LEONARDTOWN, MD – November 10, 2026 – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) 
invite residents to participate in a public forum Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the CSMC meeting 
room of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.
Public forums provide residents an opportunity to speak directly to the Commissioners on topics 
of their choosing. Participants are encouraged to share questions, concerns, suggestions or appreciation 
in a respectful setting. Each speaker will have up to three minutes to address the Commissioners.
Residents unable to attend may submit comments by email to CSMC@stmaryscountymd.gov or 
by mail to Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
The forum will be broadcast live on St. Mary’s County Government TV Channel 95 and streamed 
online at YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov.
Residents who require accommodations for disabilities, special needs or language support 
should contact the Public Information Office at 301-475-4200, ext. 1340, at least three days before the 
forum to allow time for arrangements.
The Commissioners encourage residents to participate and share their perspectives on matters 
important to the community.
For more information about the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, visit 
www.stmaryscountymd.gov/csmc. For more information on SMCG, please visit 
http://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and 
Instagram for regular updates.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (November 9, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman is urging the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to reduce the number of menhaden that industrial fishing operations can catch in the Chesapeake Bay. Comptroller Lierman supports a proposal that would cut the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden industrial catch limit by up to half and spread fishing more evenly throughout the season. The Commission is expected to vote on the proposal this week.

“Too many menhaden are being taken out of the Chesapeake Bay, and too few are left for the osprey, striped bass, and local fishermen whose livelihoods depend on them,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “I am asking the Commission to lower the industrial catch limit in the Chesapeake Bay, spread the catch out over the fishing season, and revisit the limit every three years.”

Menhaden are small fish that play a big role in the Chesapeake Bay. They help keep the water clean and are a main food source for osprey and striped bass, both of which are declining in Maryland. Yet foreign-owned industrial operations operating the industrial “reduction fishery” continue to catch menhaden on an enormous scale.

The decline is also hurting Maryland’s economy. Local menhaden fishermen have seen their catches drop by more than 80%, threatening family businesses passed down for generations. Crabbers who rely on menhaden for bait are struggling to find it at an affordable price.

Read Comptroller Lierman’s letter to the Commission.

significant economic development tool to attract private capital to support a wide range of investments,” said Reuben Collins, Charles County Commissioner President.  “These designations support the County’s ongoing efforts to advance redevelopment, support existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and attract investment across the county,” said Jim Chandler, Director of the Charles County Economic Development Department. “We will continue to partner with state agencies, developers, site selectors and the business community to promote opportunities in these areas and position Charles County for commercial growth.”

The two tracts in Waldorf’s primary growth area include portions of the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor, offering opportunities for mixed-use development and commercial development. The designation will build on earlier infrastructure investments and planning tied to the proposed Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) corridor.

The Newburg/Morgantown designation includes the former Morgantown Generating Station, which could support new industrial uses and advanced manufacturing. The designation may expand the range of potential investors and attract suppliers, complementary industries, and tourism-related businesses.

The updated Opportunity Zones 2.0 program is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Businesses, property owners, developers, and investors interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Charles County Economic Development Department at CommercialDevelopment@MeetCharlesCounty.com.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 9, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that D’Montre Montez Bush, 26, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 14 years of active incarceration for armed robbery and related offenses.

In May 2026, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Bush of armed robbery, robbery, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault following a three-day jury trial.

“The defendant and his accomplices lured and ambushed an unsuspecting victim who believed he was meeting up with a woman. That kind of predatory behavior is particularly ruthless and demonstrates a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “No one should have to fear being targeted, deceived, and violently victimized. This type of calculated violence will not be tolerated in our community.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Shaye Reynolds and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney 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 Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.

The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, Office on Aging, advises residents that the Southern Community Center and Southern Pines Senior Center will be temporarily closed Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 22, for scheduled maintenance. Meals on Wheels will continue to be delivered as scheduled.

The centers are scheduled to resume normal operating hours Monday, Nov. 23.

The Southern Community Center and Southern Pines Senior Center are located at 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby.

For more information about Calvert County senior centers and activities, visit www.CalvertCountymd.gov/OfficeOnAging.

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.

On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., deputies with the 
Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to a report of a serious 
motor vehicle collision with injuries in the 8700 block of Bayside Road in North 
Beach.
A preliminary investigation revealed a 2025 International commercial box truck 
was traveling south on Bayside Rd when it crossed the center line and collided 
head-on with a Chevrolet Equinox traveling northbound. The truck’s driver, 
Chester McDonald, 64, of Middle River, may have experienced a medical 
emergency before the collision.
McDonald was transported to CalvertHealth Medical Center, where he was 
pronounced deceased. The driver of the Equinox, identified as Kylie Gasch, 19, of 
North Beach, was transported to CalvertHealth with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing. DFC M. Daily of the Crash Reconstruction 
Team is investigating. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or events 
leading up to it is asked to contact him at 410-535-2800 or by email at 
Michael.Daily@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case #26-94454

A Lexington Park man was arrested Thursday, Nov. 5, following a reported burglary at a residence in the 23000 block of Gunston Drive in Lexington Park.

Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence after receiving a burglary report. A witness told deputies that a man had entered the home and made himself a cup of coffee before being told to leave. The man left the residence without incident.

While canvassing the area, deputies located a man matching the suspect’s description and identified him as Mark Aldridge, 56, of Lexington Park.

After investigating, deputies attempted to take Aldridge into custody. Aldridge resisted arrest and was subsequently charged with first-, third-, and fourth-degree burglary, one count of theft, resisting arrest, and obstructing and hindering an officer in the performance of his duties.

Officers transported Aldridge to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, where he appeared before the District Court Commissioner and was released on his own recognizance.

Anyone with additional information about this crime 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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – November 5, 2026 – Santa Claus is trading his sleigh for scuba gear this holiday season! St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks, in partnership with Southern Maryland Divers, invites participants ages 10 and older to take the plunge for a unique underwater photo opportunity with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m.
The event will take place at the Wellness & Aquatics Center, located on the College of Southern Maryland campus at 22950 Hollywood Road in Leonardtown. Participants will learn the basics of scuba diving with diving professionals before having their photo taken underwater with Santa Claus.
Registration is required and costs $10 for St. Mary’s County residents and $15 for nonresidents. Space is limited and registration is available at www.tinyurl.com/WAC-Scuba until filled.
All scuba equipment will be provided. Participants should bring a bathing suit and towel and arrive 30 minutes before their reserved time for paperwork and equipment fitting. A parent or guardian must be present to sign waivers for participants younger than 18.
All participants must complete a medical questionnaire before diving. Those who answer "yes" to any medical question must have the form signed by a physician and bring the signed copy to the event. No exceptions will be made. The medical questionnaire is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/wacdivermedicalquestionnaire.pdf.
Participants must provide a valid email address to receive their underwater photos with Santa. A link to access the photos will be emailed after the event once images have been processed.
For more information, contact St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks at 301-475-4200, ext. 1800, or email RPinfo@stmaryscountymd.gov.
Stay connected with St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StMarysMDRecreation and Instagram at www.instagram.com/StMarysRecAndParks.
For more information on SMCG, please visit http://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates.

On October 22, 2026, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Team responded to a serious motor vehicle crash near the intersection of Broomes Island Road and Hance Road in Port Republic.
A preliminary investigation revealed a black, gray, and yellow scooter-style motorcycle, operated by William Cordell Johnson, 55 of Port Republic, was traveling north on Broomes Island Road near Hance Road. A black Mazda CX-90 SUV, operated by Kayla Nicole Young, 29 of St. Leonard, was also traveling north on Broomes Island Road. Based on evidence and the initial scene investigation, the Mazda struck the motorcycle from behind, causing it to leave the roadway.
Johnson was flown to a local trauma center with life-threatening injuries. Young was not injured. William Cordell Johnson, the motorcycle operator, succumbed to his injuries a few days later following the crash.
DFC Anna Morrison of the Crash Reconstruction Team is conducting the investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or events leading up to it is asked to contact her at 410-535-2800 or anna.morrison@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case # 26-90468.

Vaping Devices Containing THC Recovered from Elementary, Middle and High School Students: On November 5, a student at La Plata High School, age 16, was found to be in possession of a vaping device containing THC. On November 4, a vaping device containing THC was recovered from a 14-year-old student at Davis Middle School. Also, two vaping devices were recovered from two students, ages 16 and 17, at Maurice McDonough High School, which tested positive for THC. On November 2, a 14-year-old student at Davis Middle School was found to be in possession of a vape with THC and an 8-year-old student at Barnhart Elementary School was in possession of a vape containing THC. In this case, the student cannot be charged in accordance with MD law due to age. Students in the other cases will be issued citations and face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools code of student conduct. Parents are urged to speak with their children about the dangers of vaping and cannabis products, including the potential risks associated with substances that may contain unknown or ingredients.  

Due to continued construction in the lower-level parking lot, the closure of the Environmental Health entrance at the St. Mary’s County Health Department has been extended. 

Community members requiring Environmental Health Services can enter through the SMCHD Main Entrance or contact the office at 301-475-4321 or smchd.env@maryland.gov. All Environmental Health services at SMCHD will remain open during this time. 

Learn more about SMCHD programs, services, and hours of operation at smchd.org.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 5, 2026) – Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division executed search and seizure warrants at a residence in the 47000 block of Sewell Road in Lexington Park on Wednesday, Nov. 4, recovering firearms, ammunition, suspected controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and drug paraphernalia.

During the search, detectives located suspected fentanyl, suspected synthetic cannabinoids (K2), a Winchester Model 37A shotgun, 12-gauge shotgun shells, a loaded .22-caliber rifle with a round in the chamber and boxes of .22-caliber ammunition.

Detectives arrested two occupants of the residence, Thomas Emanuel Gross, 40, and Shameka Levae Harrod, 34.

Both Gross and Harrod were charged with multiple controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and firearms-related offenses, including possession of CDS, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, and possession of a shotgun and rifle following a conviction for a disqualifying crime. Deputies transported both to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center to await bond hearings.

Anyone with information about this case or any 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.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (November 4, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman submitted public comments to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on its proposed amendments to Rule 17Ad-17, which governs how transfer agents, brokers, and dealers identify and reach investors with inactive or lost accounts. The Comptroller supported the proposal to require firms to reach out to investors sooner when accounts go inactive, while urging the SEC to preserve state unclaimed property protections.

“For more than 50 years, the Office of the Comptroller’s unclaimed property program has helped Marylanders recover money that is rightfully theirs, and our comments to the SEC build on that work,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “I support stronger federal requirements to help financial institutions reach account owners, while preserving the state’s ability to safeguard unclaimed assets and return them to Marylanders.”

The Office of the Comptroller safeguards more than $3 billion in unclaimed property of all types and returned more than $264 million to rightful owners over the last three fiscal years. Maryland holds unclaimed property indefinitely, without maintenance, management, or dormancy fees, while working to locate owners and their heirs.

In her formal comments, Comptroller Lierman supported the proposal to require firms to begin contacting investors after 18 months of account inactivity and to send at least two notifications. She also endorsed using verified electronic contact information alongside other outreach methods to help prevent accounts from becoming abandoned.

The Comptroller also wrote to oppose any effort to override state unclaimed property laws or to ask investors to waive state unclaimed property protections when opening an account, long before an account may become dormant. She warned that such measures could leave forgotten assets with financial institutions indefinitely, where they could be subject to ongoing fees and be harder for owners and their heirs to recover.

Read Comptroller Lierman’s full comments.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 4, 2026) – A Mechanicsville man was arrested Monday, Nov. 2, after St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies located a fire engine that was reported stolen from the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department.

Deputies responded after a witness reported seeing the fire engine in St. Mary’s County. They located the vehicle near the intersection of Three Notch Road and Friendship School Road, where Zachery Albert Talbert, 28, of Mechanicsville, identified himself as the operator.

An investigation confirmed that the fire engine had been stolen. The vehicle also sustained engine damage, with engine fluid found throughout the engine compartment and on the roadway.

Talbert was arrested and charged with theft of $25,000 to less than $100,000, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and malicious destruction of property.

 The St. Mary’s County Health Department will not be able to process vital record requests on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Normal operations are expected to resume on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – November 3, 2026 – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County announce that 
all St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, 
2026, in observance of Veterans Day. Normal operations will resume Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. In addition: 
• All three St. Mary's County Library locations (Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown and Lexington Park) will 
be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11. 
• The Garvey, Loffler and Northern senior centers will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11. Homedelivered meals will not be provided. Meal delivery will resume Thursday, Nov. 12.
• The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• The St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• The St. Mary’s Transit System will operate on its normal schedule Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• All six convenience centers and the St. Andrews Landfill will be open Wednesday, Nov. 11, with 
normal operating hours.
• Department of Recreation & Parks programs and facilities will operate on their normal schedules 
Wednesday, Nov. 11.
• The St. Clements Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and the Old Jail Museum will 
be open with normal operating hours Wednesday, Nov. 11. The St. Clement’s Island Museum 
continues to operate on a limited basis due to construction. For details, visit
www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/SCIMOverview. 
• Wicomico Shores Golf Course will be open Wednesday, Nov. 11, with normal operating hours.
• Riverview Restaurant will be open Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and the Town of Leonardtown invite the public to salute 
America’s Veterans at the Annual Veterans Day Parade & Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. 
For event details, visit www.visitleonardtownmd.com/veteransparade. 

The St. Mary’s County Museum Division will join communities across the nation in honoring World War I veterans through the Bells of Peace remembrance on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Bells at St. Clement’s Island Museum and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum will toll at 11 a.m. to honor the 116,516 Americans, including 27 St. Mary’s County natives, who lost their lives during the war. The nationwide Bells of Peace program began in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The initiative invites communities, schools, places of worship and other organizations to ring bells in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed during the war. The bell tolling marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting in World War I at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 1918. The tradition serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members during World War I and honors veterans of all generations. For more information about St. Clement’s Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and other historic sites managed by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, visit museums.stmaryscountymd.gov. For more information on St. Mary’s County Government, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.

CDS Violation: 26-90238 On Oct. 21, 2026, Deputy Angell stopped a vehicle after observing it swerve across the solid white traffic lines, nearly strike a guardrail and proceed through a solid red light. The vehicle stopped near N. Solomons Island Road and Church Street in Prince Frederick. Deputies identified the driver as Robert Lee Ries, 68, of Cantril, Iowa. During the investigation, deputies observed a cut straw in plain view and located capsules containing a substance suspected to be crack cocaine, along with a white powdery substance and additional capsules. Ries was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with three counts of CDS: Possession- Not cannabis, four counts of CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, negligent driving, reckless driving and related traffic citations.

Theft: 26-89599 On October 19, 2026, at approximately 7:07 a.m., DFC MacWilliams responded to the 1900 block of Skinners Turn Rd, in Owings a reported theft from a vehicle. The complaint advised that five of his vehicles had the catalytic converters stolen. Deputies observed a cut chain link fence and the catalytic converters missing from each of the 5 vehicles. The estimated value of stolen property is $45,000. 

Theft: 26-89806 On October 19, 2026, at approximately 11:32 p.m. Deputy O’Donnell responded to District 2 headquarters, located at 30 Church Street in Prince Frederick for the reported theft. The complainant advised her MD registration plates were stolen upon delivery to her residence in the 7500 block of C Street in Chesapeake Beach. The estimated value of stolen property is $200.

Theft: 26-90126 On October 20, 2026, at approximately 8:06 p.m., DFC Huy responded to District 2 headquarters located at 30 Church St in Prince Frederick for the reported theft. The complainant advised her wallet was stolen and fraudulent charges were made on her credit card. The estimated value of stolen property is $70.

Theft: 26-89938 On October 20, 2026, at approximately 9:16 a.m. Cpl. Shrawder responded to Captain Smith’s Seafood located at 13944 HG Trueman Road in Solomons the reported theft. The complainant advised a cooking oil storage container was broken open emptied. The estimated value of stolen property is $1,100.

Theft: 26-89973 On October 20, 2026, Sgt. Robshaw responded to 830 N Solomons Island Rd in Prince Frederick, for the reported theft. The complainant advised the registration plates were stolen from the victim’s company vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $150.

Theft: 26-91133 On Oct. 24, 2026, Deputy Connolly responded to the Walmart at 10600 Town Center Blvd. in Dunkirk for a reported theft. The investigation revealed Salah Mohamed Dally, 73 of Huntingtown, left the store without paying for a watch and three bras valued at $67.80. Dally admitted to the theft and was charged with Theft: Less Than $100. He was also trespassed indefinitely from Walmart. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – November 2, 2026 – As colder weather approaches, the St. Mary’s County 
Department of Aging & Human Services is seeking volunteer drivers to support Wrapping Arms ‘Round 
Many (WARM), a community program that provides overnight shelter and hot meals to individuals 
experiencing homelessness during the winter months.
The 2026-2027 WARM season begins Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, and runs through March 21, 2027. 
Volunteer drivers play an important role in the program by providing transportation between designated 
pickup locations and participating churches that serve as overnight shelters.
The Department of Aging & Human Services coordinates transportation for WARM, including 
recruiting and scheduling volunteer drivers. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid 
driver's license. County-owned vans are provided, and volunteer shifts are available seven days a week 
while the program is operating. Volunteer opportunities include two daily shifts:
• Evening shift: Drivers pick up WARM guests at the Church of the Ascension on Great Mills 
Road at 5:30 p.m. and transport them to the designated host church.
• Morning shift: Drivers arrive at the host church by 7 a.m. to transport guests back to the 
Church of the Ascension.
WARM vans are parked at Three Oaks Center on Lei Drive in Lexington Park.
Since its launch in 2009, WARM has grown to include more than 50 participating churches working 
together to provide food and safe shelter during the coldest months of the year. The program is supported 
through partnerships among local faith communities, human service agencies, county departments and 
community volunteers.
Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Human Services 
Division Manager Cynthia Brown at 301-475-4200, ext. 1846 or Cynthia.Brown@stmaryscountymd.gov.
For more information on SMCG, please visit http://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ or follow St. 
Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates