Student at Henry Lackey High School charged with destruction of property and possession of a concealed deadly weapon on school property: On May 16 at 6:40 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 6800 block of Arbor Lane in Bryans Road for the report of a vandalism in which a suspect slashed the tires of a vehicle and threw eggs on the house and car. Through further investigation, officers identified the suspect as a student at Henry E. Lackey High School. The school resource officer and school administrators were notified and located the student. A knife was recovered from their backpack. The student was charged on a Juvenile Offense Report with destruction of property and possession of a deadly weapon on school property. The student was released to a guardian. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Bagwell at 301-609-3282 ext. 0680. The investigation is ongoing.

Narcotics investigators recover guns and large quantity of fentanyl pills: On May 15, pursuant to an ongoing drug investigation, detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section served a search warrant at a residence on Jameson Court in Indian Head. The subject of the investigation, Carlos Leon Baker, age 35, of Indian Head, was arrested on-site. During the search, detectives recovered two handguns, more than 500 fentanyl pills, and a large amount of cash. Baker was charged with possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, illegal possession of firearms due to a previous felony conviction, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and other related charges. Baker is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will offer additional space in its prekindergarten program for three-year-old students. To be considered for a three-year-old PreK space, a child must be three years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024. The child's family must also meet income eligibility requirements to apply and live in Charles County. Three-year-old children with an active IEP are also eligible for a PreK space. The application opens Wednesday, May 15, and closes July 1. Admission for three-yearold students is not guaranteed and spots are limited. Applications for the program must be completed online using the CCPS registration system in ParentVue. The program will be housed at the Early Learning Center (ELC), La Plata; ELC, Waldorf; Mary H. Matula and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy elementary schools. The program will operate as a full day program and will follow the CCPS Parent Handbook/Calendar with the first day of PreK starting on Sept. 3, 2024. Parents will need to meet income eligibility requirements. The household income must be 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or less to apply. Income eligibility guidelines are below with additional requirements posted on the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/departments/prekindergarten. Income eligibility must be verified with one of the following: • Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members. • Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each earner in the household. • Completed and signed Tax Return for 2023. • To verify homeless or foster care status, contact the Office of Student Services at 301-934-7326. Parents with children already enrolled in CCPS can use their active ParentVue account to register a child for prekindergarten. After logging in, parents can select Online Registration from the upper-right hand corner. The application will not be available in ParentVue until May 15.

Parents new to CCPS will need to create a ParentVue account to complete an online prekindergarten application. This process requires a valid email address. Click here to access ParentVue or visit www.ccboe.com and select ParentVue from the top right menu. Application requirements All required documents must be uploaded before an application can be processed. Applications that have incorrect or missing documentation will be denied. These documents include: • Income verification documents for each wage earner in the household. • Two proofs of domicile. • Child’s birth certificate. • Child’s immunization record. • Copy of parent/guardian driver’s license. Parents with questions about the required documents can visit https://www.ccboe.com/parents/online-registration. Additional information about the CCPS prekindergarten program is posted on the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/departments/prekindergarten. Parents who need assistance with the 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 16, 2024) - The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) hosted a site visit for Maryland’s Commission on Public Health on April 19, 2024.

The visit highlighted some of the local public health initiatives of SMCHD and tours of both the St. Mary’s County Health Hub and the Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center. The Health Hub offers a wide range of services, including behavioral health screening, crisis counseling, a jail diversion program, community mediation, and primary care medical services. The School-Based Health Centers – located at Spring Ridge Middle School and Margaret Brent Middle School – offer routine and urgent medical care, rapid testing and treatment for colds and chronic illnesses, sports physicals, and treatment of minor injuries for SMCPS students and employees during school hours and for all community members after school dismissal.

“We were honored to welcome members of the Commission on Public Health to Maryland’s mother county and highlight the work of our local health department,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “This site visit was an opportunity for the Commission to better understand local public health in Maryland and how important it is for local health departments to be able to navigate the unique needs of their jurisdictions.” 

Maryland’s Commission on Public Health is tasked with studying the foundational public health capabilities of state and local health departments in Maryland and the state’s ability to respond to major public health challenges. The Commission will make recommendations for reform in several areas, including the organization of public health departments; information technology, information exchange, and data analytics; workforce; procurement; funding; and communication and public engagement.

For more information on the Maryland Commission on Public Health, please visit smchd.org/CommissionOnPublicHealth.

To learn more about the St. Mary’s County Health Hub, visit hub.smchd.org.

To learn more about the School-Based Health Centers, visit smchd.org/sbhc.

 Following an ongoing investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Jontae Lamont Proctor, 21, of No Fixed Address, was apprehended on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in connection with the April 2 shooting at Applebee’s in California, MD.

Proctor was arrested without incident in the parking lot of a business in Mechanicsville on open warrants for Attempted First-Degree Murder, Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Assault First-Degree, Assault Second-Degree, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, related firearms charges, and Violation of Probation.

During the arrest, Proctor was found to have a fully loaded handgun on his person and was charged with six additional counts of firearms violations.

The suspect was transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await a bond hearing.

####

Original News Release

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Shooting at Local Restaurant

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 3, 2024)—On April 2, 2024, at approximately 11:11 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Applebee’s Restaurant on Miramar Way, California, MD, for the report of a shooting.

Detectives and Crime Lab personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division assumed the investigation and determined there was an altercation that led to one victim being shot while inside the restaurant. Deputies administered life-saving measures until the victim was transported to an area trauma center for medical treatment.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Warren Forinash at 301-475-4200, ext. 8072, or Warren.Forniash@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your conversation.

Note: Tip239 is case-sensitive and must be typed in the message block as shown. With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

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 CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of National Drug Court Month, Stroke Awareness Month, Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Older Americans Month, and Historic Preservation Month.

The CSMC and Department of Land Use & Growth Management then presented the annual Historic Preservation Awards. The Historic Preservation Commission invites all residents to attend their upcoming lecture on “Early Southern Maryland Tobacco Barns” taking place on May 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. 
• Approved the letter of intent to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for funding to renovate Building A on the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown campus.
• Approved the update to the American Rescue Act grant plan.
• Heard an update on the County’s financial health and update on the Committed Fund Balance from First Tryon Advisors; and approved the recommended change to the Committed Fund Balance and calculation of County Reserves.

The Commissioners then wrapped the meeting with Commissioner Time.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 9 a.m. beginning offsite with the Joint Meeting of CSMC and the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission at 23121 Camden Way in California, MD. The CSMC will reconvene at 11 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room (1^st floor, Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown) for remaining business. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on Channel 95 or on-demand via www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer license-free fishing days for all state residents and visitors on June 1, June 8, and July 4. These annual events provide anglers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. 

The department hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on the Independence Day holiday to take advantage of peak spring and summer fishing. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. All anglers must follow all current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide. 

The department also has dozens of other resources to help new or experienced anglers, including angler access maps and fish identification charts. In addition, anglers of any level are encouraged to sign up for the weekly Maryland Fishing Report, which provides up-to-date fishing information. 

This year the department is encouraging anglers to catch invasive species such as snakeheads and blue catfish, which are affecting the overall Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Both fish are great options for eating and a wide variety of recipes are available on the Maryland’s Best website.

Aside from these free fishing days, and certain license-free areas, anyone 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a license, which can be obtained or renewed online, through the department’s mobile app, or in person at a department service center, a participating retail sports license agent in the state, or by calling 866-344-8889 during normal business hours.

Unofficial 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Saint Mary's County

Last refreshed: 05/15/2024 05:00:05 AM

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NR: not reported

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President of the United States

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Congressional District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

U.S. Senator

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Representative in Congress

District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Judge of the Circuit Court

Circuit 7

Democratic Ballots - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Ballots - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Alternate Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

District 5
*Winners based on the Delegate Selection Plan

Democratic Candidates - Vote for up to 9

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education At Large

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education

District 2

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

District 4

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Unofficial 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Charles County

Last refreshed: 05/15/2024 05:00:05 AM

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NR: not reported

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President of the United States

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Congressional District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

U.S. Senator

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Representative in Congress

District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Alternate Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

District 5
*Winners based on the Delegate Selection Plan

Democratic Candidates - Vote for up to 9

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education At Large

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Unofficial 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Calvert County

Last refreshed: 05/15/2024 05:00:05 AM

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resident of the United States

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Congressional District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

U.S. Senator

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Representative in Congress

District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Alternate Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

District 5
*Winners based on the Delegate Selection Plan

Democratic Candidates - Vote for up to 9

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education

District 3

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

 Angela Alsobrooks was named the projected winner of the Democratic Maryland Senate primary, beating opponent David Trone.

Angela Alsobrooks was named the projected winner of the Democratic Maryland Senate primary, beating opponent David Trone. (7News)

The race was one of the closest in Maryland.

Alsbrooks has served as Prince George’s County Executive for eight years.

She will face former Governor Larry Hogan, the Republican primary winner in the General Election in November. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1313 Calls for service, including 4 Emergency Petitions from May 6 through May 12, 2024.

Calls for service include requests for police assistance originating from the public as well as self-initiated events made by deputy sheriffs.

The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis having the potential to harm themselves or others to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the need for immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

5/06/24 – Timothy Wayne Downs, 41, of Prince Frederick, MD, by Deputy Ryan McLean for Burglary First-Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1000, Theft: $100 – less than $1500, and Theft Less than $100.

5/07/24 - Kandice Lynn Drinks, 30, of New Port News, VA, by Detective Kortnie Marsch for Child Abuse Second-Degree: Custodian.

5/09/24 - Austin Brent Leaman, 29, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy First Class Zachary Jerew for CDS: Possession - Not Cannabis and two counts of CDS: Possession Paraphernalia. Leaman was also arrested on a Warrant for Attempted Theft less than $100.

5/12/24 - Scott Eric Broome, 54, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bradley Kirscht for CDS: Possession - Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Broome was also arrested on a warrant for Malicious Destruction of Property of more than $1000 and Theft: $100 to less than $1500.
 

DUIs:

5/04/24 – Cholak Mani Upadhya, 43, of Callaway, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and related charges.

5/05/24 – Kaleb Spencer Twigg, 28, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Helen Deitrich for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and related charges.

5/11/24 – Phillip Chainey Farrell, 38, of Coltons Point, MD, by Deputy First Class Austin Edelen for Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

5/11/24 – Jose Erin Guzman Pineda, 36, of Silver Spring, MD, by Deputy Aaron Ocasio-Rivera for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

5/12/24 – Colette Jane Gibson, 61, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Devin Absher for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a balanced General Fund budget of $561,338,600, an increase of 6.4 percent over last year. The approved budget does not increase the current property or income tax rate while expanding investments in education, public safety, and recreation priorities. It also boosts employee compensation through merit and cost-of-living increases and a $750 base-pay increase for eligible full-time employees in July.

"The Fiscal 2025 budget underscores our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our community, emphasizing crucial areas such as education, public safety, and infrastructure, and increasing funding for youth programs," said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. "This allocation reflects our unwavering support for our public schools, the Sheriff's Office, and the essential services provided by County Government, and highlights our commitment to addressing the needs of young people in our community.”

Budget Highlights

The General Fund budget funds the ongoing costs of government and includes:

• $12.64 million increase for Charles County Public Schools, which exceeds maintenance of effort by nearly $11.7 million and doubles last year’s total funding increase, in part to pay for costs associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s future. It also includes funding to support salary increases for their employees and the opening of the Waldorf Early Learning Center for Pre-K students. The total allocation, which also includes funding for the Charles County Public Library and College of Southern Maryland, is $248.77 million, or 44.3 percent, of the General Fund budget.
• $9.28 million increase for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, with a total allocation of $130.59 million, or 23.3 percent of the General Fund budget. It includes funding for 10 new sworn officers, the continuance of the body-worn camera program to include four new record technicians, two other positions, and salary increases for staff.
• $10.36 million increase for County Government operations. The total allocation is $100.07 million, or 17.8 percent, of the General Fund budget. New spending is proposed for emergency services with the addition of 10 emergency medical technicians (EMTs), additional staff for recreation and community services, a new position to support commercial development in the County’s Western Technology Corridor, and administrative tools and support for technology, security, equity, and accountability.
• Debt service totals $32.6 million for FY25 and remaining items are $27.4M for a combined 10.7% of the General Fund Budget.
• A total allocation of $21.85 million, or 3.9 percent, for other government functions, including the State’s Attorney’s Office, Health Department, Circuit Court, Election Board, and other local government agencies.

The fiscal year 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget is $1.07 billion. It provides for county infrastructure, including schools, county buildings, roads, parks, water and sewer facilities, and stormwater management. A detailed summary of the CIP budget is located here.

The real property tax rate is maintained at $1.141 for County Government and $0.064 for Fire and Rescue per $100 of assessed value. The income tax rate of 3.03 percent remains unchanged.  The adopted fiscal 2025 budget details are available online.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO), the board that administers the transportation planning process in designated areas of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, will hold a council meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the Waterfront Lounge at the Calvert Marine Museum, located at 14150 Solomons Island Road in Solomons, MD. This meeting is open to public attendance; residents may also participate virtually via Zoom:

• Meeting ID: 430 427 6617
• Call-in number is (301) 715-8592
• Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4304276617?omn=88681279280

The C-SMMPO Council meeting will include discussion and action on the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) FY 2025. The UPWP establishes transportation planning activities to be completed with federal, state, and local resources during the next fiscal year. Community members are encouraged to view the update of the UPWP online at: www.calvert-stmarysmpo.com/DocumentCenter/View/536

Questions may be directed to Karly Maltby, Calvert–St. Mary’s MPO Administrator, with St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1507 and comments regarding the UPWP should be sent via email to: Karly.Maltby@stmaryscountymd.gov. If you need special accommodations, please notify the C-SMMPO at least 72 hours prior to the date of the scheduled meeting so that necessary arrangements can be made to facilitate participation.

About the Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization is the designated policy board that administers the metropolitan transportation planning process, in partnership with federal and state transportation officials. Each year the C-SMMPO must update the UPWP. St. Mary’s County Government is collaborating with Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Calvert County to finalize updates to this plan during May 2024. Learn more about the C-SMMPO at: www.calvert-stmarysmpo.com

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $35,046,616 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding for 17 Maryland housing authorities to renovate, improve and build public housing throughout the state.

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That’s why, as a delegation, Team Maryland is committed to finding solutions and increasing affordable options to address the housing crisis that has impacted so many in our state. These federal dollars will help provide a safe, dignified space for more Marylanders in need of an affordable place to live,” said the lawmakers. 

The following housing authorities received awards:

1. $21,865,262, Housing Authority of Baltimore City
2. $3,017,295, Hagerstown Housing Authority
3. $2,338,316, Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis
4. $1,192,353, Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland
5. $1,180,247, Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County
6. $1,120,357, Frederick Housing Authority
7. $1,025,970, Housing Authority of Prince George’s County
8. $1,009,997, Housing Authority of Crisfield
9. $497,018, Wicomico County Housing Authority
10. $360,007, Housing Commission of Talbot
11. $300,056, Rockville Housing Enterprises
12. $250,489, Housing Authority of the City of Frostburg
13. $249,306, College Park Housing Authority
14. $213,056, Elkton Housing Authority
15. $197,760, Glenarden Housing Authority
16. $170,395, Havre de Grace Housing Authority
17. $58,732, Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County

The awards were made available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Capital Fund Program, which the lawmakers supported and increased funds through the Senate FY 2024 THUD bill.

The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning is pleased to announce it has been awarded two grants to fund a Nontidal Water Monitoring Program. Calvert County has been awarded the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Small Watershed Grant (SWG) and the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust Nontidal Water Monitoring Grant, for a combined total of $95,000.

The SWG program funds projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.

When the program begins in 2025, Calvert County will use these grants to sample nontidal streams throughout the county and to analyze land use in impaired watersheds to assess future watershed restoration needs. The project will establish water quality trends for 27 nontidal stream sites, gain knowledge on interactions with downstream tidal rivers, and guide future land use planning and implementation of best management practices.

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 – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) are pleased to invite the entire community to attend the 2024 Flag Day Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 6 p.m. on the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center Lawn, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. This annual community event features:

• A procession by various color guards and veteran groups from around St. Mary’s County.
• A special Flag Day Service, highlighting the history of the American Flag.
• An official Flag Retirement Ceremony, demonstrating the dignified and proper method of disposing of worn, torn, or tattered flags.
• Hand-held American Flags, food, music, fun for the kids, and more!

We are pleased to welcome the cast from the Recreation & Parks 42^nd Annual Summerstock Production, Cinderella who will sing our National Anthem and St. Mary's County Song during the event. For more information on Summerstock, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/summerstock or follow the show dates on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1HXIRlyuG.  

Seating will be provided, but attendees are also welcome to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of the lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will relocate to the inside of the Leonard Hall Recreation Center, adjacent to the lawn.

Citizens may drop off flags in need of retirement to the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340 or via email to PIO@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Stay up to date with St. Mary’s County Government news and events! Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/signup to sign up for News Releases or follow us on social media at: Facebook.com/StMarysCountyGovernment or on Twitter and YouTube @StMarysCoGov.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Latres Javontae Cockerham, 26, of California, Maryland, was convicted of the first-degree murder of a 19-year-old victim and the attempted first-degree murders of five additional teenagers for his participation in a drive-by shooting that occurred on January 12, 2022.

“The Defendant deliberately maneuvered his vehicle as his co-defendants rapidly fired bullets into another vehicle on a busy road in broad daylight, which provided for the murder of one teenager and the extreme endangerment of five others, while putting the neighboring community and all other drivers on the road at risk. It is no small miracle that additional lives were not lost,” said State’s Attorney Sterling. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. We hope that this verdict brings them some comfort.”

The Defendant will be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum penalty of six consecutive life sentences, plus eight years for related firearm charges.

Sergeant Austin Schultz and Detective Taylore Nauman of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.

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

The Honorable David W. Densford presided over the case.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is excited to announce its Community Appreciation Day event, set to take place at Hallowing Point Park on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and open to people of all ages.

Community Appreciation Day aims to foster a sense of unity, pride and gratitude within our community, by acknowledging the diverse talents and hard work of our community members and to thank them for their positive impact and continued support.

The event will feature a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage attendees of all ages, including live music and interactive games. Families, friends and neighbors are invited to come together in a festive atmosphere and enjoy the beauty of Hallowing Point Park, located at 4755 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick.

For more information about Community Appreciation Day and other upcoming events, please contact CCPR at parksandrecreation@calvertcountymd.gov or 410-535-1600, ext. 2649.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation strives to enhance the health, economy and well-being of the Calvert County community through sustainable practices, leisure opportunities and environmental stewardship. For more information about Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, visit online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ParksandRecreation.

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.

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.