LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 21, 2026 – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are seeking residents interested in serving on county boards, commissions and committees. Interested residents can apply online at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/boards by Friday, Nov. 20, 2026. The Library Board of Trustees has an earlier application deadline of Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Applications must include a resume. Serving on a board, commission or committee gives residents an opportunity to share their knowledge, provide input on local issues and help shape the future of St. Mary’s County. Vacancies are available on the following boards, commissions and committees:

• Adult Public Guardianship Review Board

• Airport Advisory Board • Animal Control Advisory Board

• Commission for People with Disabilities • Commission for Women

• Commission on Aging (meets at 1 p.m.)

• Commission on the Environment

• Family Violence Coordinating Council

• Housing Authority Board

• Human Relations Commission

• Library Board of Trustees (Oct. 30 application deadline)

• Recreation and Parks Board

• Social Services Board

• Transportation Advisory Committee

• Wicomico Shores Golf Course Advisory Committee Additional vacancies are available on boards with specific eligibility requirements:

• Board of Appeals: Applicants must have planning experience.

• Electrical Examiners Board: Applicants must be master electricians.

Historic Preservation Commission: Applicants must have experience in architecture, architectural history, history or archaeology.

• Metropolitan Commission: Applicants must reside in the 6th District, 8th District or 4th and 5th districts.

Residents can review board descriptions and eligibility requirements at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/boards. For more information, contact Gillian Bacon at 301-475-4200, ext. 1709. 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.

CALVERT COUNTY, MD – October 20, 2026 – The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA), Calvert County Health Department, and the Calvert County Sheriff's Office are alerting residents to a concerning increase in kratom-related overdoses in Calvert County, including a reported fatality. These recent incidents are particularly concerning because they represent an emerging pattern of overdoses involving a substance that may not be recognized by the public as dangerous. Unlike overdoses commonly associated with prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl, kratom products have been readily accessible through retail establishments and online vendors. What Is Kratom? Kratom is a plant-based substance that can produce stimulant-like and opioid-like effects. It is commonly marketed for energy, relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief or mood enhancement. Like tobacco, another plant-based substance, kratom has no known health benefits and does not cure any health conditions. Products are sold in various forms, including powders, capsules, tablets, gummies, energy drinks, and concentrated liquid extracts. Despite being marketed as a natural product, kratom is not necessarily safe. Just like opioids which are also derived from natural sources, kratom use can lead to serious health complications, including seizures or cardiac arrest, addiction, and potentially fatal overdoses. Several recent car crashes in Calvert have occurred as a result of drivers being intoxicated after using kratom. Products containing concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid-like compound associated with kratom, pose particular concerns. In Maryland, kratom products containing more than 2% 7-OH or 1mg of 7-OH per dose are prohibited. 

Maryland Takes Action to Restrict Kratom Sales Effective July 1, 2026, Maryland enacted new restrictions on the retail sale of kratom products, including prohibitions on products that do not meet state requirements. These restrictions address product labeling and certain high-potency or synthetic compounds. Residents should understand that the availability of a product in a store or online does not mean it is safe or legally compliant. CAASA, Calvert County Health Department, and the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Encourage Residents to Take Precautions ? Avoid using kratom and concentrated 7-OH products, particularly those marketed for pain relief, energy or relaxation. ? Do not assume products labeled "natural" or "herbal" are safe. ? Never combine kratom with alcohol, prescription medications or other drugs. ? Talk with young people and family members about the dangers of kratom and products containing 7-OH. ? Recognize the warning signs of an overdose, including extreme drowsiness, unresponsiveness and slow or difficult breathing. ? Recognize the signs of an acute withdrawal, which may include restlessness, anxiety, or sleeping disturbances. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available when an opioid-related overdose is suspected. Naloxone may only temporarily help reverse opioid-like effects but does not replace emergency medical care. For immediate behavioral health support and services, contact Calvert Crisis Response at 1-877-467-5628. We encourage residents to stay informed about emerging drug trends and help protect their families and neighbors by sharing this important safety information. For local prevention, treatment and recovery resources, visit Hope4Calvert.org or contact Calvert County Behavioral Health at 410-535-3079.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 20, 2026 – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) announces the release of the 2026 State of the County video, highlighting major accomplishments, community partnerships and investments made over the past fiscal year. The full State of the County video can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. “Each of these accomplishments reflects the dedication of our employees and the strength of our community partnerships,” said David Weiskopf, County Administrator. “We are proud of the progress made over the past year and remain focused on delivering quality services while preparing St. Mary’s County for the future.” The video highlights several key initiatives and accomplishments, including: • Economic Development: Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses through FlightPath SMC, a collaborative initiative connecting businesses with resources, mentors and opportunities for growth. • Infrastructure and Transportation: Advancing improvements at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport, completing roadway projects and celebrating the first full year of fare-free St. Mary’s Transit System service. • Planning for the Future: Engaging residents in St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow, the county's Comprehensive Plan update, to help guide future growth and development. • Public Safety: Launching a new emergency notification system and expanding access to lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in county parks. • Recreation and Community Services: Improving parks and recreational facilities, advancing plans for a new St. Clement’s Island Museum and expanding programs that support older adults, families and residents of all ages.

The video also recognizes the county's role in celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the partnerships that help make St. Mary’s County a vibrant place to live, work and visit. Produced annually by the SMCG Public Information Office, the State of the County video provides residents with an overview of county government initiatives, accomplishments and ongoing priorities. 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.

The Office of the Comptroller today released a report highlighting the success of “EarnedIt 2026,” an expanded awareness campaign helping eligible Marylanders claim the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Under the tagline “You’ve Earned It, Now Claim It,” the campaign encouraged Marylanders to check their eligibility, find free tax preparation assistance, and claim the credit.

The report shows that Marylanders who claimed the credit gained more than $1 billion through a combination of refunds and reduced tax liability, an 8% increase from the previous year. On average, those who qualified for the EITC received a $935 refund or saw a $1,333 reduction in taxes owed. This year, 443,156 Marylanders, equaling 86% of those eligible, claimed the EITC.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit puts money back in the pockets of working Marylanders to help cover groceries, housing, childcare, and other everyday needs,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “These results show that investing in outreach makes a difference for working Marylanders and our economy. We will keep building on this progress so that more Marylanders claim this credit and save money at a time of rising costs.”

With funding from the General Assembly (2024 House Bill 845/Senate Bill 1105), the Office of the Comptroller and the Governor’s Office for Children led the EarnedIt 2026 campaign, which generated 10 million outreach touchpoints and more than tripled the previous campaign’s reach. The combined effort included paid advertising, social media, text messages, partnerships with 13 state and local government agencies, collaborations with elected officials, and a new letter campaign targeting Marylanders who appeared eligible for the credit based on state tax data. The Office of the Comptroller also worked with the Urban Institute to better understand who was missing the credit and why, and with New America to test and refine campaign messaging.

“The EarnedIt campaign is a powerful example of government working as it should,” said Special Secretary, Governor's Office for Children, Carmel Martin. “By breaking down barriers and working together across state agencies to reach Marylanders, we're putting more money back in families' pockets—up to an additional $4,000 per family. We look forward to building on the progress we've made to advance economic mobility by continuing to increase access to critical tax credits.”

The EarnedIt campaign will continue in the coming years, applying lessons learned to broaden and strengthen its outreach.

Learn more about the EITC and how to claim it.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Charles Henry Thompson, Jr., 32, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for possessing a sharpened shank while detained at the local detention center.

On October 7, 2025, a deputy with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center to investigate a report of a concealed weapon. The deputy was advised that correctional officers had searched Thompson’s cell after detecting the smell of smoke. During the search, a shank was located among Thompson’s belongings. The weapon was approximately six inches long, filed to a sharp point, and suspected to have been fashioned from a broken mop handle.

“Lawlessness will not prevail in our detention center. Weapons have no place in a correctional facility, where they threaten the safety of both correctional personnel and detainees,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “My office will continue to stand behind our correctional officers and hold accountable those who put their safety at risk. The walls of a detention center do not place anyone beyond the reach of the law, and criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”

Following a two-day jury trial in August 2026, Thompson was convicted of possession of a weapon while detained in a place of confinement and the possession of contraband in a place of confinement.

The sentence imposed in this case was ordered to be served consecutively to the 50-year-and-6-month active prison sentence for a domestic violence-related assault imposed in September 2026.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge and Assistant State’s Attorney John Cardozo prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Deputy Cody Donaldson of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Kevin Hill presided over the case.

The Board of Education of Charles County is hosting a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The Town Hall topic is safety and it is open to the public. Attendees must have an active Zoom account to join. The access link is below.

https://ccboe.zoom.us/j/83429163460?pwd=sdTOtofmIm0w6N0Ng7iy84HbQg9vtI.1

The Town Hall will stream live on the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) website at www.ccboe.com. Parents, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend. Comments and questions from attendees will be moderated through the Zoom chat.

Questions, comments and/or other ideas shared at the Town Hall by attendees should reference education-related topics. The Board and CCPS staff will answer submissions during the Town Hall as time permits.

Following the Town Hall, a recording will be posted on the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/page/town-hall-events.

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland – Communities surrounding NAS Patuxent River, Caroline County, and Northern Neck of Virginia are advised that nighttime noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place October 21, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  

Pilots at NAS Patuxent River 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

Berlin, MD, October 19, 2026 - Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025-2026 Maryland School Librarian of the Year award which honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. The final award announcement was announced at the biannual MASL Conference held in Berlin, Maryland on October 16, 2026.

Recipient of the 2026 Maryland School Librarian of the Year:

• Melaney Sanchez, Mt. Harmony Elementary School, Calvert County

Dr. Melaney Michael Sanchez is a civic?minded school librarian at Mt. Harmony Elementary who champions inquiry?driven learning and designs experiences that blend literacy, history, STEAM, and student voice. Guided by her belief that “teaching is heart work,” she works to ensure equitable access to information while empowering students to become curious researchers, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Jack Miller Center Teaching America250 Award, SMECO STEM Teacher, AASL National School Library Program of the Year, The Washington Post Teacher of the Year, and Calvert County Teacher of the Year. She has shared her practice with NCSS, the National Park Service at the National Mall, the National Mall Trust, Common Ground on the Hill, MASL, and the Future Ready “Leading from the Library” podcast. She is currently a We the Teachers Fellow and a National Geographic Grosvenor Fellow.

On October 13, administrators at Thomas Stone High School became aware of a 16-year-old student who reportedly was using a vaping device on the school bus on October 9. An investigation was initiated and a search of the student’s bookbag revealed more than 30 THC?containing vaping devices in their original retail packaging. Further, a vape device containing THC was found on the student. The school resource officer charged the student with possession with the intent to distribute drugs and possession of cannabis. In an unrelated incident, on October 13, school administrators at John Hanson Middle School were made aware of an 11-year-old student in possession of a vape. The vape was recovered and tested positive for THC. Both students face consequences in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools code of student conduct. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the risks associated with unregulated vaping and THC products, many of which can contain harmful substances or misleading labeling.

On October 17, at approximately 1:20 AM, officers responded to the 600 block of Pomonkey Way in La Plata for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found an adult male with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital and treated for critical injuries. A preliminary investigation shows the suspect and victim likely know each other and the shooting does not appear to be random. A description of the suspect is not available at this time and the motive has not been determined. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Worley at 301-609-6518. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous and potentially receive a cash reward must call Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – ?Oct. 16, 2026? – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation joins the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country and internationally by earning reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).  

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency's overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. 

As part of the reaccreditation process, the Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation had to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. The process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, which benefit the community. 

“Earning CAPRA reaccreditation is an honor and a reflection of our department’s ongoing commitment to excellence in parks and recreation,” said Calvert County Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Branham. “This achievement demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our staff. Reaccreditation reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and ensures we meet the highest standards of service for Calvert County residents.” 

The reaccreditation process involves a formal application, self-assessments, review and a visit by a team of trained volunteers, followed by a hearing with the commission to grant reaccreditation. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 16, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that David Scott Jones, 59, and Djhonna Mari Jones, 47, of Lexington Park, Maryland, were convicted of first-degree murder and related charges in connection with the killing of a St. Mary’s County man.

An investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office revealed that on October 27, 2025, a victim arrived at the defendants’ home in Lexington Park to give one of the occupants a ride to work. After the individual got into the victim’s vehicle, the victim attempted to back out of the driveway. At that point, another vehicle arrived and blocked his vehicle from exiting.

David Jones exited the second vehicle and started a verbal altercation with the victim, demanding that he get out of his car. The victim exited his vehicle and asked David Jones to move his vehicle, but Jones refused.

Djhonna Jones then exited their vehicle, went inside the residence, retrieved a loaded firearm, and handed it to her husband, David Jones, who is prohibited from possessing firearms. A physical altercation ensued. As the victim attempted to retreat, David Jones shot him multiple times, killing him.

“This encounter never should have escalated to such violence. The victim was simply trying to help someone get to work when he was met with an immediate death sentence,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “I am grateful to the law enforcement and prosecution teams who worked tirelessly to obtain justice for the victim’s family. However, there is nothing that can make this loss any less devastating for the people who knew and loved the victim.”

In June of this year, David Jones pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and firearm use in the commission of a crime of violence. This week, Djhonna Jones was found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and related firearm charges following a two-day bench trial.

David Jones faces a maximum sentence of LIFE plus 20 years in prison. Djhonna Jones faces a maximum sentence of LIFE plus 25 years in prison.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Pettersen and Assistant State’s Attorney Shaye Reynolds prosecuted the cases on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

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

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the cases.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Oct. 16, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of 
Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host a free household hazardous waste 
collection event for county residents Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. The event will be held 
from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at the Appeal Landfill, 401 Sweetwater Road, 
Lusby.
Hazardous household products are common in many homes and must be 
disposed of properly to prevent dangerous chemical reactions, fires, burns, harmful 
vapors or groundwater contamination. A substance is considered hazardous if it is 
corrosive or toxic, ignites easily, reacts or explodes when mixed with other substances.
Acceptable waste items include auto-and floor-care products, pesticides, 
gasoline, fertilizers and more. To determine if a product is hazardous, check the label 
for warning words or symbols such as caution, danger, poison or toxic. Latex paint will 
be accepted at this event.
Proof of residency is required. There is a 50-gallon-per-household limit on the 
amount of paint and paint products residents may bring to the event. Businesses are 
prohibited from participating. 
For more information and a full list of accepted items, visit 
www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/HazardousWaste or call the Calvert County Solid Waste 
Division at 410-326-0210. 
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.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal, in partnership with local fire departments and the American Red Cross, will conduct its Fall Statewide Community Risk Reduction Weekend on October 17–18, 2026. Throughout the weekend, OSFM staff and partners will visit neighborhoods across Maryland to provide free fire prevention education, check existing smoke alarms, and install new alarms where needed.

The statewide initiative supports the Office of the State Fire Marshal's ongoing efforts to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths by ensuring Maryland residents have working smoke alarms and understand the importance of home fire safety.

"As I prepare for my first Community Risk Reduction Weekend as State Fire Marshal, I look forward to seeing our personnel and local fire departments working together to make Maryland homes safer," said State Fire Marshal Caroll H. Spriggs, II. "These partnerships are essential to preventing fires and saving lives."

During the weekend, the OSFM will join local fire departments and community partners across Maryland. Teams will visit neighborhoods to check and install smoke alarms, distribute fire prevention materials, and speak directly with residents about ways to keep their homes and families safe.

The importance of these efforts was demonstrated when two families in Western Maryland escaped fires in their homes after smoke alarms previously installed through the agency's Community Risk Reduction initiative alerted them to a fire within their home. The incidents occurred in Kitzmiller and Rawlings, where the homeowners had received free smoke alarms through partnerships with the Kitzmiller and Cresaptown fire departments. In both cases, the alarms provided an early warning, allowing the families to escape without injury.

Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death. The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds Marylanders to follow these important fire safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace alarms that are 10 years old or older.

• Close Before You Doze. Closed bedroom doors can help slow the spread of smoke and fire.

• Develop and practice a home escape plan with two ways out of every room and a designated meeting place outside.

• Get Out and Stay Out. If a fire occurs, leave immediately, call 911, and never re-enter a burning building.

Residents who need smoke alarms but aren't visited over the weekend are encouraged to contact their local fire department or request assistance through the Office of the State Fire Marshal's Get Alarmed Maryland program at https://mdsp.maryland.gov/ firemarshal/Pages/Get-Alarmed- Maryland.aspx. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 15, 2026 – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and 
the St. Mary’s County Board of Education (BOE) will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at 9 
a.m. in the BOE meeting room located at 23160 Moakley St. in Leonardtown.
This meeting is open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or on-demand at
www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. CSMC decisions and related meeting documents are available on 
the St. Mary’s County Government website in BoardDocs.
Information on the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, including meeting schedules, minutes
and more is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/csmc

LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 15, 2026) – Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served search and seizure warrants on Wade Joshua Braithwaite, 33, of Lexington Park, recovering a loaded handgun and suspected cocaine and heroin on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Following an investigation into suspected drug distribution activities, detectives obtained the warrants and located Braithwaite on Columbus Drive in Lexington Park. Detectives took Braithwaite into custody without incident. A search revealed a loaded Canik METE MC9 semiautomatic handgun with a round in the chamber and quantities of suspected cocaine and heroin indicating possession with intent to distribute. Deputies also recovered $655 in cash.

Additional deputies served search and seizure warrants at a residence in the 21000 block of St. Lo Place, where they located Braithwaite’s vehicle, a Honda Accord. Suspected controlled dangerous substance (CDS) paraphernalia was found in the vehicle.

Braithwaite was arrested and charged with 11 criminal counts, including:

• Two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance in sufficient quantity to indicate intent to distribute
• Two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance
• Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime
• Possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted of a crime of violence
• Knowingly possessing a firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony
• Possession of ammunition after being prohibited from possessing a regulated firearm
• Two counts of wearing, carrying or transporting a loaded handgun on his person

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

[Thursday, Oct. 15] Charles County announced that Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Ratings have reaffirmed the county’s AAA bond rating, the highest possible rating, for the 10th consecutive year. Representatives from each agency met with county leaders to review the county’s finances, budget management, external audits and economic development efforts. The ratings reflect the county’s strong financial management and help it secure favorable interest rates when financing public projects.

“Maintaining our Triple-A bond rating for the 10th consecutive year reflects Charles County’s strong financial foundation and our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II. “This recognition reinforces our ability to plan for the future, invest in essential services and infrastructure, and support a thriving community for generations to come.”

S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Charles County’s AAA bond rating with a stable outlook and assigned the same rating to its $95.8 million series 2026 general obligation bonds. The agency cited conservative budgeting, strong financial reserves, sound financial planning, continued economic growth, and manageable debt obligations as key factors supporting the county’s financial stability.

“In our view, the county's planning culture allows it to maintain solid financial footing,” S&P Global Ratings stated in its news release.

Moody’s Ratings reaffirmed the county’s AAA bond rating with a stable outlook, citing its strong financial position, substantial reserves, and continued economic development. Moody’s highlighted the county’s financial management practices, manageable debt obligations and stable local economy, supported by ongoing development and the presence of federal government institutions.

The agency also recognized the county’s governance and history of prudent budget management as key factors supporting the rating. “Management's notable financial controls are a key strength to the county's credit profile,” Moody’s said.

Fitch Ratings reaffirmed the county’s AAA bond rating with a stable outlook, citing its financial resilience, favorable economic and demographic conditions, continued population growth and manageable long-term liabilities. The agency also highlighted the county’s economic stability, supported by its proximity to major employment centers in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

“The county's rapid population growth, favorable demographic and economic level metrics, and modest long-term liability burden also drive the 'AAA' rating,” Fitch said in its announcement.

Maintaining the highest possible bond ratings helps Charles County secure favorable borrowing rates, reducing the cost of financing public infrastructure and saving taxpayer dollars over time. The ratings also reinforce the county’s financial stability and its attractiveness to businesses and investors.

Charles County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested Terrell Anthony Burgess, 36, of Waldorf, in connection with a shooting that occurred on June 20, 2026, at a tavern and liquor store in Waldorf. At approximately 2:14 a.m., Burgess approached two men standing behind the business and fired multiple rounds, striking one victim several times and grazing the second. Responding officers provided immediate first aid to the critically injured victim, who was then transported to a hospital for emergency treatment. Through a comprehensive investigation, detectives identified Burgess as the suspect. On October 13, members of the CCSO Emergency Services Team and Criminal Investigations Division served a search warrant at a residence in Waldorf, where Burgess was located and taken into custody without incident. A second search warrant was served at another location, where investigators recovered additional evidence related to the shooting. Burgess has been charged with attempted first?degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and multiple weapons violations. On October 14, the court ordered Burgess be held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective H. Burgess at 301?609?6494.