Due to construction in the lower-level parking lot beginning November 2, 2026, the Environmental Health entrance at the St. Mary’s County Health Department will be temporarily closed through November 4, 2026. 

Walk-in Environmental Health services will be limited to dropping paperwork off at the Main Entrance of the building during this closure. Environmental Health staff will remain available to assist residents by phone at 301-475-4321 and by email at smchd.env@maryland.gov. Normal walk-in services will resume on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Please note that this temporary closure only affects the Environmental Health entrance and walk-in services. All other St. Mary’s County Health Department programs and services will continue to operate as usual.

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

Charles County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred early this morning, October 31, at The Cut Bar & Restaurant, located at 2570 Business Park Court in Waldorf.

At approximately 1:46 a.m., officers responded to the establishment for a reported stabbing and shooting. The preliminary investigation indicates an altercation occurred between two men inside the bar. During the confrontation, one of the men produced a knife and threatened the other man. A private security guard assigned to the business attempted to intervene and gain control of the suspect’s hand and the knife.

As the confrontation continued, the suspect stabbed the victim once in the abdomen. As the suspect appeared to make another attempt to stab the victim, the security guard discharged his firearm, striking the suspect once in the chest.

The suspect walked outside the establishment and collapsed in the parking lot. Responding officers located him with the knife still in his hand. Officers and emergency medical personnel provided medical assistance; however, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deceased has been identified as William Pierre Strong, age 41, of  Waldorf.

The victim who sustained the stab wound was treated for injuries that do not appear to be life threatening  

This remains an active and ongoing investigation and detectives will present the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review. No additional information is available at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Detective Logsdon at 301-609-6436.  

The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in 2001 and has since earned the highest rating of Excellence. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit www.ccso.us. Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Tipsters who want to be eligible for a cash reward and remain anonymous must 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, which can be found in the Android Store and Apple Store by searching P3tips. 

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As Marylanders prepare to turn their clocks back for the end of Daylight Saving Time at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, State Fire Marshal Caroll H. Spriggs II reminds everyone to take a simple, life-saving step: “Change Your Clock – Check Your Smoke Alarms.”

Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms provide critical early warning during a home fire or CO emergency. Spriggs said the beginning and end of Daylight Saving Time is an ideal opportunity to test alarms, check their age, and replace batteries in units with replaceable batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

“Before you go to bed this Saturday, turn back your clocks and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said State Fire Marshal Caroll H. Spriggs II. “If an alarm isn’t working, take care of it right away. Your family depends on that warning.”

One of the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s most impactful initiatives is the Get Alarmed Maryland program. This public-facing portal allows residents to request smoke alarms directly through the office.

Maryland’s 2013 smoke alarm law required battery-only smoke alarms sold in the state to be 10-year sealed lithium battery models. Any older 9-volt or similar battery-only smoke alarms should be replaced with the newer, long-life models. Sealed batteries should not be replaced; replace the entire alarm when it reaches the end of its service life or as directed by the manufacturer.

Along with working smoke alarms and CO alarms, having and practicing a home escape plan is another critical step in preventing injury or death. Families should identify at least two ways out of every room and practice their plan together.

State Fire Marshal Spriggs also reminds everyone to keep bedroom doors closed while sleeping. A closed door can block smoke, heat, and toxic gases, allowing more time to escape or be rescued. If you escape from a fire, close doors behind you to slow the spread of flames and limit oxygen to the fire.

“Everyone in your household should know the sound of the alarms and how to get out safely,” Spriggs said. “Practice your escape plan as a family. When an emergency happens, there’s no time to figure out what to do.”

The County Administrator reminds residents of changes to normal operating schedules for November. All offices, facilities, and services not listed will operate under their normal hours.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 (Election Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center and all senior centers are closed.
• All school-based community centers are closed.
• The Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open 4 p.m.–9 p.m.
• North Point, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center and Lackey Indoor Pools are closed.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center is open for scheduled activities.
• Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center is open.

Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center located in Hughesville are closed.
• The Charles County Landfill, all Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility are closed.
• Curbside recycling and yard waste will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center and all senior centers are closed.
• All school-based community centers are closed.
• The Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• North Point Indoor Pool, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center and Lackey Indoor Pool are open from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center is closed.
• Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center is open.
• VanGO: Last departures from the Waldorf Transfer Point will be at 6 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Berry Road, Brandywine Connector, Pinefield, Indian Head, St. Charles A, St. Charles B, and St. Charles C. Last departures from the Waldorf Transfer Point will be at 5:30 p.m. on Business A, Business B, and Charlotte Hall. The last departure from the Waldorf Transfer Point will be at 6:30 p.m. for St. Charles D. The last departure from the La Plata Transfer Point will be at 6:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector. The last departures from the La Plata Transfer Point will be at 5:30 p.m. for Bryans Road, La Plata, and Nanjemoy. The last departure from the La Plata Transfer Point for Newburg will be at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 25 (Day before Thanksgiving)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center and all senior centers are closed.
• All school-based community centers are closed.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center is open for scheduled activities.
• All indoor pools are closed.
• Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center is closed.
• The Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is closed.

Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center, and all senior centers are closed.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center, Elite Gymnastics, indoor pools, and all school-based community centers are closed.
• VanGO services will not be operating.
• The Charles County Landfill, all Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility will be closed.
• Curbside recycling and yard waste will be delayed one day; Thursday pickup will take place on Friday.
• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center is closed.
• White Plains Golf Course and skate park are closed.
• Port Tobacco Historic Village is closed.

Friday, Nov. 27 (Day after Thanksgiving)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center, and all senior centers are closed.
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center, Elite Gymnastics, indoor pools, and all school-based community centers are closed.
• Curbside recycling and yard waste will be delayed one day; Friday pickup will take place on Saturday.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 30, 2026 – St. Mary’s County Government announces that
applications for the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) grant program will open Monday, 
Nov. 2, 2026. Eligible nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for funding to support programs and 
projects that strengthen communities throughout St. Mary’s County.
The CRRF was established under Maryland’s Cannabis Reform Act of 2023 and is funded through 
a portion of the state’s adult-use cannabis tax revenue. The program reinvests these funds into lowincome communities and areas affected by past cannabis law enforcement and supports initiatives that 
address local needs, expand opportunities and improve residents’ quality of life.
St. Mary’s County has received approximately $1.6 million in CRRF funding to support eligible 
community initiatives. The Commissioners have prioritized one-time investments that address local 
needs, provide measurable benefits and create lasting improvements without requiring ongoing county 
funding. Eligible projects may focus on:
• Education and youth development: After-school programs, youth activities and 
educational support.
• Behavioral health and family support: Mental health services, childcare and family 
assistance programs.
• Housing and basic needs: Housing assistance, homelessness prevention and community 
support services.
• Workforce development: Job training, employment readiness and programs supporting 
individuals and families affected by incarceration.
• Community improvements: Transportation, equipment, technology and facility 
improvements that support eligible services.
Applications open Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, and must be submitted by close of business Monday, 
Dec. 21, 2026. Interested organizations may apply online at apps.stmarysmd.com/Grants, where they can also review program requirements and eligibility information. 
To assist applicants, St. Mary’s County Government will offer two training sessions to review 
program requirements and demonstrate how to use the online application portal. Sessions are 
scheduled for:
• Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Organizations interested in attending a training session should register by emailing 
crrfhelp@stmaryscountymd.gov. For questions about the CRRF grant program, eligibility requirements or 
application process, email crrfhelp@stmaryscountymd.gov. 
For more information on SMCG, please visit http://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ or follow St. 
Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 30, 2026 – The St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & 
Transportation (DPW&T) advises motorists of temporary lane closures along FDR Blvd. on Monday, Nov. 2, 
2026, as crews begin roadway improvements, weather permitting.
Construction will take place along the southbound lane of FDR Blvd., between the Market Place 
St. Mary’s shopping center entrance near Harris Teeter and Maryland Route 4. Work will include 
excavation to install a new multiuse path.
The project is expected to take one day to complete, weather permitting. Temporary southbound 
lane closures are anticipated from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traffic control signs and message boards will be 
placed in the area to alert motorists of construction activities and potential delays.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the work zone, follow posted 
signs and watch for construction crews and equipment. Drivers should allow extra travel time or consider 
alternate routes to avoid delays.
For more information, contact Donald Bean with DPW&T at 301-475-4200, ext. 3531.
For more information on St. Mary’s County Government, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov or 
follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland – NAS Patuxent River is saddened to announce that former commanding officer Capt. Donald A. Wright III, 83, passed away Oct. 21, 2026.

Wright served as commanding officer of NAS Patuxent River from June 28, 1989 to June 30, 1992. But prior to his time as Pax CO, his career was marked by advancements in helicopter systems and tactics, many he would have a hand in.

Born Feb. 2, 1943 in Jersey City, New Jersey Wright was the son of the late Donald Alexander Wright Jr. and Helen Louise (Burger) Wright. He was a naval aviator to his core, stating that while his father served in the Navy he came to the service on his own via ROTC.

“They sent me off to college, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Wright in 1989.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Miami University of Ohio and later a master's degree in management from the University of Southern California. Commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Wright earned his wings of gold in 1966 as a helicopter pilot. He spent time in the fleet with notable squadrons such as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 9, HS-1, and HS-7, and flew rescue missions from the decks of the USS Essex and HMS Ark Royal.

Wright then expanded his experience as a pilot by participating in a personnel exchange tour with the Royal Navy, serving with RN Squadrons 824 and 706.

Wright then embarked on a new chapter of his naval career, which would first bring him to Pax River. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1974 with Class 66 he joined Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate, becoming its first administration officer.

During this time in his career, Wright would be influential on the development of future helicopter systems of the U.S. Navy. He noted in a 1989 interview that “The helicopter has been an effective weapon system in the Navy since the 1960’s, but you don’t start out as a captain, you start out as an ensign.”

He served as the project officer for the Light Airborne Multipurpose System Mark III helicopter engineering development tests from 1975 to 1977. Wright then left Pax for a department head tour with HS-3 out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, deploying with USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS America, and USS John F. Kennedy before being assigned to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) headquarters in 1982 as the development officer and later deputy program manager for the SH-60F helicopter.

Following his promotion to captain in 1985, he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and returned to NAVAIR as the director of the Test and Evaluation Division, and later reported to the President of the board of Inspection and Survey as the senior member of the aviation board at Pax River, where he monitored the engineering development of aircraft weapons systems.

He was then tapped to serve as NAS Patuxent River’s commanding officer. Having previously served at the air station twice before, his experience at the command gave him a significant insight to the role.

 “I have an understanding of what goes on here, and I’ve seen the changes that go on here,” Wright noted prior to coming onboard as Pax commanding officer. “I am now enthusiastically looking forward to leading the military personnel, government civilians, and contractors who provide the station support to the Naval Air Test Center and tenant commands here at Pax… I can’t think of a better assignment.”

He quickly got to work, being known as a tireless promoter of the Navy’s Total Quality Management philosophy of attacking problems at the source and coordination between departments. In his time as Pax River commanding officer, his focus on infrastructure improvements and environmental stewardship would set the tone for the next 35 years of installation management.

“The people that are working these processes are the experts, and we need to listen to them; I think we’ve come a long way because of that management philosophy,” Wright said as Pax CO. “It’s very important for a shore installation like Pax River… my job is to be a leader and a manager of this base. We’ve got a lot of things going on here. Sometimes, people think of my job as a troubleshooter, and troubleshooting is just a very small part of it. We’re supposed to be creating process that produce the results we want.”

As a test-pilot-turned-installation-CO, his efforts were thoroughly focused on Pax River’s support of the Research, Test, Development and Evaluation mission, saying presciently of Pax in 1992 that “We’re going to have a lot of change as the world changes. If we no longer need to do a certain research and development and engineering, then we’ll stop doing it. We’ll be able to respond to things that we need to do, new things that come along.”

As Wright concluded his career as Pax River’s commanding officer 34 years ago, he stated he wanted to be remembered as a problem solver, making necessary changes to help NAS Patuxent River meet the goals of the future.

“And the future involves more than ever the great partnership between the base and the community.”

Wright is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann Wright; his three sons, Donald, Scott, and Matthew Wright; seven grandchildren; and his siblings Doug Wright, Linda Clark, Dave Wright, Rich Wright, Laura Gawel, and Karen Huysers.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 30, 2026 – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business day Oct. 27 with a joint meeting with the St. Mary’s County Board of Education to discuss student enrollment projections, the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and opportunities to strengthen the local teaching workforce. The discussion included the Maryland State Department of Education's Grow Your Own Grant program, which offers school systems an opportunity to provide paraprofessionals with a pathway to becoming licensed teachers at no cost to employees. Following the joint meeting, the CSMC reconvened for their regular business meeting, beginning with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the consent agenda. As a part of the consent agenda, the CSMC approved the FY27 scholarship applications. The CSMC presented proclamations in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Maryland Emancipation Day, and World Sustainability Day. Serving as the Board of Health, the Commissioners received a presentation from St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster. The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland also presented a briefing on the Southern Maryland Workforce Development Board. During County Administrator Time, the CSMC took the following actions: • Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. • Approved parts 1 and 2 of the SFY27 Jail-Based MOUD Program Grant award – Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program and the related budget amendments. • Approved converting a vacant forensic scientist position within the State’s Attorney’s Office to a paralegal position.

• Authorized the director of Human Resources to serve as the county’s authorized officer for the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance program. • Approved transferring the position of risk specialist and existing Risk Management budget to the Office of the County Attorney. • Accepted the St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services Intergovernmental Agency agreement and approved the related budget amendment to realign the project award. • Approved the Memorandum of Agreement between The Patuxent Partnership and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County. • Adopted the several measures related to the newly completed section of FDR Boulevard between Buck Hewitt Road and Pegg Road. These included accepting the roadway into the county's highway maintenance system, establishing traffic regulations and designating bicycle lanes along the corridor. The Commissioners concluded their business meeting with Commissioner Time and reconvened that afternoon for their annual meeting with the Maryland Association of Counties. The CSMC will not meet on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, or Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. The next CSMC Meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge St. 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 Tuesday, Oct. 27, Charles County Government conducted its annual bond sale. This year’s sale of $93.2 million supports the County’s Capital Improvement Program. Significant projects to be financed by the bonds include additions and renovations to Board of Education facilities; various environmental service fund projects; Board of Education new school construction; improvements to various general government facilities; various park projects; various road, bridge, and sidewalk upgrades and drainage system improvements; various watershed protection and stream restoration projects; and various water and sewer projects. JPMorgan submitted the winning bid at an interest rate of 4.026792%. Charles County received 15 bids during the 2026 Bond Sale.

Public Hearings Set for Pretrial Services, Collective Bargaining Bills

A public hearing for Proposed Bill 2026-13: Pretrial Release Program and Community Service was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. The bill would establish a pretrial release and community service program in Charles County. The program would allow judges in the Charles County District Court or Circuit Court to release individuals charged with certain lesser criminal offenses from pretrial incarceration, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the bill. Participants who are released would incur the costs of the program, including monitoring and drug testing fees. Individuals arrested for a violent crime, certain weapons charges, and certain domestic violence-related charges would be ineligible to participate in the program.

Commissioners also voted 3-2 to introduce Newly Proposed Bill 2026-12: Collective Bargaining. The bill would allow for certain Charles County employees to form a union. Employees in the Emergency Medical Division are not subject to this bill. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Business Length of Service Celebration

Economic Development Department staff presented a proposed addition to Charles County’s business anniversary recognition practices that would allow businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries to be considered for a department feature. Features would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and would not be guaranteed or create additional commitments for commissioners. Existing recognition practices, including county seals and anniversary citations, would continue.

Staff also recommended coordinating recognition requests through the Economic Development Department and improving information sharing among county offices. The department will use its business database to track business start and incorporation dates and explore additional sources to improve accuracy. These steps will help staff identify upcoming anniversaries and coordinate recognition.

Mixed Residential Community Use Bill Approved

During the public hearing, Commissioners unanimously passed Proposed Bill 2026-10 Mixed Residential Community Use in the RM and RH Zones. The bill allows single-family detached homes, duplexes, townhouses, multiplexes, and cottage dwellings within a unified development in designated medium- and high-density residential zones. The legislation applies within the county’s Development District and Priority Funding Areas, reduces the minimum footprint for single-family detached homes from 1,250 to 960 square feet, and introduces cottage dwellings ranging from 400 to 960 square feet. It also provides density bonuses when at least half of a development’s units are affordable to households earning no more than 60% of the area median income. Mixed residential communities require a unified development plan and approval of an alternative design and development code.

For more information on the meeting, including a full list of briefings, approval items, actions on boards and commissions, and more, visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select “Available Archives.

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On October 26 at Westlake High School, two 17-year-old students, in separate incidents, were found by school administrators to be in possession of THC vaping devices.  Also on October 26, an administrator at La Plata High School found an 18-year-old student in possession of a set of brass knuckles. Again, on October 26, North Point High School administrators learned that a 17-year-old student was in possession of cannabis. Administrators found a sandwich bag containing six THC gummies.

On October 28, a 12-year-old student at Mattawoman Middle School was observed using a vape device during class. An administrator recovered the device from the student. On October 29, an administrator at Thomas Stone High School found a 14-year-old student had a vaping device in class, which was recovered.

The recovered cannabis products tested positive for the presence of THC. Students found in possession of prohibited items related to cannabis were issued citations and face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct, while the adult student will be charged criminally at a later date.

Parents are urged to speak with their children about the dangers of vaping and cannabis products, including the potential risks associated with substances that may contain unknown or harmful ingredients.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (October 29, 2026) — Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today joined Governor Wes Moore and Chief Deputy Treasurer John Martin for a meeting of the Board of Public Works. During the meeting, the Board approved 142 items, representing a total State expenditure of $683,227,301.70.

“Investing in health care and education means investing in Maryland’s future,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “From a new hospital on the Eastern Shore to improved learning spaces and workforce training facilities, these projects will help Marylanders access the care, education, and opportunities they need to thrive. I am proud to support investments that serve Marylanders in every part of our state.”

Comptroller Lierman recused herself during the vote for the Prieto Battery lease agreement as required under the participation restrictions of Section 5-501 of the Public Ethics Law because of a qualifying relative’s interest with a business entity that is a party to this matter.

Among the items approved were grant agreements for 51 projects across the state totaling $69,368,000. Some notable approved grant agreements included:

• $40 million to the University of Maryland Medical System Corporation for a new six-story, 366,300-square-foot hospital in Easton, Talbot County.
• $5.5 million to the City of Frederick for the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center development.
• $5.5 million to Montgomery College to renovate and improve the library at its Rockville campus.
• $1.35 million to Montgomery County to build or renovate 10 public school playgrounds in underserved areas throughout the county.
• $750,000 to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486 Joint Journeyman and Apprentice Holding Company to renovate their training facility in Hagerstown.

Access documents and a list of all approved items from today’s meeting.

Watch a recording of today’s meeting.

BALTIMORE (October 29, 2026) – Today, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released state, district, and school-level results for the 2026 Maryland Report Card.

Maryland report card data indicates school performance under the Maryland Accountability System using a five-star scale for ratings. Nearly 89 percent of public schools statewide earned one of the top three star ratings, three percentage points above the 2025 results. Half of all schools earned one of the top two star ratings, up seven percentage points from the prior year. 

“This year’s results highlight the ongoing dedication of Maryland educators, students, and school communities,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “With one in five schools increasing their star rating, we are seeing yet another meaningful indicator of steady, statewide progress. The Maryland School Report Card continues to serve as a critical measure of how well we are supporting every learner, and we remain committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction and meaningful opportunities for success.”

“The Maryland School Report Card remains an essential resource for transparency, accountability, and continuous growth,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President. “The current accountability system plays a vital role in ensuring the public has a clear understanding of school performance. These results demonstrate how schools and districts are engaging with the system to strengthen student experiences and outcomes across the state.”

School star ratings are based on multiple indicators, including non-academic measures. Elementary and middle school indicators are: Academic Achievement, Academic Progress, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, and School Quality and Student Success.

High school indicators are: Academic Achievement, Graduation Rate, Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency, Readiness for Postsecondary Success, and School Quality and Student Success. Schools earn between one and five stars based on the percentage of points earned across indicators.

Maryland Assessment and Accountability Advisory Committee 

Maryland is currently redesigning the accountability system. The Maryland Assessment and Accountability Advisory Committee, which brings together local and state leaders, school-based staff, and community organizations to advise the State Board of Education and MSDE, offer guidance on measures to increase transparency, and emphasize student growth in evaluating school performance.

Maryland School Report Card Resources 

The Maryland Report Card website provides access to a downloadable report for each public school. Website users can also access disaggregated data showing performance for each student group, including race/ethnicity groups and students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and multilingual learners. 

Along with school star ratings, the Maryland Report Card website displays current and historical data on Maryland public schools, such as enrollment, attendance, state assessment results, graduation rates, college enrollment trends, per-pupil expenditures, and educator qualifications.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) announced today it will close all branch offices and full-service Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) stations in observance of the upcoming Election Day and Veterans Day Holidays. 

Election Day will be observed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. MVA branch offices and VEIP stations will resume normal operations on Wednesday, November 4. 

Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with normal operations resuming on Thursday, November 12, 2026. 

Customers can schedule an appointment at an MVA branch or complete more than 60 transactions with myMVAOnline Services accounts – anytime, anywhere and at their convenience. Customers can also use self-service VEIP kiosks,?which are available 24 hours each day, throughout the holiday weekend. 

View a complete list of 2026 closings here. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 29, 2026 – The St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will host a residential household hazardous waste collection event Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrews Landfill, located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road in California, MD. Household hazardous waste includes products commonly found in homes that require special handling and disposal to protect public health and the environment. Improper disposal can lead to dangerous chemical reactions, fires, harmful vapors or contamination of soil and groundwater. Accepted items include gasoline, gas and oil mixtures, fuels, acids, household cleaners, solvents, bleach, ammonia, pool chemicals, photography chemicals, household and lawn pesticides, oil-based paints, paint thinners, mercury thermometers and wood preservatives. Residents may dispose of latex paint by adding a paint hardener and allowing it to dry completely. Items that will not be accepted include ammunition, asbestos, explosives, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials and picric acid. For more information and a full list of accepted items, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/fall26hazardouswaste or call the DPW&T at 301-475-4200, ext. 3550. For more information on St. Mary’s County Government, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Oct. 29, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation advises that Mt. Hope Community Center will be temporarily closed Monday, Nov. 9, through Wednesday, Nov. 11, for scheduled floor maintenance.

Normal operating hours are scheduled to resume Thursday, Nov. 12.

Mt. Hope Community Center is located at 104 Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland.

To learn more about available services and locations, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CommunityCenters.

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.

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Makeba Gibbs sentenced Amar Julio Barrera, 44, to 10 years in prison for Home Invasion, Kidnapping, and related charges. Barrera will be on supervised probation for a period of five years after his release. If he violates the terms of his probation, he faces a potential 45 years in prison.

On March 20, 2026, a Charles County jury found Barrera guilty of the above charges.

On September 25, 2025, officers with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center for a reported assault. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim in the emergency room lobby. The victim had visible facial injuries and reported that he had been assaulted and kidnapped at his residence on September 23, 2025.

An investigation revealed that during the evening hours of September 23, 2025, the victim was inside his residence when Barrera and three other co-defendants, including Samantha Lynn Hergett, a relative of the victim, entered the house. The victim was physically assaulted by two of the male co-defendants and attempted to defend himself. During the assault, Barrera tased the victim leaving him incapacitated. The co-defendants then dragged the victim from the home, bound his wrists and ankles, and placed him in the back seat of a white Ford F-150 driven by Barrera.

The victim was transported to Hergett’s house in Clinton, where he was restrained and beaten by the two male co-defendants. Barrera and the two males threatened to kill the victim and his family if he attempted to leave. On September 25, 2025, the victim was picked up by another relative and brought back to Charles County. The victim’s mother then took him to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Text message exchanges showed that Barrera planned the home invasion and kidnapping. He coordinated the attack with Hergett, who was also his girlfriend, and his two other co-defendants, believing the victim had taken his property.

On March 23, 2026, Hergett pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping and was sentenced to 8 years in prison on April 15, 2026.

At Barrera’s sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie, requesting 60 years in prison, told the judge that what the victim experienced was “torture.” He furthered, “This case does not happen but for Mr. Barrera. He’s the driving force for it to occur. You cannot engage in self-help like this. There was never a good ending for this.”

Prior to sentencing Barrera for 10 years in prison, the Honorable Judge Gibbs told him, “These actions were violent, senseless, cruel, and terrorizing. You made a very bad choice. [You attempted] to teach a grown man a lesson. When you resort to self-help, things can get out of hand. You terrorized this young man and there is no legal justification for it.”

Sentence

Count 1 - Home Invasion

• 25 years suspend all but 10 years

Count 3 – Kidnapping

• 30 years with all suspended
• Consecutive to Count 1

Count 7 – Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping

• 30 years with all suspended
• Concurrent to Count 3

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Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is hosting a virtual Zoom meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2, for parents to learn about i-Ready assessments and reports. I-Ready is an adaptive assessment that CCPS administers in both reading and mathematics to students in September. Students who took i-Ready assessments include the following.

· Students in Grades 1-8 participated in both a reading and math assessment.

· High school students with math Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals completed the math assessment.

· High school students with reading IEP goals completed the reading assessment.

All participants must have an active Zoom account to participate. The meeting link is below.

Meeting Link: https://ccboe.zoom.us/j/83037242509?pwd=rFCsDaPpSUxC7XHlf6vHvfsAWHKN7E.1

During the meeting, staff from the CCPS Office of Teaching and Learning will discuss the meaning of the reports, share information on how parents can review their child’s data and how they can support areas of reading and math at home.

Parents can access their child’s fall i-Ready data reports through the i-Ready student portal. To access the report, students will need to log in to their CCPS Office 365 account, go to Clever, and then click on the i-Ready icon. Directions for accessing student reports are posted on the i-Ready page of the website.

All student Microsoft Office 365 accounts include a student’s six-digit student identification number and @ccboe.com, such as 123456@ccboe.com. Student passwords are located in ParentVue and StudentVue accounts, under the student information menu area.

The code to access i-Ready Family Reports for the 2026-2027 school year is 88SCZX. This code is for all students in all schools. Parents should contact their child’s teacher to request a paper copy of their child’s i-Ready family reports. Additional parent resources including a video about i-Ready are posted online here. CCPS has also posted i-Ready resources on the i-Ready page of the website.

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, October 22, 2026, a Charles County jury, after a 4-day trial, convicted Kareem Abdul Isaroon, 51, of Indian Head, of Sexual Abuse a Minor.

On September 8, 2025, a detective with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Center for Children to observe a forensic interview with the juvenile victim. During the interview, the victim disclosed that Isaroon had sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

An investigation revealed that Isaroon resided with the victim from 2023 through 2025. During that time, he repeatedly touched the victim inappropriately after she entered his room.

On September 5, 2025, the victim disclosed the incidents to detectives and Child Protective Services personnel who were investigating a separate suspected child abuse/child neglect report.

A sentencing date has been set for December 16, 2026. Isaroon faces 25 years in prison.

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LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Dominick Jermaine W Hawkins, 19, to 38 years in prison for the Felony Murder of Baxter O’Henry Hubbard, Grossly Negligent Manslaughter: Vehicle, as well as related charges. Hawkins will be on supervised probation for a period of five years upon his release. If he violates the terms of his probation, he faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

On August 28, 2026, a Charles County jury found Hawkins guilty of the above charges.

On December 3, 2024, officers with the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, La Plata Police Department and Charles County Sheriff’s Office received a broadcast alerting them to a vehicle pursuit originating in King George, Virginia and entering Maryland. The vehicle, a 2017 Kia Forte, was traveling at approximately 120 miles per hour after its occupants allegedly committed an armed robbery at a Sheetz in King George County. A King George County Sheriff’s deputy was pursuing the vehicle as it entered Maryland. In an effort to stop the vehicle, officers deployed stop sticks at locations south and north of Maryland Route 6.

Hawkins, who was driving the Kia, struck two sets of stop sticks before running a red light in the Town of La Plata. The Kia then collided into the rear of a Honda CR-V that was making a left turn from Port Tobacco Road onto Northbound U.S. Route 301, causing the Kia to veer into the median and collide with multiple trees and a metal guardrail. The Honda was forced to the right and struck a concrete curb.

All individuals involved in the collision were transported to area hospitals. Hawkins and the driver of the Honda survived their injuries. Hubbard, who was 16 years old and seated in the front passenger seat of the Kia, succumbed to his injuries on December 5, 2024.

The investigation determined that Hawkins caused the collision by attempting to flee from the police at a high rate of speed and running a red light.

Investigators also determined that the Kia Hawkins was driving had been stolen prior to the armed robbery.

At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Cody Ballard told the judge “The defendant’s actions that night warranted a substantial amount of incarceration.” He furthered, “This was more than an accident. This was a blatant disregard for public safety. He was out of control, and his behavior is indicative of a person out of control. Mr. Hubbard’s life was taken because of the defendant’s actions.”

Before sentencing Hawkins to 38 years, the Honorable Judge West said, “There are so many aspects of this case that are just tragic. What I saw was as reckless as someone could be, [you were] given every opportunity to call it off. There is no real good explanation for anything that happened.”

Sentence

Count 1 – Felony Murder

• Life suspend all but 30 years

Count 2 – Grossly Negligent Manslaughter

• 10 years
• Concurrent to Count 1

Count 3 – Fleeing and Alluding Resulting in a Death

• 5 years
• Consecutive to Count 1

Count 11 – Second-Degree Assault

• 3 years
• Consecutive to Counts 1 and 3

Charles County Government is pleased to provide a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for a new Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) initiative to support development of affordable multi-family rental housing. On September 22, 2026, the County Commissioners approved the release of a 2027 NOFA, allowing qualified applicants to compete for a PILOT agreement to advance affordable housing development and housing preservation projects in designated priority funding areas of Charles County, MD. The FY2027 PILOT is one part of a comprehensive strategy for local government to demonstrate its investment in, and support for, affordable housing development in priority funding areas of our community.

The NOFA application will be available for interested parties to download starting Monday, Nov 2, 2026, and closing on the application deadline of January 8, 2027. PILOT funding availability in an amount up to $700,000 will be determined following a public hearing and announced no later than June 2027, based upon a competitive process. To download the NOFA for the FY2027 PILOT, detailing the timeline, required letter of intent, application details including minimum project criteria, submission instructions, evaluation and selection process, please visit the primary website for Charles County Government at: Charles County, MD | Home or via the Department of Community Services Housing Authority webpage at: Housing Authority | Charles County, MD.