Wednesday Sept. 16] On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Charles County Commissioners will hold their quarterly joint town hall. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Waldorf West Library (10405 O'Donnell Place, St. Charles, MD 20603).

Residents can share concerns on a variety of topics with commissioners during the meeting. Residents who wish to provide comments must do so in person; there is no virtual option for commenters during this meeting.

The public can watch this meeting on Comcast 95 (SD) and 1070 (HD), Verizon FIOS 10, Roku or Apple TV streaming devices (Charles County Government), and the web at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/VOD. Residents without internet service can listen to the meeting at 301-645-0500.

WHAT: Commissioners Joint Town Hall Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Waldorf West Library

                   10405 O’Donnell Place, St. Charles, MD 20603

SPEAKERS:

• County Commissioners

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – ?Sept. 16, 2026? – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is proud to announce that Calvert County has once again been awarded a AAA bond rating with stable financial outlooks from three independent credit rating agencies. This marks the eighth consecutive assessment in which the county has achieved the highest possible rating, reflecting sound fiscal management and economic stability.  

 Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings assigned the ratings to Calvert County’s series 2026 general obligation bonds, totaling $75.9 million, and affirmed the ratings for the county’s outstanding debt. The BOCC intends to sell these bonds during their open meeting Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. 

“We are extremely proud to retain our AAA bond rating from all three rating agencies” said Commissioner President Todd Ireland. “Our fiscal discipline and policies are affirmed by major creditor agencies, making it possible for Calvert County Government to borrow funds at favorable rates and continue to provide critical infrastructure projects to support education, public safety, parks and roads,”   

The AAA rating is the highest possible and signifies the county’s strong ability to meet its financial obligations and reflects Calvert County’s robust financial position, characterized by strong budgetary performance, healthy financial reserves and a well-managed debt profile. The rating acknowledges the county’s comprehensive fiscal policies and practices, including its ability to manage capital needs while maintaining financial flexibility,?which have been key to the county’s fiscal stability.  

Read the rating agencies’ reports on Calvert County at Fitch, Moody’s and S&P.  

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.  

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

As a part of the consent agenda, the CSMC authorized St. Mary’s County to participate in the proposed opioid settlement with Indivior.

The CSMC then presented a proclamation in recognition of National Senior Center Month, National Constitution Week, and the St. Mary’s County Marbles Club. They also presented a commendation to Erin Johnson.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Discussed the FY28 Budget Calendar and the FY27 CSMC Meeting Schedule.
• Adopted the proposed resolution to implement regulations and designate the county attorney to administer gaming device permits in St. Mary’s County.

The CSMC then held a public hearing on the Adoption of the Walter Francis Duke Airport Terminal and Pergola Usage Policy, License Agreement and Fee Schedule.

The Commissioners then wrapped up their business meeting with Commissioner Time.

The CSMC then reconvened to hold a work session for the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. At the conclusion of the session the scheduled the public hearing on the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan for October 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Later that evening, the CSMC held a grand opening for the Boys and Girls Club at Carver Recreation Center.

The next CSMC meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website by clicking Board Documents from the home page. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on SMCG TV Channel 95 or at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

For more information on SMCG programs and operations, visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates.

On September 2 at approximately 6 p.m., officers responded to a store in Smallwood Village Center for a reported assault involving a firearm. The investigation revealed the suspect, Tiffany Deshaunta Booze, age 38, of Ft. Washington, became confrontational with a store employee after expressing frustration about waiting in line. A second employee opened another register, allowing Booze to complete her purchase; however, before leaving, Booze punched the first employee in the face. A brief physical altercation occurred, after which Booze exited the store. Moments later, Booze was seen walking back toward the business, at which time she displayed a firearm with a blue and black frame, then fled the area prior to police arrival. Officers located Booze’s wallet and cell phone, which she had left behind on the counter, and positively identified her as the suspect. Booze returned to the area a short time later and was taken into custody. Her vehicle was found in the parking lot, where officers observed a blue and black handgun inside the car. A search warrant was obtained and the firearm was recovered. Booze was charged with five counts of weapons violations, first-degree assault, and other related charges. On September 3, the courts released Booze from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring.

On September 2 at approximately 6 p.m., officers responded to a store in Smallwood Village Center for a reported assault involving a firearm. The investigation revealed the suspect, Tiffany Deshaunta Booze, age 38, of Ft. Washington, became confrontational with a store employee after expressing frustration about waiting in line. A second employee opened another register, allowing Booze to complete her purchase; however, before leaving, Booze punched the first employee in the face. A brief physical altercation occurred, after which Booze exited the store. Moments later, Booze was seen walking back toward the business, at which time she displayed a firearm with a blue and black frame, then fled the area prior to police arrival. Officers located Booze’s wallet and cell phone, which she had left behind on the counter, and positively identified her as the suspect. Booze returned to the area a short time later and was taken into custody. Her vehicle was found in the parking lot, where officers observed a blue and black handgun inside the car. A search warrant was obtained and the firearm was recovered. Booze was charged with five counts of weapons violations, first-degree assault, and other related charges. On September 3, the courts released Booze from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring.

On September 15, school administrators at Diggs Elementary School were notified of a report that a student might have had a gun while on the morning school bus. Administrators quickly located the student, age 8, and discovered a water gun inside his bookbag. A preliminary investigation revealed the student had shown the water gun to other students at the morning bus stop. A parent heard about the incident and reported it to administrators, unsure whether the item was a real firearm, BB gun, or water gun. No actual firearm was involved, and there was no threat to students or staff safety. Parents are urged to talk with their children about the dangers of bringing these types of items to a bus stop or to school and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.  

CHARLES COUNTY, MD (September 16, 2026) - A St. Mary’s County man has been arrested and charged with arson after Deputy State Fire Marshals determined a fire on the rear deck of a Waldorf home was intentionally set.

Shortly before midnight on Friday, September 11, 2026, an occupant of a home in the 4900 block of Morraine Street discovered a fire on the rear deck and extinguished it with a garden hose. The fire was not reported until the following morning, when the Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to investigate.

Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the fire originated on the rear deck and was intentionally set. Seven people were inside the home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported, and damage to the deck was estimated at $1,500.

During the investigation, Deputy State Fire Marshals, with assistance from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, identified Demartez Trequan Thomas, 29, of California, St. Mary’s County, as the person allegedly responsible for setting the fire. Investigators determined Thomas was at the residence around the time the fire was set and learned he had an ongoing domestic-related dispute with one of the occupants.

On Tuesday evening, Deputy State Fire Marshals assigned to the Southern Regional Office, with assistance from troopers from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack, took Thomas into custody without incident at his home in St. Mary’s County.

Thomas was transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where he was charged with first-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, malicious destruction of property, and eight counts of reckless endangerment. He is currently being held without bond.

                                                                            ###

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Sept. 16, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Community Resources announces that the North Beach Senior Center will be closed Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, for scheduled water service maintenance. The center is scheduled to reopen Friday, Sept. 18. The North Beach Senior Center is located at 9010 Chesapeake Ave. in North Beach.

Meals on Wheels deliveries will continue as normal during the closure.

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.

(Pikesville, MD) – Today, Colonel Michael A. Jackson announces the appointment of a new Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Caroll H. Spriggs II, 53, has been appointed to the position of Maryland State Fire Marshal for a six-year term.  Spriggs will lead the Office of the State Fire Marshal, an agency of the Maryland Department of State Police.

Chief Spriggs will lead the nation’s oldest state fire marshal’s office, overseeing its mission of protecting lives and property through fire prevention, investigation, code enforcement, and public safety education. Spriggs is also the first African American to serve in this position in the Department’s 132-year history.

Prior to his appointment, Spriggs served as a Deputy Fire Chief for the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. He also served as Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Annapolis and as a Task Force Officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). In 2019, he was elected to serve on the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board. In 2020, he was named secretary. Spriggs also served at the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years.

“I would like to thank Colonel Jackson for this tremendous opportunity,” Spriggs said. “I look forward to working with all of the partners of the MDSP to continue making Maryland safe.” 

The selection process for a new state fire marshal began in May 2026 when the position was advertised.  Candidate resumes were reviewed by the State Fire Prevention Commission.  The top candidates were forwarded to Colonel Michael A. Jackson, who completed the selection process.

“With a career rooted in service and extensive experience in fire investigation and explosives, Spriggs brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office,” said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police. “I send my sincere appreciation to Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray for his leadership and his continued dedication to the citizens of Maryland.” 

Since December 2023, Chief Deputy Jason Mowbray has led the agency as the Acting State Fire Marshal. After ensuring a smooth and successful transition, he will be assigned to the senior management team. 

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is responsible for statewide fire, arson, and explosive investigations, enforcement of the State Fire Prevention Code, coordination of fire prevention efforts, and the collection of fire incident data. Fire Marshal Spriggs will oversee the operation of 85 employees, including more than 42 deputy state fire marshals.  

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has chosen the winners of the annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, with the grand prize, and first place in the spring category, going to Kyle Smith for his photo of a remarkable moment in nature – an Eastern Whip-poor-will on a branch while a squirrel sneaks up behind it.

Kyle Smith – Right Behind You

“The squirrel kept inching closer, sniffing the whole time, until it was right next to the bird,” Smith wrote in his entry to the photo contest. This year’s contest received more than 1,000 photo submissions, which were judged by a panel of DNR wildlife and photography experts.

For winning the grand prize, Smith will receive a $700 cash prize, a Maryland State Park and Trail Passport, free entry into next year’s contest, and five copies of the 2027 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover. In addition to the overall grand prize winner, the judges selected first through third place winners in four seasonal categories—winter, spring, summer, and fall.

First place winners for the three remaining seasons (other than the grand prize winner) will receive $100, a ?Maryland State Park Passport, and five copies of the 2027 calendar. Second place winners for each season will receive five copies of the calendar.

Still to be determined is the Fan Favorite, which will be chosen by popular opinion on the department’s Facebook page. Followers are encouraged to “like” their pick when the photos are posted on September 16, with votes taken through close of business on September 30. The Fan Favorite wins a one-year Maryland State Park Passport and three copies of the calendar.??

Every winner and the Fan Favorite will have their images published in the department’s 2027 annual calendar, which will be available for sale later in the fall.

The winners of the 2026 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest are below; larger images of the photos can be found on this online gallery.

Other First Place Winners:

First Place Summer

American Sandcastlebuilder – Matt Felperin

First Place Fall

Great Horned Owl – Brian Reidy

First Place Winter

Night of the Wanderer – Matt Felperin

Second Place Winners

Third Place Winners

Fan Favorites

Jonathan Liston, engineering teacher at Henry E. Lackey High School, was recently recognized for the impact that he had on his former student who was named as a Merrill Scholar for 2026-2027. Liston received the teacher-mentor award through the program at the University of Maryland. The Merrill Scholar program honors the university’s most successful seniors and the mentors who have encouraged and inspired them in kindergarten through 12th grade and college.

Lackey graduate Raymond Guzzone recognized Liston for his positive impact on students as well as his honesty, guidance and care.

Before coming to Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), the Greensboro College graduate started his career working for the government with his math degree. Liston was working for the U.S. Navy before shifting his career to education starting his career at Lackey. “I just wanted to help kids understand math,” he said. “It was a dying skill.”

He taught math for four years before becoming a teacher in the Project Lead the Way: Engineering pathway at the school in 2005. Liston helped spearhead the pathway at additional CCPS high schools when it was first implemented at select schools.

Liston wants to help all of his students understand course content and ensure each leave with something that they can contribute to their future in the workforce. He remembered teaching Guzzone’s siblings prior to him in the pathway at Lackey. “I hope that Ray’s experience is typical of every student that I teach,” Liston said. “I try to make sure all of my kids have a positive experience.”

Stacy Bonilla, a Lackey senior, admires Liston’s teaching style and the influence he has made in her academic career. “Mr. Liston makes class super fun in an engaging way and doesn’t make learning a chore,” she said. “I am a more responsible person because he is consistent with his expectations.”

Students in his capstone class who have had him from freshman year to senior year express similar sentiments. They said Liston has positively influenced them to pursue a degree in engineering after high school. Lackey Senior Zion Nelson said that he enjoys hands-on activities to strengthen what he has learned in the class and that his love for engineering grew with the instruction of Liston.

Liston understands the importance of creating a fun and engaging learning environment as he is a product of CCPS, attending from elementary through high school.

The late Philip Merrill, a publisher and philanthropist, created the scholars program to build a community of scholars, faculty members and teachers of students in kindergarten through 12th grade who recognize the importance of teaching and mentoring, according to information provided by the University of Maryland.

Each year the University of Maryland honors outstanding seniors and confers on them the designation of Merrill Presidential Scholars. The scholars are selected by the academic colleges and schools with undergraduate major programs.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) have scheduled a public hearing to consider public testimony on the draft of the St. Mary’s 2050 plan.  The decision to move the draft plan to a public hearing was made following a briefing provided by the Department of Land Use & Growth Management on August 18, 2026, and a work session conducted on September 15, 2026.

The public hearing will be conducted on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room of the Chesapeake Building located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and sign-up sheets for those wishing to speak will be available in the lobby.

Residents are encouraged to attend and share their feedback on the draft St. Mary’s 2050 plan. Those wishing to address the Commissioners may participate in person or provide feedback via:

• Email to: csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov 
• Mail to: PO Box 653 Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

The deadline to submit public comments is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. All submissions will be considered by the CSMC at the Public Hearing and for up to seven days following the hearing. Additional details regarding the Public Hearing are available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/publichearings.

The draft St. Mary’s 2050 plan continues to be available for public review online at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/stmarys2050/.

The St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan will guide land use decisions through 2050 and help ensure the community grows responsibly while preserving its rural character, natural resources, and quality of life. Throughout the planning process, residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the future of St. Mary’s County.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1500, or via email to StMarys2050@stmaryscountymd.gov. Community members are also welcome to stop by the LUGM office to speak with a member of our team. Additional information, including office hours and location details, is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LUGM.

About St. Mary’s 2050

St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan that will guide future land use and development decisions while supporting economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and quality of life. Continued community engagement is a key component of creating a plan that reflects a shared vision for St. Mary’s County’s future.

On September 14 at 8:20 p.m., officers responded to the 8400 block of Billingsley Road in White Plains for the report of a motor vehicle crash. A preliminary investigation showed the driver, Daniel Corbett Wagner, age 41, of White Plains, was travelling westbound on Billingsley Road when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. EMS responded and the driver was pronounced deceased on the scene. There were no other occupants in the car. The cause of the crash is being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Griffith of the Traffic Operations Unit at 301-609-3514.

CDS Violation: 26-76892 On September 3, 2026, DFC Mister responded to the Calvert County Administration Building, located at 150 Main Street in Prince Frederick, for a reported hit-and-run collision. DFC Mister contacted the victim, who stated that his vehicle had been struck by another vehicle, whose operator left the scene without reporting the collision. Camera footage showed the striking vehicle, operated by Colin James Damalougi, 41, of Prince Frederick, hit the victim’s vehicle, back into a parking space, and strike the victim’s vehicle a second time. Damalougi was later located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby. DFC Hendrickson and his K9 partner, Atlas, conducted a free-air sniff of Damalougi’s personal vehicle. The subsequent search revealed one Buprenorphine wrapper containing eight suspected Buprenorphine strips and a cut straw. A search of Damalougi’s work truck revealed one clear plastic tear-off baggie. Damalougi was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Following his arrival, correctional deputies searched his person and property and located three additional Buprenorphine wrappers containing suspected Buprenorphine strips. Damalougi was charged with Failure to Stop Following a Vehicle/Property Damage Accident, Failure to Notify the Owner of a Vehicle/Property Damage, CDS Possession—Not Cannabis, CDS Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement.

CDS Violation: 26-77231 On September 4, 2026, at approximately 12:49 p.m., DFC Brown responded to the Starbucks located at 11738 Rousby Hall Road in Lusby for a reported motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, an unoccupied white Ford Transit was found approximately 15 feet onto a concrete patio, where it had struck a bench. The driver, identified as Matthew Gregory Schulze, 43, of Lusby, was contacted and determined to be impaired and unable to safely operate a motor vehicle following standardized roadside tests. Schulze was arrested for driving while impaired. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 72 white pills, 48 blue pills, 16 sublingual films and an orange pill bottle containing pill residue. The pills were suspected to be Lorazepam, and the films were suspected to be Suboxone. Schulze was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with CDS Possession—Not Cannabis, CDS Possession of Paraphernalia, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving and related traffic offenses.

CDS Violation: 26-77201 On September 4, 2026, at approximately 10:31 a.m., Deputy Angell responded to the Calvert County Administration Building in Prince Frederick for a disorderly subject. Colin James Damalouji, 41, of Prince Frederick, became disorderly following his termination from employment and appeared to be under the influence. Damalouji initially failed to stop for a traffic stop and was eventually detained near Rt. 4 and Armory Square. Damalouji admitted consuming 800 mg of Gabapentin. DFC Hendrickson and K9 Atlas conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle, resulting in an alert for the odor of a controlled dangerous substance. A subsequent search located Gabapentin prescribed to another person. Damalouji was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with driving while impaired, multiple traffic offenses and CDS Possession- Not Cannabis.

Trespassing: 26-77345 On September 4, 2026, at approximately 9:19 p.m., Deputy Currie responded to Walmart, located at 150 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported trespassing complaint. Marvin Wayne Thomas, 60, of Prince Frederick, was found inside the store intoxicated and harassing customers. Thomas had previously been trespassed from the property and was taken into custody. He was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Intoxicated Public Disturbance, and Disorderly Conduct.

Trespassing: 26-76532 On September 2, 2026, Deputy Flaherty responded to 2100 Cove Point Road in Lusby for a trespassing complaint. Surveillance footage showed Colin James Damalouji, 41, of Prince Frederick, return to the property after previously being notified he was not permitted to be there. Damalouji was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – It’s that time of year again! The 2026 Community Health & Wellness Fair, hosted by St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services, will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the University of Maryland Southern – Maryland, located at 44219 Airport Road in California, MD.

This year’s screenings will include body composition, glucose, skin cancer, hearing, vision, and blood pressure, and fall and balance prevention. The Pharmacy at PJ Bean will be providing vaccinations for flu, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and COVID. Bring your insurance card, all insurance providers are accepted!

Two sessions of Flex & Flow: Resistance Band Stretching will be offered by Club Pilates. Each identical session will feature 15 minutes of gentle stretching using resistance bands

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary’s County Health Department will be on-site to collect medications, including diabetic supplies such as needles, lancets, and EpiPens.

Presentations this year include:

Estate Planning & Trusts (9:30 a.m.)

Presented by: Brian Ritter, Esq. Ritter Elder Law & Estate Planning

Happy Feet, Healthy Skin: Tips for Diabetic-Friendly Skin Care (10:45 a.m.)

Presented by: Joy Johnson., Nails & Faces of Joy

Eat Well, Think Well: Discover the MIND Diet (2:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Donna Taggert R.D.

The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services thanks the many sponsors that support this event, including The Pharmacy at PJ Bean, Morningside House of St. Charles, Cedar Lane Senior Living Community, St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks – Museum Division, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

Want to skip the registration line? Register online at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/healthfair! Online registrants will be eligible for a special prize! Online registration closes at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 8.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Nicoletta Pollice, Community Programs & Outreach Division Manager, at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1074, or email nicoletta.pollice@stmaryscountymd.gov.

For more information, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates.

[Monday, Sept. 14] Charles County residents are invited to celebrate historic preservation during the 12th annual Historic Preservation Reception and Awards Ceremony at Historic Maxwell Hall (17388 Teagues Point Road, Hughesville, Maryland 20637).

The event will recognize two award winners for their work in preserving history in Charles County. The Friends of Rich Hill Steering Committee will receive the Preservation Project Award in recognition of the group’s dedication to rehabilitating and reopening historic Rich Hill.

Dorothea Smith will receive the Mary Louise Booth Webb Lifetime Service Award for her lifelong commitment to education, heritage preservation, community service, and sharing Charles County’s African American History.

The Keynote speaker for this year’s event is Francis Gray, chair of the Piscataway Conoy Tribal Council, who will give a presentation titled “To Preserve and Protect the Sacred.”

Light refreshments will be provided. After the ceremony, attendees are invited to tour Maxwell Hall. A $5 donation is encouraged and will support The Friends of Maxwell Hall and The Farm Heritage Conservancy.
 

Those interested in attending should RSVP using the provided link.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has charged a 13?year?old juvenile with making a threat of violence toward a group of students at Davis Middle School that occurred after school hours. A preliminary investigation showed that on September 8 at about 10 p.m., several students from Davis Middle School were on FaceTime when a 13-year-old relative of one of the students appeared on the call, displayed what appeared to be a firearm, and made a threat to come to the school the next day to harm the other people on the call. The incident was not reported to authorities. The following day, school administrators learned of the threat in the early afternoon and notified the school resource officer (SRO) who initiated an investigation. The SRO identified the juvenile, who is not enrolled in Charles County Public Schools, and conducted a home visit. After completing the investigation, the juvenile was charged on a juvenile offense report with making a threat of violence. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Officer Snyder at 301-609-3282 ext. 0756. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats seriously and remains committed to the safety of students, staff, and the community. Parents and guardians are urged to speak with their children about reporting concerning behavior and remind students that any threats of violence will be investigated thoroughly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

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

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

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

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

Dobbins was charged with 15 counts, including

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

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

Tips may also be submitted anonymously through tip411 by:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

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

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

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

stmaryscountymd.gov/dpw/sts/.