What You Need To Know Traveling Maryland Toll Roads This Weekend

Posted yesterday at 9:19am

BALTIMORE, MD (May 20, 2024) – On March 26, 2024, the state of Maryland suffered an unthinkable tragedy when a marine vessel struck the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge. The tragic loss of six lives will remain with us forever. Marylanders and visitors continue to adjust driving routes and habits with the Key Bridge no longer one of our Baltimore Harbor Crossings. The southeast section of I-695 is closed on Outer Loop at MD 173 (Exit 1) and the last exit from the Inner Loop is MD 151/North Point Boulevard (Exit 42). For more information visit https://mdta.maryland.gov/keybridgenews. --more-- The I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel and I-895 Harbor Tunnel remain essential routes for motorists during this time. It is important to note that there are hazardous material and width & height restrictions at these facilities. Vehicles carrying hazardous or explosive materials, including bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers) are prohibited from using both tunnels. It does not matter whether the bottles are turned on or off, or for personal or business usage. These vehicles should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels. More on vehicle restrictions here: https://mdta.maryland.gov/TunnelRestrictionsAndVehiclePermits. The MDTA Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit (CVSU) diligently monitors these areas to enforce compliance with safety regulations. Work zones are present within the heavily traveled I-95 corridor. MDTA urges all motorists to focus, slow down and stay alert when driving through or near work zones.

MARYLAND SHOREBOUND?

**For 24/7 real time Bay Bridge traffic information call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit Baybridge.com. For real-time updates on major incidents on Maryland toll roads follow https://x.com/TheMDTA on X/Twitter.** More than 330,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 24, and Memorial Day Monday, May 27. Expect travel delays in both directions – often simultaneously – at the bridge and along the US 50 corridor throughout the entire holiday travel period when traveling peak hours. Motorists should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents. The best times to travel across the Bay Bridge this holiday period will be off-peak, generally before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Specific off-peak times for each day of the holiday period include: •

Eastbound

Thursday, May 23 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Friday, May 24 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 25 – before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Memorial Day Monday, May 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 28 – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. •

Westbound

Thursday, May 23 – before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Friday, May 24 – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 25 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Memorial Day Monday, May 27 – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Tuesday, May 28 – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Weather and traffic permitting, two-way operations will be implemented to help prevent eastbound delays from becoming gridlock at the Bay Bridge. Two-way operations may be limited based on westbound traffic volumes, as bridge officials strive to mitigate delays on both sides of the bridge. Two-way operations are prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility or times of precipitation, and may be prohibited during incidents. Historically, heavy traffic volumes and related delays have occurred consistently in both directions at the Bay Bridge during the summer travel season. Drivers who travel during peak hours should expect significant delays when crossing the bridge. The core issue is traffic volume exceeding lane capacity, not two-way operation timing nor management. This has been observed routinely for many years on Sundays where three lanes westbound are not constrained by two-way traffic, yet heavy westbound delays are still present.

Lane signals apply to travel lanes BEFORE, ON and AFTER the bridge wherever lane signals are present. • RED X: Means the lane is closed. You MUST NOT enter or travel in any lane over which a RED X signal is shown. --more-- • YELLOW X: Prepare to vacate the lane beneath the YELLOW X signal and move to a lane with a DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW. • DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW: Motorists can drive in the lane beneath the GREEN ARROW signal. Police enforcement continues for motorists failing to obey the lane-use control signals on the US 50 approaches and on the bridge. Commercial vehicles must travel across the Bay Bridge in the right lane. STAY ON SAFETY STREET Protect yourself, your family and other travelers this Memorial Day weekend by following these rules of the road: • Remember that Maryland’s Move Over law applies to all stopped vehicles displaying any type of caution signals or warning lights. If you cannot safely move over into an available lane that’s not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle, slow down. • Allow for extra time to get to your destination. • Adhere to speed limits. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of a crash. • Avoid distractions when driving. It only takes a second to wreck it. • There’s no excuse for impaired driving. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi or ride-share service or use Maryland Transit Administration’s public transportation options. • Look twice for motorcycles. Riders must have a valid motorcycle license and should stay up to date on motorcycle safety. • Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that can shift, slide or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges and tunnels. • Make sure your vehicle is road ready. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway. If that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance. • Double (side-by-side) separation of lanes where Solid–White travel is in the same direction, indicates lane changing is prohibited. Changing lanes in tunnels and on bridges can be hazardous, especially with minimal or no shoulders. MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seat belt violations and criminal activity throughout the holiday travel period. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911. PAY TOLLS YOUR WAY! Tolls in Maryland are collected through E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate and Video Tolling. E-ZPass is the most cost-effective, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates –and also saving the additional paperwork – that comes with Video Tolls. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver’s registered credit card as they use Maryland toll facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid deposit. Pay-By-Plate rates are the same as former cash rates. Learn more and enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate at https://www.driveezmd.com/acct-types/. If using a rental vehicle over the holiday, you can add vehicle information temporarily to an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account. Otherwise, be sure to alert the rental car company before traveling a route that includes a toll facility. DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed Saturday, May 25, and Monday, May 27. Visit DriveEzMD.com, download the DriveEzMD mobile app or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824 for 24/7 account maintenance or to make payments.

Report: Only 1% Of Maryland Lawmakers Are From Working Class

Posted yesterday at 6:53am

A report finds the number of state legislators from working-class backgrounds are scarce in Maryland and nationwide. Researchers from Duke University and Loyola University Chicago found that nationally only 1-point-6-percent of state lawmakers currently or last worked jobs considered to be working class; in Maryland that number is 1-percent. Working-class jobs included construction workers, service-industry jobs such as waiters or bartenders, clerical positions, or labor union jobs. Study co-author Nicholas Carnes says the absence of an entire economic class of people from the legislative process will determine the kind of problems addressed and the solutions proposed.

"If no one in the room has been on what we used to call food stamps, is the $15-a-month reduction a big deal? No, it's not a big deal. Well, yeah, it actually is a big deal for some people."

The study found Alaska has the highest number of working-class legislators at 5-percent.

Researchers found that nationally out of more than 73-hundred lawmakers, only 116 were working class, including about 1-percent of Republicans and 2-percent of Democrats. In 10 states, there are no legislators from working-class jobs. Carnes pointed to the time and expense of running for office as a major barrier to entry.

"It's not that they're not good enough, it's not that voters don't like them, it's just that running for office is really burdensome, and so you would not expect people who are burdened in their economic lives to be able to take on this other burdensome activity."

Carnes says targeted interventions are needed to make running for office more accessible to working-class people.

MDTA Police And Law Enforcement Partners Target Dangerous Driving Near The Bay Bridge

Posted yesterday at 6:20am

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Officers conducted high visibility traffic enforcement along US-50 near the Bay Bridge on Friday in an effort to reduce crashes and educate motorists prior to Memorial Day weekend and the busy summer travel season. MDTA Police Officers were joined by troopers from the Maryland State Police, officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and deputies from the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff. Officers focused on leading causes of crashes including aggressive and distracted driving as well as violations of the “Red X” overhead lane signals near the Bay Bridge. Officers conducted 189 traffic stops and issued a combined 277 citations, warnings and repair orders during the initiative. One driver was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and two drivers were charged with drug offenses. Additional enforcement efforts are planned at the Bay Bridge and other MDTA facilities throughout the summer travel months. To report dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, contact MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911. Those charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sanitary Sewer Overflow In Waldorf

Posted Sunday morning

On May 16, 2024, an overflow of raw wastewater was discovered north of Briarwood Drive, in Waldorf, releasing over 10,000 gallons of wastewater into the area.

The Department of Public Works is working to stop the overflow. The area is being posted with signs and residents are cautioned to avoid the area. If you have questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 301.609.7400.

Man with Suspended License Arrested for Drug Possession in California

Posted Sunday morning

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, deputies from the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division were conducting proactive traffic enforcement near FDR Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard in California, MD. During this operation, they observed a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Shawn Maurice Dickens, 41, of Great Mills, who was known to the officers and confirmed to have a suspended Maryland driver’s license due to unpaid child support.

As the Tahoe approached the intersection of FDR Boulevard and Buck Hewitt Road, deputies saw Dickens throw an object from the vehicle, immediately turn, park, exit, and walk away. The deputies detained Dickens and searched the area, recovering suspected drug-related paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed additional suspected paraphernalia and suspected cocaine.

Dickens was arrested and charged with CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

Warrant Fugitive Task Force Seeks Whereabouts Of Suspect Who Violated Bond Conditions

Posted Sunday morning

Charles County Sheriff’s investigators are seeking the whereabouts of Mack Lee Cleckley, age 40, of no fixed address. Cleckley has an active warrant for revocation of bond due to violating the conditions under which he was released. The facts of the case are as follows: In August 2023, detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Section presented a drug distribution case to a Charles County Grand Jury which charged Cleckley with possession with the intent to distribute drugs, possession of drugs, possession of drug distribution equipment, and other related charges. A warrant was issued for Cleckley’s arrest. Cleckley was located in April 2024 in Prince George’s County by members of the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Task Force. Cleckley was transported to the Charles County Detention Center.

On May 2, a judge ordered Cleckley could be released on electronic monitoring. On May 3, detectives learned Cleckley cut off the electronic monitoring device. On May 7, a judge issued a bench warrant for Cleckley’s arrest.

Cleckley has no fixed address but has ties to Baltimore and Prince George’s County. He is 5’6”, weighs approximately 140 pounds, and has tattoos on both arms. If seen, do not approach Cleckley; he has previous firearms charges and has assaulted officers during previous arrests.

Tipsters are asked to contact 9-1-1. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to Cleckley’s arrest.

Governor Moore Announces $19.6 Million in Broadband Awards to Provide Internet Access to 2,400 Maryland Households

Posted Sunday morning

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Moore today announced $19.6 million in Fiscal Year 2024 awards through a new Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development program to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet. Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties, administered by the department’s Office of Statewide Broadband, will provide internet access to approximately 2,400 unserved Maryland households in its first round.

"To leave no one behind, we need to get everyone online – especially those who have been historically beyond the reach of traditional efforts to narrow the digital divide" said Gov. Moore. "By moving in partnership, we are extending broadband access to more Marylanders, meeting people where they are, and creating new pathways to prosperity for all."

Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties is part of the department’s new initiative to serve remaining Maryland households without internet access. As of April 2024, 21,000 Maryland households are unserved. Awards for the second program under the initiative, Home Stretch for Public Housing, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, both programs are the newest additions to the Office of Statewide Broadband’s Connect Maryland initiative, which provides financial assistance to local jurisdictions to advance the state’s digital access efforts.

"Access to high-speed internet is essential to building equitable pathways to economic, educational, and social opportunities for all Marylanders," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "These funds will help the Office of Statewide Broadband partner with local governments and internet service providers to close critical, 'home stretch' gaps in their broadband infrastructure to provide that essential access for unserved homes in their communities."

Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties funds help address distance from broadband infrastructure or other geographic issues that may discourage an internet service provider from delivering broadband service. In the first round, 18 jurisdictions received awards and every jurisdiction that applied for the program received funds. To view a full list of awards for Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties, visit the Department of Housing and Community Development’s website.

The Office of Statewide Broadband works to ensure that all Maryland households have access to broadband through its programs to expand infrastructure and increase digital equity. Since the office was created in 2017, it has invested more than $270 million into broadband infrastructure and programs. Those efforts have provided high-speed internet access to an estimated 52,000 previously unserved homes and businesses statewide.

For more information on the Home Stretch initiative and the Office of Statewide Broadband, visit dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband.

Report Of Gunshots On Gallery Place Being Investigated

Posted Sunday morning

On May 16 at 3 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of Gallery Place in Waldorf for the report of the sound of multiple gunshots. When officers arrived, they canvassed the area but did not locate any victims; however, they did locate shell casings between two apartment buildings. Further, officers found a vehicle had been struck and a house on Alehouse Court was damaged. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call PFC Halterman at 301-609-3282 ext. 0732. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives Identify And Arrest Suspect In Armed Robbery Case

Posted Sunday morning

Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division have identified and arrested a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery case. On February 22, a male and a female entered a home improvement store on Jefferson Place in Waldorf. They picked up several items and approached a cashier. The female paid for her items; however, the male concealed merchandise and left the store without paying. He was approached by a loss prevention officer at which time the male displayed a handgun. The suspect fled in a car with the female. Through investigation, the male suspect was identified as DeShawn Grant, age 35, of no fixed address. An arrest warrant was obtained, and Grant was located. A search warrant was served at the location where Grant was staying, and detectives recovered evidence. Grant was charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and other related charges. Grant is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Detective Beach is investigating.

Lexington Park Woman Charged for Possession With Intent to Distribute

Posted Sunday morning

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies from the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions arrested and charged Danielle Lynette Washington, 37, of Lexington Park, with CDS: Possession With Intent to Distribute Narcotics, CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute, and two counts CDS: Possession - Not Cannabis.

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, while conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Great Mills Road, deputies initiated a stop on a Chevrolet Uplander for suspected illegal window tint. During the stop, a K9 free air scan alerted deputies to the presence of CDS within the vehicle. During the subsequent search of the minivan, deputies located cash and multiple tied-off plastic bags. The bags were found to contain suspected oxycodone hydrochloride pills, suspected cocaine, and suspected crack cocaine.

Following the arrest, Washington was transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await a bond hearing.

Temporary Pause In Processing Vital Record Requests

Posted Friday morning

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 17, 2024) - The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will not be able to process vital record requests on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM to close of business. SMCHD will resume normal processes on Monday, May 20, 2024.

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

Student At Henry Lackey High School Charged With Destruction Of Property And Possession Of A Deadly Weapon

Posted Friday morning

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

Posted Friday morning

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.

CCPS Expands More Prekindergarten For Three-Year-Olds

Posted Thursday morning

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

Commission on Public Health Visits St. Mary's County Health Department

Posted Thursday morning

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.

UPDATE: Man Arrested in Connection with April 2 Shooting at Applebee's

Posted Thursday morning

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.

May 14th St. Mary's County Commissioner Meeting Rollup

Posted Thursday morning

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.

Maryland's License-Free Fishing Days Provide Access to Angling for All

Posted about a week ago

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.

Election Results St. Mary's County

Posted about a week ago

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

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

Return to Election Result Index

NR: not reported

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