LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 10, 2026) – Three Lexington Park residents were arrested Wednesday, Sept.9, 2026, following a months-long narcotics investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

Detectives served search and seizure warrants at a residence in the 46000 block of Sell Drive in Lexington Park, where they located individually packaged quantities of suspected cocaine, a quantity of suboxone, and drug paraphernalia in the house.

A subsequent search of a 2006 Audi A4 parked outside the residence uncovered additional quantities of suspected cocaine, packaged in a manner indicative of distribution, and over $1500 in United States currency.

Detectives arrested Walead Othman, 59; Mary Theresa Dickerson, 68; and Lorne Cardell Gross, 59, all of Lexington Park.

Othman and Dickerson were each charged with possession with intent to distribute and two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Gross was charged with possession with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

All three were transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, where they are being held without bond.

The investigation remains open, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

• 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 (September 10, 2026) – Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested a Lexington Park man Thursday morning following an investigation into suspected drug distribution activities.

Michael Fitzgerald Dobbins, 39, of Lexington Park, was taken into custody after being located in the First Colony Way Shopping Center in California.

Detectives served search and seizure warrants at Dobbins’ residence, the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. During the search, deputies recovered more than 300 grams of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia, equipment suspected to be used in the manufacture of controlled dangerous substances, and three loaded handguns: an unserialized Polymer80 9mm handgun, a Glock 19 Gen4 9mm handgun, and an additional Glock firearm chambered in .357 SIG.  

A check of law enforcement databases revealed that the Glock handgun chambered in .357 SIG had been reported stolen in March.

Dobbins was charged with 15 counts, including

• Possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Three counts of possession of a regulated firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Unlawful possession of a firearm without the required serial number
• Possession of ammunition after being prohibited
• Three counts of knowingly possessing a regulated firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Three counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
• Possession of a regulated firearm having reasonable cause to believe it to be stolen
• Unlawful possession of a digital scale reasonably indicating its use for the production of a controlled dangerous substance

The investigation remains open, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

• 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 – The St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) will have a temporary closure of operations on Friday, September 18, 2026. Paratransit, fixed routes and the STS office will close at 10 a.m. and resume service at 2 p.m.

Questions may be directed to Alison Swint with DPW&T at 301-866-6797.

For additional information on STS routes and operations, please visit our webpage at

stmaryscountymd.gov/dpw/sts/.

Due to forecasted weather and current field conditions, the Department of Public Works and Transportation has rescheduled the Northern intersection closure to September 14 and 15. An updated news release is attached and below with the updated dates in red. 

Traffic Notice: Spruce Drive and Gunston Drive Intersection Temporary Closure on Sept. 8 & 9; Northern Portion Closure on Sept. 14 & 15

Drivers Should Remain Alert for Changing Traffic Patterns & Work Crews

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) advises motorists that the entire intersection of Spruce Drive and Gunston Drive will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and Wednesday, September 9, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Northern portion of the intersection will be temporarily closed on Monday, September 14, 2026, and Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Message boards and traffic control measures will be in place during the closure to help direct traffic through the area. Motorists are advised to use caution and remain alert to work crews, changing traffic patterns, and equipment. Please consider alternate travel routes to avoid delays.

Questions may be directed to John Norris with DPW&T at 240-572-9524.

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 August 28, detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section served a search warrant at a room inside a hotel located in the 11700 block of Business Park Drive in Waldorf, as part of an ongoing drug distribution investigation. Shortly before the search was conducted, detectives located the suspect, Tyriek Lamont Courtney, 35, of Waldorf at a nearby gas station where he was arrested. Following his arrest, detectives recovered approximately $10,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis, drug packaging materials, and cash from Courtney’s room. Courtney was charged with felony drug violations and is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.  

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Sept. 10, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning invites residents, business owners and community members to provide input on the Owings Town Center Master Plan during a community meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Grace Brethren Church, 9870 Old Solomons Island Road in Owings.

The meeting will give the public an opportunity to share feedback as the county continues the planning process for the Owings Town Center. The meeting will also be livestreamed on Calvert County Government’s Youtube channel.

The Owings Town Center Master Plan was first adopted in 1995 and updated in 2000. The master plan helps guide future land use, transportation improvements, community facilities, economic development, environmental protection and the preservation of the community’s rural character.

As part of the planning process, the county is considering updates to the Owings Town Center zoning to reflect existing development patterns, support local businesses and neighborhoods and guide future investment. The process aims to align future land use with community values and long-term planning goals.

Community input will play a vital role throughout the planning process. Residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in public meetings and other outreach opportunities to help guide planning decisions and identify community priorities.

For additional information, visit the Master Plan of Town Centers and Zoning Ordinance Updates page.

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

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland – Communities surrounding the naval air station, Caroline County, and Northern Neck of Virginia are advised that nighttime noise generating testing events are scheduled to take place Wednesday, September 09, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Pilots at PAX will be conducting nighttime helicopter operations. Night testing and training is essential for the precision and safety of our military aviators 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

CDS Violation: 26-74897 On August 28, 2026, at approximately 5:52 p.m., DFC Huy responded to a traffic complaint regarding a vehicle driving erratically in the area of Town Center Blvd. in Dunkirk, nearly causing several collisions. The vehicle was also operating with its hazard lights activated. The driver, identified as Charlotte Diane Stanford, 37, of Temple Hills, displayed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, glassy eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol. When asked to exit the vehicle, Stanford attempted to drink from an open bottle of wine before deputies detained her. Stanford refused to participate in standardized field sobriety testing. A search of the vehicle revealed an orange, circular pill suspected to be Clonazepam, a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance. Stanford was arrested and charged with DWI, DUI, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and CDS Possession—Not Cannabis.

Theft: 26-73666 On August 27, 2026, F/Sgt. Denton responded to the CCSO District 2 Office located at 30 Church Street in Prince Frederick, for report of a theft. The complainant reported that money was removed from birthday cards placed in her mailbox. The estimated value of stolen property is $117.00.

Theft: 26-74071 On August 27, 2026, Deputy Angell responded to 1030 Prince Frederick Boulevard, in Prince Frederick for a reported theft. The complainant advised an unknown individual walked into the store ducked behind a shelf and removed a Klein Tools Compact Wireless Inspection Camera from the box and placed it in his pocket and fled the store. The estimated value of stolen property is $117.63.

Theft: 26-73504 On August 26, 2026, at approximately 7:09 a.m. DFC Brown responded to the 11600 block of Mohican Lane in Lusby for a reported theft from a vehicle. The victim advised three keys to his work vehicle and a wallet had been stolen from the victim’s work truck. The estimated value of stolen property is $230.

Theft: 26-73333 On August 25, 2026, Sgt. Kelly responded to Ross Dress for Less, located at 835 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported theft. The victim reported leaving her wallet in a dressing room and later learned an unknown individual had turned it in to store employees. Upon retrieving the wallet, the victim discovered approximately $400 in cash was missing.

Trespassing: 26-75109 On August 29, 2026, Deputy Chase responded to the Fastop located at 8054 Bayside Road in Chesapeake Beach for a reported trespassing. Investigation revealed Nathan Oliver White, 44 of Chesapeake Beach, had exited the business after previously being trespassed indefinitely from the establishment. White was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

Trespassing: 26-73374 On August 25, 2026, DFC McCourt responded to the Holiday Inn, located at 355 Merrimac Court in Prince Frederick, for a reported disorderly subject. Matthew Herbert Ireland, 35 of Prince Frederick, who was identified following several prior calls for service earlier that evening, was located behind the business. Management requested that Ireland be trespassed from the property. After being advised not to return, Ireland left but later re-entered the property after walking through a nearby wooded area. Ireland was arrested and charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 8, 2026) – A Lexington Park man was arrested Sunday after deputies responded to the 21000 block of Liberty Street in Lexington Park for a weapons complaint, where several juveniles reported that a man had confronted them with a handgun.

Upon arrival, deputies located a man matching the description provided in the initial report. The subject, identified as William James Doyle III, 65, of Lexington Park, was carrying a Ruger Lightweight Compact Pistol with an empty chamber and a magazine containing six 9mm rounds.

During the investigation, several of the victims reported that during the confrontation, Doyle assaulted them by pointing the firearm at them. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.

Doyle was arrested and charged with seven counts of first-degree assault, seven counts of second-degree assault, one count of wearing and carrying a loaded handgun, and one count of wearing and carrying a handgun on their person.

Anyone with information about criminal activity is encouraged to contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office at 301-475-8008 or call 911 in an emergency. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

• 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.

During the summer of 2026, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) planned and conducted a special operation in cooperation with the Holiday Inn Express. Throughout July and August, undercover officers communicated with individuals suspected of distributing controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and/or attempting to solicit prostitution.
On September 4, 2026, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office conducted the enforcement phase of the operation. Undercover officers were utilized to communicate and arrange meetings with individuals who had expressed an intent to engage in prostitution-related activity or distribute CDS.
As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution:
•
Aydian Oravitz, 19, of Indian Head, MD
•
Ricardo Innis Jr., 32, of La Plata, MD
•
Siddiq Abdus-Samad, 30 of Wilson, NC
•
Scott Hendrick, 30, of District Heights, MD

Additionally, Benjamin Leonard, 47 of Waldorf, MD, arrived at the operation location and distributed cocaine to an undercover officer. Following the distribution, Leonard was taken into custody without incident. Leonard was subsequently charged with distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute (PWID) cocaine and fentanyl.

The operation resulted in five arrests involving prostitution-related and CDS offenses. The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time.

The success of this operation would not have been possible without the cooperation and assistance of the management and staff of the Holiday Inn Express. Their willingness to work alongside the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office provided law enforcement with the opportunity to proactively address the distribution of controlled dangerous substances and the solicitation of prostitution within the community. Collaborative efforts such as this are essential to reducing criminal activity while helping prevent the continued exploitation and victimization of vulnerable individuals within our community.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 8, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Kendall Deshong Young, 34, of Avenue, Maryland, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with eight years of active incarceration, for the vehicular manslaughter of a St. Mary’s County man. Young was additionally ordered to five years of supervised probation and complete a victim impact panel, a driver improvement course, and 200 hours of community service.

On March 19, 2025, troopers with the Maryland State Police responded to Point Lookout Road and St. Andrews Church Road in Leonardtown for a serious two-vehicle collision. The victim was standing outside his vehicle on the shoulder with his hazard lights activated when Young drove onto the shoulder, struck the man and the rear of his vehicle, and killed him.

At the time of the crash, Young was using his cell phone while driving. A witness who was traveling in front of Young reported observing Young using his phone and driving erratically continuously for approximately five miles leading up to the fatal collision.

“I am grateful to the citizens who stopped to render aid and provided crucial evidence to the police. A phone behind the wheel can become a weapon in an instant. Like drunk driving, distracted driving is a dangerous choice, and when that choice takes a life, the law should recognize the gravity of that harm,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Vehicular manslaughter should be a crime of violence. Families who lose a loved one deserve a law that recognizes the seriousness of their loss, and I will continue to fight for victims, their families, and our community to right that wrong.”

Under Maryland law, vehicular manslaughter is punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment and is not classified as a crime of violence. This classification impacts the amount of time an individual may serve upon conviction and sentencing before becoming eligible for parole.

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

Trooper First Class Hunter Gardner of the Maryland State Police CRASH Team was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Kevin Hill presided over the case.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will repair the fence on the MD 4 / Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 8th.

Contractor PDI Sheetz is performing the work. One of two lanes will be closed, and flagpersons will guide drivers through the work zone.

This work is scheduled for approximately two weeks, Sunday through Thursday nights, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting.

Customers may contact the SHA District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or 800-331-5603 with any questions.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Board of Elections has announced the following canvassing dates for mail-in and provisional ballots for the 2026 Gubernatorial General Election:

• Pre-Election Day Mail-in Ballot Canvass: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. (results will not be released until Election night)

  • Tentative 2^nd Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026*

• Election Day Canvass of Early Voting & Pre-Election Day Mail-In Ballots: Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. (results will not be released until polls have closed on Election night)
• Post-Election Day Mail-in Ballot Canvass: Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Provisional Ballot Canvass: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Final Canvass (Post-Election Day): Friday. November 13, 2026, at 10 a.m.

*Date is subject to change based on the number of mail-in ballots received. Updates will be posted online at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/elections.

All canvassing will take place at the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections office in Leonardtown.

For more information on the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections, voter registration, ballot drop box or polling place locations, and more, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/elections.

Questions may be directed to Wendy Adkins at wendy.adkins@stmaryscountymd.gov or by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1613.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) advises motorists that the entire intersection of Spruce Drive and Gunston Drive will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Northern portion of the intersection will be temporarily closed on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and Friday, September 11, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Message boards and traffic control measures will be in place during the closure to help direct traffic through the area. Motorists are advised to use caution and remain alert to work crews, changing traffic patterns, and equipment. Please consider alternate travel routes to avoid delays.

Questions may be directed to John Norris with DPW&T at 240-572-9524.

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 Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will repair the fence on the MD 4 / Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 8^th.

Contractor PDI Sheetz is performing the work. One of two lanes will be closed, and flagpersons will guide drivers through the work zone.

This work is scheduled for approximately two weeks, Sunday through Thursday nights, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather permitting.

Customers may contact the SHA District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or 800-331-5603 with any questions.

BALTIMORE (September 4, 2026) – Today, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced updates to the income eligibility guidelines (IEGs) for free and reduced-price school meals. The guidelines, updated annually by the federal government, were adopted by MSDE through June 30, 2027. 

Eligibility is typically determined based on household size and income. For example, a child from a family of four qualifies for free school meals if their household’s annual income is at or below $42,900. If the family’s income falls between $42,899 and $61,050, the child becomes eligible for reduced-price meals. 

Application process highlights:

• Applicants must submit complete applications in full. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
   
• Following a review, schools will notify households about their children’s eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. In cases where there are concerns or disagreements, parents and guardians can request clarification from school officials, appeal the decision, or request a hearing with school district administrators.
   
• Certain groups of children, such as those enrolled in Head Start, Even Start, certified as homeless, migrant, runaway, foster children, or living in households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits, automatically qualify for free meals and do not need to submit an application.
   
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to reapply at any time during the school year if there are any changes in household size, employment, income, or if their household becomes eligible for SNAP or TCA. 

School meal programs are overseen by MSDE and adhere to nutrition standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). State funding through the Maryland Cares for Kids Act covers the cost of reduced-price meals. 

Adjustments to the IEGs are carried out annually by USDA to directly benefit children who are most in need. The IEGs were established by multiplying the 2026 federal income poverty guidelines by 130% to determine the household income levels for free meal eligibility, and by 185% for reduced-price meal eligibility. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement to apply.

The full chart of income thresholds by household size is available below. For additional information, visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org or contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0219.

Income Eligibility Guidelines — Free Meals

Income Eligibility Guidelines — Reduced-Price Meals

###

[Friday, Sept. 4] On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Commissioners were briefed on Proposed Bill 2026-08: Charles County Rental Licensing. This bill is designed to promote healthy and safe rental housing by establishing consistent registration, licensing, and inspection processes for rental properties. The bill would enable the county to establish a framework to ensure compliance with existing County codes and State requirements for minimum livability, fire safety, and other property maintenance standards. Commissioners requested revisions to the bill before they move forward with setting a public hearing.

Briefing on Automated Speed Enforcement

The Maryland State Highway Administration briefed commissioners on its enhanced automated speed enforcement initiatives. The ability to establish automated speed enforcement zones was bolstered by the Vulnerable Road User Protection Act of 2026.  The law allows the state and local jurisdictions to place automated speed enforcement systems in safety corridors identified in the Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment.

The state identified six Vulnerable Road User locations on State Route 301 eligible for automated speed enforcement. The assessment was made through the results of a five-year study aimed at identifying roadways with critical safety needs across Maryland. Local governments will have the option to deploy speed-enforcement assets in these zones when the bill takes effect on Oct. 1.

Charles County’s ordinance on Automated Speed Enforcement would need to be updated to allow enforcement on roadways identified in the study. The current speed enforcement ordinance only allows enforcement in school zones.

Public Hearings held on bond sale, large retail spaces

Charles County Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-07, Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-190, Retail Sales Over 100,000 Square Feet and Retail Parking. The bill corrects an error in the zoning ordinance relating to large retail establishments in the Mixed-Use (MX) and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones, and authorizes the use in the Acton Urban Center (AUC) zone.  The bill also removed the condition that these uses be in buildings with more than one story.  The bill also reduces minimum parking requirements for retail uses by 20 percent across all zones. Following the public hearing, Commissioners unanimously approved the bill.

Commissioners also held a public hearing on the 2026 Bond Issue. The annual public hearing detailed a proposed $100 million sale to fund water and sewer projects, school construction, government facilities, parks, roads, and environmental projects. Commissioners voted unanimously to move ahead with the sale scheduled for Oct. 27.

Waldorf Station Development Public Hearing Set for Sept. 1

Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for Sept. 29 on an amendment to the Waldorf Station Development Agreement. The mixed-use, transit-oriented development project was originally approved in 2020 with up to 798 residential units and 453,000 square feet of commercial space to be developed in three stages. The proposed amendment would increase the residential unit cap in the first stage of development from 545 to 615 units and require that those additional units in Phase 1 be stacked townhomes. Limits in Stages 2 and 3 would remain the same.

For more information on the meeting, including a full list of briefings, approval items, actions on boards and commissions, and more, visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select “Available Archives.”

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) advises motorists that the intersection of Spruce Drive and Gunston Drive will be temporarily closed on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 7:30 am to 4 pm.

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.

Questions may be directed to John Norris with DPW&T at 240-572-9524.

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. 2, 2026? – The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter will waive adoption fees for all working cats and offer a 50% discount on Calvert County dog license fees throughout September. The promotions run Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Wednesday, Sept 30, as the shelter recognizes Working Cat Awareness Week and Responsible Dog Ownership Month.  

The shelter’s Working Cat program helps place cats that may not be suited for traditional indoor homes in environments where they can thrive. Throughout September, adoption fees for working cats will be waived. 

 As part of Responsible Dog Ownership Month, Calvert County dog license fees will be reduced by 50% throughout September to encourage pet owners to keep their dogs properly licensed. The shelter will also expand its Amnesty Week program to a full Amnesty Month in April 2027, making it the first time the program will be offered for an entire month. Previously offered as a weeklong program, Amnesty Month will raise awareness of pet licensing requirements and provide an opportunity to address licensing violations. 

Animals of all ages are available for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, roosters, pigs and more. Adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations and a starter care package to help pets transition into their new homes. Standard adoption protocols still apply, and all potential adopters must complete the shelter’s normal screening process to ensure each animal is placed in a safe, loving and appropriate home. 

The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.  Follow 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.