schools, visit nccs.org.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Sept. 28, 2023 – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is excited to announce the launch of Xplor Recreation, a new online registration system. The new registration system is scheduled to launch Monday, Oct. 23 for winter activity registrations and will provide users an improved, mobile-friendly experience when registering for CCPR activities and events.

To ensure a smooth transition, citizens should note the following:

·         Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, customers will be able to create their account on the new system.

·         In preparation for this transition, current WebTrac users will receive an email from CCPR with detailed instructions on how to create a new household account with Xplor.

·         A step-by-step video tutorial will be available on the county website at www.CalvertCountymd.gov/ParksAndRecreation.

·         Online registration in the current WebTrac system will end at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 22.

·         Beginning Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m., customers can register online for winter activities with the new Xplor Recreation system. Customers who wish to register for fall activities will need to call CCPR directly at 410-535-1600, ext. 2649.

“Parks & Recreation staff are continually searching for new ways to offer our users the best experience possible when interacting with staff or navigating services,” said Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Nazzal. “We are excited to offer this new registration system and know it will simplify the customer experience.”

Chesapeake Hills Golf Course will not be changing to Xplor Recreation and patrons are not required to make any changes for golf course services. Visit www.chesapeakehills.com to book a tee time.

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

For more information contact the Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation at 410-535-1600, ext. 2649, or by email at parksandrecreation@calvertcountymd.gov.

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

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LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 28, 2023) – Pursuant to an ongoing joint investigation being conducted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Vice Narcotics Unit and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, a search and seizure warrant was executed Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at an apartment in the 22000 block of Iverson Drive, in Great Mills, MD; the resident of the apartment was previously identified as Markell Davian Carter, 28. During the search, detectives located large quantities of various suspected Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), including multiple pounds of cannabis, psilocybin mushrooms, cocaine, fentanyl, and Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), all in sufficient quantities to indicate possession with the intent to distribute. Also located during the search was a loaded rifle, ammunition, and multiple ballistic vests. Drug and Weapons charges are pending in St. Mary’s County.

Just prior to the execution of the residential search warrant by investigators, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), who also previously obtained search and seizure warrants for Mr. Carter’s person and vehicle, initiated a traffic stop on Carter in Calvert County. During the search of the vehicle, CCSO Deputies located a loaded handgun that appears to have been modified with a rapid-fire trigger activator (handgun switch), allowing the firearm to fire multiple projectiles with a single press of the trigger, commonly referred to as a “fully automatic firearm.”

Mr. Carter was arrested by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center.

During the week of September 18 – September 24, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,932 calls for service throughout the community. 

Damaged Property: 23-67815
On Sept. 24, 2023, Deputy R. Jones responded to the American Legion Post 274 located at 11820 HG Trueman Road, in Lusby, for the report of property destruction. The complainant advised one of the metal poles in front of the establishment had been damaged and broken off. The estimated value of damaged property is $150.00.

Motor Vehicle Theft: 23-67258
On September 22, 2023, M/DFC Aurich responded to the 3600 block of 7th Street in North Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised sometime between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., an unknown suspect (s) stole the victim’s black Harley-Davidson Softail Standard motorcycle. The estimated value of stolen property is $3,000.00.

Theft: 23-66335

On September 19, 2023, DFC Dymond responded to 130 Hospital Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. Upon arrival, contact was made with two victims who reported both of their wallets and contents inside (credit cards and U.S. currency) had been stolen sometime on Sept. 18 between 8:30 a.m. and 12:03 p.m. Investigation revealed unknown suspect (s) made several fraudulent purchases with the stolen cards. The total cumulative value of the stolen items and charged of both victims is $4,573.52.

Theft: 23-66293

On September 19, 2023, responded to the 12000 block of Steven Lane in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised his Ring floodlight camera was missing and the wires had been cut. The estimated value of stolen and damaged property is $300.00.

ARRESTS

On Sept. 20, 2023, DFC N. Buckler initiated a traffic stop in the area of SB Rt. 4 in the area of Cove Point Road in Lusby, on a vehicle for an equipment violation. Further investigation revealed, a bag of suspected cocaine and a digital scale were located inside the vehicle. The driver, Dwayne Mathew Dorsey, 38 of Lexington Park, was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possess-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possess of Paraphernalia.

On September 22, 2023, DFC Wilder responded to the Wawa convenience store located at 305 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick, for a complaint of a female using the bathroom in public. After reviewing video surveillance and speaking to witnesses, Elizabeth Marie Ireton, 41 of no fixed address, was observed urinating in the parking lot of the establishment. Hours earlier, Ireton was located loitering outside of Sakura Express consuming alcoholic beverages. Ireton was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with Indecent Exposure, Intoxicated Public Disturbance, and Disorderly Conduct. 

On September 22, 2023, deputies responded to the Wawa located at 305 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick, for the reported disorderly subjects. Contact was made with Justin Robert Brady, 30 of Sunderland, who was heavily intoxicated, laying on the floor of the store, yelling at deputies while disturbing customers inside the establishment. Brady was asked to leave the property and became disorderly and verbally combative. Brady eventually left the store but remained on the property. Hours later deputies responded back to the Wawa for the same disorderly subjects. DFC Crum made contact with Brady asking him to vacate the property to which he refused. Brady was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since January 2007 when he first joined the Senate, and Co-Chair of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), released the following statement:

“Democracy and freedom are being tested around the world. America’s national security, which depends on effective diplomacy and international development, as well as a strong defense, is facing challenges that require focused and responsible leadership in Congress to work with the White House on behalf of the American people. For these reasons, it is with great humility and appreciation to Majority Leader Schumer and my colleagues that I accept this role as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at this time. 

“I have long said that ‘America is stronger when we speak with one voice on foreign policy issues.’ Defining that voice requires active, bipartisan engagement by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and I look forward to working with Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and all our members as the committee tackles the most important challenges facing our nation and the world. I intend to continue my longstanding work to ensure that human rights, anti-corruption and good governance are woven into America’s foreign policy. We have much work ahead of us.”

In addition to his leadership on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and U.S. Helsinki Commission, Senator Cardin has served as the Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance for the 57-nation Organization Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly since 2015. He also is a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. He previously served as Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from April 2015 - February 2018.

On September 27 at 1:20 p.m., a school bus driver reported that two students were fighting on a Mattawoman Middle School bus. Patrol officers responded to the scene where they found one of the involved students with facial injuries that occurred during the altercation. That student was transported to the hospital for treatment. In accordance with Maryland law, the students cannot be charged due to their age; however, the Charles County Department of Juvenile Services was notified, and the School Resource Officer is investigating. The students also face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Ofc. Douglas at 301-609-3282 ext. 0658.

School Resource Officer Investigating Altercation at Thomas Stone High School: On September 27 at 11:06 a.m., three students at Thomas Stone High School became involved in a physical altercation which had to be separated by school staff and the school resource officer. The school resource officer has initiated an investigation. The students also face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452. 

During a Sept. 25 work session, the Board of Education voted to amend the 2024-2025 calendar it had previously approved in June.

An earlier approved 2024-2025 calendar included an Aug. 19, 2024, start date for students — a date that is printed in the current 2023-2024 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Parent Handbook/Calendar.

However, concerns expressed by parents and CCPS staff prompted the Board to take a closer look at the 2024-2025 calendar. Some parents questioned the earlier-than-usual start date, saying it shortened summer break. Staff worried that the start date would limit the time CCPS employees have to prepare for the upcoming school year including hiring new staff, readying buildings and facilities, and the operation of summer programs for students.

The Board approved to move the first day of the next school year for students from Aug. 19 to Aug. 26, 2024, while teachers will return for the 2024-2025 school year on Aug. 19, 2024.

Veteran CCPS teachers come back the week prior to the return of students to prepare their classrooms and attend trainings and events. Teachers new to CCPS typically attend an orientation the week before. For the 2024-2025 school year, new teachers will start orientation events the week of Aug. 12, 2024.

Barring the use of inclement weather days — sometimes referred to as “snow days” — to make up for school closures, the last day for students in the 2024-2025 school year is June 10 with the last day for teachers set for June 11.

For a more detailed look at the 2024-2025 calendar, visit the At-a-Glance calendar at www.ccboe.com.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation advises that construction on a new tennis and pickleball court complex at Dunkirk District Park is slated to begin Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. The court complex will feature five tennis courts, four pickleball courts, lighting, restrooms, additional parking and related amenities. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024.

Construction work will take place in the back of the park and is expected to have minimal impact on park activities. Park visitors are reminded to stay away from the construction area.

Dunkirk District Park is located at 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk. For hours and park map, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/DunkirkDistrictPark.

For updates on Parks & Recreation services, park availability, field closures and more visit Parks & Recreation at www.Facebook.com/CalvertCountyParks. Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

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On Tuesday, September 26, Commissioners received a briefing from the Department of Economic Development and representatives from Kaiser Permanente on the Kaiser Permanent Project, scheduled to open its doors in Charles County in 2026. The facility will be located in Waldorf, near the intersection of route 301 Crain Highway and Billingsley Road and the master plan allows for several expansions of the facility to grow as membership in Charles County grows. Presenters shared that there are approximately 17,000 Kaiser Permanente members, who live in Charles County and Kaiser currently owns and operates 35 medical centers and partners with 12 premier hospitals within the DC, MD, and VA region.

Prior to its anticipated opening in 2026, Kaiser is already connecting to Charles County in two major ways:

• Investments are being made to non-profits, contributing $50,000 in funds; and
• Every Tuesday, Kaiser provides a mobile health vehicle, delivering free care to Kaiser Permanente members and non-members at Jaycees Community Center, offering routine lab tests, blood pressure monitoring, and various immunizations.

Briefings

• The Department of Public Works, Capital Services Division, presented a briefing to update Commissioners on the Western Parkway improvements. A status update for the two remaining phases and next steps for the required permits were provided for the Western Parkway, Phase 3 project, which is nearing design completion.
• Chief of Media Services, Jennifer Harris and Community Engagement Coordinator Doria Fleisher presented a briefing on communications regarding the Charter Board and the current level of community engagement surrounding this topic. This update included a guide to understanding Code Home Rule vs. Charter and Request for Proposal (RFP) for a contractor to provide communication services. Commissioners engaged in a dialogue surrounding this topic and received guidance from Acting County Administrator Deborah Hall, County Attorney Wes Adams, and Assistant Deputy County Attorney, Danielle Mitchell. Commissioners directed staff to revise a post card mailer for this initiative and provide a more cost-efficient option for this project. Commissioners authorized county staff to use the surveying platform to gather public input at the direction of the Acting County Administrator and the Assistant Deputy County Attorney. Commissioners approved the issuance of the RFP with minor text changes, which may include all the paid media options that were presented.
• An annual update on the Docket 90 report on the St. Charles community was presented by Lennar representatives Rick Barnas and Mark Anderson, Director of Land Development for Lennar. This update highlighted the remaining areas being developed in the St. Charles community, school allocation overview, St. Charles High School wetland mitigation site, and construction status on St. Charles Neighborhood Clubhouses for the Parklands and Highlands neighborhoods.

Work Sessions
The Commissioners held a work session on the 2024 Preliminary State Legislative Proposal Package. Assistant Deputy County Attorney, Danielle Mitchell presented 13 legislative proposals to the board of commissioners, who voted on approving the following items:

• Commissioners approved a proposal to adopt legislation to legalize golf carts on Cobb Island.
• Commissioners approved a proposal to change to Maryland Law 14-402 on behalf of the Adult Guardianship Review Board to change the Board’s membership composition requirement for a psychiatrist to allow for a psychiatrist, psychologist, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in the field of psychiatry.
• Commissioners approved in a 4:1 vote, submitted by the Sheriff’s Office, to adopt legislation that would prohibit an unlicensed establishment from allowing the consumption of alcohol on their premises.
• Commissioners approved in a 4:1 vote a proposal to adopt legislation to prohibit operating unregistered motor vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, from being operated on a highway.
• Commissioners approved a proposal to enact a Parkland Dedication Ordinance to require property developers pay a fee to be used instead of dedicating land (i.e., "fee-in-lieu"), or a combination of dedication or construction of recreational facilities.
• Commissioners approved a proposal to change the minimum age requirement to run for Charles County School Board from 21 years old to 18 years old.
• Commissioners approved a proposal to require certain training be completed by those individuals appointed or elected to the governing body of a common ownership community.

Public Hearings
Commissioners held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 26 for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Maryland Recovery Housing program. Commissioners approved Resolution 2023-14 Submittal of Application for Recovery Housing Funds with the amendment to state, "in purchase of a property and all costs associated.” Click here to view the notice.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer of $92,000 to accommodate for the anticipated FY 2024 property and liability insurance budget shortfall, which is a result of the increase in overall premium rate percentages that did not reflect the original estimate provided.
• A budget transfer of $1,376,080 to cover the costs for a scope increase involving a site redesign to upsize and realign both the waterline and storm drain system for the Bryans Road Well #7 capital project.
• Chief of Media Services, Jennifer Harris’ edits to the Community Support Fund Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) policy to cover changes to the logo requirements of County affiliated boards and commissions, particularly for groups who want to use their own logo or create a logo for their county government affiliated Social Media Facebook pages. Commissioners also approved the costs associated with creating a logo for these affiliated groups. This was approved with the caveat that language will be included in the ‘About Us’ section to describe each group’s county-affiliation for those using their own logos.
• Additional personal time off (PTO) to accommodate holidays for county employees, that are not currently recognized on a county level. This additional PTO will go into effect during the October 6 pay period for employees to get an additional 7.5 or 8 hours, depending on the annual hours worked by the employee.

Recognitions

• The Commissioners recognized employees with 20 years plus. The full list of employee covering 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 can be found here.
• The Commissioners recognized the Department of Environmental Resources Litter Control team as top performers: TJ Rollins, Aleksander Wonders, Stephan Johnson, and Kevin Gilman, who stopped to assist during a motor vehicle accident.

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

Next Commissioners Session: October 3-4, 2023

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

Detectives Recover Crack Cocaine While Serving Search Warrant, Wanted Suspect Arrested: On September 26, detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section served a search and seizure warrant in the 2000 block of Amberleaf Place in Waldorf in connection with a drug investigation. The suspect, Spencer Roland Hill Jr., 47, of Waldorf, was taken into custody away from the residence on an outstanding arrest warrant, and was found to be in possession of a large number of bags of crack cocaine concealed on his person. A quantity of cash was also seized from Hill’s home. Hill was charged with distribution of drugs, possession with intent to distribute drugs, and other related offenses. On September 27, a judge ordered Hill to be held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has partnered with Maryland-based technology firm WellCheck to launch the St. Mary’s Health & Wellness Portal for community services. Community members can now be easily connected to local services that address health, wellness, and social factors affecting a person’s ability to achieve better health. The cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant WellCheck portal is accessible from any digital device and does not require downloading applications. It includes a directory of free or reduced-cost community programs and services supporting better health care access, personal finance skills, conflict mediation, mental health, substance use recovery, and many other needs.
 
Free or reduced-cost local services offered by the health department and other community service providers are linked in the portal, allowing providers to browse and cross-refer clients/patients to these services electronically in a time-efficient and user-friendly process. Community members also have direct access to the portal to refer themselves. Community service providers registered in the system can also manage incoming referrals, appointments, and check-ins through it. These community providers would also get notification when referrals they make to other services have been completed.
 
“This is an incredible resource for our community members, healthcare workers, and community service organizations," said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Finally we have an efficient and user-friendly way to get our community members connected to local services supporting their health and overall well-being.”
 
"This comprehensive Health & Wellness Portal provides easy access to the community while increasing utilization for the localized programs and services that are available,” said Chris Nickerson, CEO of WellCheck. "Building and leveraging technology for the incredible community service providers of St. Mary’s County has been a prodigious experience."
 
The directory of local programs/services will continue to grow as more community service providers enroll in the free system. Community service providers who would like to enroll in the WellCheck digital referral system and have their eligible services included may click here.
 
To access the St. Mary’s Health & Wellness Portal and get connected to local community services, please click here.
 
For more information about WellCheck please go to wellcheck.us.
 
For more information about St. Mary's County Health Department please go to smchd.org  .

LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 26, 2023) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Devonte Arnez Shubrooks, 29, of California, MD, was sentenced to 25 years, with ten years of active incarceration for a May 1, 2022, incident involving the strangulation of an 11-year-old child.

On March 9, 2023, after a three-day jury trial, a St. Mary’s County Jury convicted Mr. Shubrooks of felony first degree assault.

At the sentencing hearing, the State requested Mr. Shubrooks be sentenced to the maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. The Maryland Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence between a range of two years to seven years. The Court departed upwards above the sentencing guidelines range and imposed a sentence of 25 years with ten years to serve in prison.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor, Chief of the Special Victims Unit, prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. Detective James Bare of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead detective.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.

School Resource Officer Investigating Altercation at St. Charles High School: On September 26 at 12:49 p.m., three students at St. Charles High School became involved in a fight in a school hallway. The students were separated by school staff and one of the students involved was treated by a school nurse for an injury sustained during the altercation.  A school resource officer has initiated an investigation and criminal charges are pending against the involved students. The students also face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Cpl. Thompson at 301-609-3282 ext. 0434. 

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 Commissioners then presented a proclamation in remembrance of the Battle of New Market Heights. The CSMC then presented a commendation to Dennis Wolcott in honor of his retirement.

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

·       Approved the modification to the Gun Violence Reduction Grant to include a full-time position for the State's Attorney's Office.

·       Approved the letter of support for the FY25 – FY30 State Capital Improvement Program to be submitted to the Interagency Commission on School Construction.

·       Approved the FY24 Community Partnership Agreement and sub-recipient agreements for the Local Management Board with St. Mary's County Public Schools, Center for Children, Tri-County Council, Circles, and Community Support-Building Bridges Corp.

·       Approved the updated Letter of Agreement for Restricted Airspace between the Patuxent Naval Air Station and Commissioners of St. Mary's County.

·       Approved the lease agreement between WGS Systems, LLC located in the St. Mary's County Regional Airport Terminal and the Commissioners of St. Mary's County.

·       Received a FY23 Procurement Update from the Finance Department.

·       Approved the 5-year financing agreement with TD Equipment Finance, Inc.

The CSMC then voted on the 2024 Legislative Proposals, as presented by the County Attorney’s Office. The Commissioners will host a joint public meeting with the St. Mary’s County Legislative Delegation on October 3, 2023, to consider these proposals.

The Commissioner’s next regular business meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. CSMC meetings are open to the public can be viewed live Tuesday mornings on SMCG Channel 95, or as a replay Friday at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.

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

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

Monday, Oct. 9 (Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples' Day)

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

• All indoor pools will be open noon - 5 p.m. for open swim (Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point).
• The Waldorf Senior and Recreation Center will be open for recreational activities only.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center will be open for scheduled programs.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

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

• Charles County Health Department: www.CharlesCountyHealth.org
• Charles County Public Schools: www.ccboe.com

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 26, 2023) – On Monday, September 25, 2023, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a threat investigation in Leonardtown, MD, and while interviewing Demetri Kavon Gross, 28, also of Leonardtown, they discovered he had an open warrant through the Maryland State Police for Driving While Suspended.

Deputy First Class Alexander Wynnyk and Deputy First Class Richard Wilhelmi attempted to place Mr. Gross in custody, but the suspect backed away and resisted arrest, and a physical altercation ensued, causing the Deputies to fall into a chain link fence, resulting in damage. Additionally, DFC Wynnyk suffered repeated blows to the head from Mr. Gross’s closed fist.

Following the struggle, Mr. Gross was placed under arrest, transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, and charged with the following offenses:

Felony Assault Second Degree-Law Enforcement Officer

Assault Second Degree

Resist/Interfere with Arrest

Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
Malicious Destruction of Property <$1000

DFC Wynnyk was treated for abrasions and a concussion and released from MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.