NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that a nighttime noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place June 10-25, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on an aircraft carrier. The practices consist of series of touch-and-go maneuvers, “bounces.” Residents may notice increased noise levels due to these operations.

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing activities on the community. For more information, call 1-866-819-9028. To view all current NAS PAX noise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (June 4, 2026) – As the summer travel season gets underway, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office and the Maryland State Police remind Marylanders to be Serious About Safety and prioritize safety on the roadways. The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the deadliest days of the year as traffic crashes and road fatalities historically increase nationwide during this time.

Throughout the summer months, troopers from all 23 Maryland State Police barracks, including the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, and law enforcement agencies across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement, DUI saturation patrols and public outreach efforts across the state to deter dangerous driving behaviors and keep Maryland roadways safe.

“Summer travel means more vehicles on the road, more celebrations and unfortunately, more preventable crashes,” said Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “We want every Marylander to enjoy their summer safely by making responsible choices behind the wheel including planning ahead for a sober ride, avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits and always buckling up.”

So far this year, troopers have removed more than 2,000 suspected impaired drivers from our roadways, with the state’s specialized unit of troopers removing another 333 in areas with high rates of impaired driving crashes, particularly in the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan regions. Additionally, troopers have cited 1,600 drivers traveling 30 or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit and 350 drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour.

“In partnership with our law enforcement and highway safety partners, we are committed to ensuring every person who travels our roadways arrives at their destination safely,” said Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. “Summer should be a season of making memories with family and friends, not tragedy on our highways. We urge motorists to obey the speed limit, never drive impaired, and remain alert, especially in work zones.”

Over the past five years in Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed and almost 15,000 people injured in crashes involving impaired drivers. Speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving also remain leading contributors to serious and fatal crashes during the summer months.

Roadway users are encouraged to: 

• Always designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service if consuming alcohol or drugs. 

• Buckle up on every trip, every seat, every time. 

• Follow posted speed limits and avoid aggressive driving behaviors. 

• Make a lane change or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals. 

• Eliminate distractions and keep phones out of reach while driving. 

• Stay alert for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists sharing the road. 

• Slow down when traveling through work zones. 

Pedestrians are also reminded to use marked crosswalks whenever possible, remain alert while walking and wear bright or reflective clothing at night.

The Maryland Department of Transportation continues its commitment to reducing roadway fatalities through its Serious About Safety initiative and Maryland’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or follow @ZeroDeathsMD on social media.

Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health announced today that Clover Hill Dairy (Mechanicsville, MD) has issued a voluntary recall of its requesón/soft ricotta products due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination.

Clover Hill Dairy products are sold directly from their retail market, at farmers markets, and through third party distributors, including in New York and Virginia. Some varieties may have jalapeño or other flavors. Products may be relabeled under a different brand name when distributed, so consumers are urged to check the manufacturer information on packages, if available. The label should identify the Clover Hill Dairy manufacturer permit (or plant) number as “24-128”. 

Consumers, retailers and restaurants should not eat, sell or serve products containing Clover Hill Dairy requesón/soft ricotta products, and should dispose of any product containing them. Photographs contained in this release show the front label of sample Clover Hill Dairy requesón/soft ricotta products. This does not represent all products and distributors affected by this voluntary recall.   

Due to the public health risk, the Maryland Department of Health has suspended the facility’s operating license, and is conducting a follow up evaluation in cooperation with the facility.  

L. monocytogenes is a type of disease-causing bacteria, part of the Listeria family, that can grow in unsanitary food production conditions, leading to contamination of the food. When people eat food contaminated with L. monocytogenes, they may develop a disease called listeriosis. It can survive and grow even under refrigeration, and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces. Pets can also spread the bacteria in the home if they eat food contaminated with L. monocytogenes.

Listeriosis can cause a range of symptoms that vary depending  on the severity and form of the illness. It can be serious and life-threatening, particularly for pregnant women, newborns and young children, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems. Mild symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often persist for 1 to 3 days. For the more serious form of the disease, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Although people can sometimes develop listeriosis up to 2 months after eating contaminated food, symptoms usually begin within several days. People should immediately consult with a healthcare provider if they suspect they have developed symptoms that resemble a listeriosis infection. 

Consumers at higher risk for Listeria illness should not eat any soft cheeses that are  made with unpasteurized milk. Although pasteurization of milk kills Listeria, soft cheeses made from pasteurized milk can still become contaminated after the pasteurization process and cause Listeria illnesses. 

This represents the best information currently available to the Maryland Department of Health. 

For more information: Listeriosis Fact Sheet.

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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.

Follow for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.

 On June 2, a 14-year-old student at Glymont Middle School was observed using a vaping device in class. The vape was recovered and found to contain THC. The student will be issued a citation for possession of cannabis. They also face consequences in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools student code of conduct. Parents are urged to talk with their children about the dangers of consuming products like vapes which could contain unknown chemicals and unregulated ingredients, all of which can cause harmful and unpredictable effects in youth.

Narcotics Detectives Charge Man in Drug Distribution Case: On May 29, detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section obtained search warrants for the residence of Tyrand Dupres Butler and for his vehicle, a 2019 Maserati Levante. The warrants were the result of an investigation into Butler’s suspected drug distribution activities. Detectives took Butler into custody as he was walking away from his vehicle at a Waldorf shopping center. Following the arrest, detectives responded to Butler’s residence in the 12000 block of Bar Oak Drive in Waldorf and served the search warrant where they recovered nearly $25,000 worth of cocaine, drug packaging equipment, and a stolen Glock 9mm handgun. Butler is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction. He was transported to the Charles County Detention Center where he was charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics and weapon violations. On June 1, the court ordered Butler to be released from the Charles County Detention Center as long as he meets the criteria for electronic monitoring.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that William Elliot Mitchell, Jr., 62, of Bushwood, Maryland, was sentenced to five years with eighteen months of active incarceration for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

On April 21, 2025, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Woodbush Drive in reference to a report of a stolen Dodge Ram truck from a Waldorf car dealership. When deputies arrived, they observed the stolen Ram 2500 diesel pickup truck in question. The Ram truck had New Jersey plates and was attached to a dump trailer. Also observed on the property was a Kubota tractor. Both the trailer and the tractor were previously reported to have been stolen in 2023 by a separate victim.

“The theft of vehicles and other valuable equipment causes significant losses for businesses and property owners, which ultimately impacts our entire community,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in property crimes.”

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

Corporal William Rishel of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Amy Lorenzini presided over the case.

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, will conduct additional outdoor warning siren testing beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.

The supplemental testing follows the full-cycle test conducted June 1 and is intended to ensure all sirens are reaching the appropriate decibel levels throughout the surrounding areas.

The testing will involve randomly selected sirens located throughout Calvert County and near the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant emergency planning zone. Residents may hear siren activations intermittently during the testing period.

The sirens selected for testing include:

· Siren 1 – Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department (Old Field Road)

· Siren 61 – Mill Bridge Road

· Siren 55 – Route 760/Rousby Hall Road (near Patuxent High School)

· Siren 29 – Route 765 at South Plant Access/Nursery Road

· Siren 23 – Parran Road near Mackall Road

Testing is expected to begin at approximately 9 a.m. on June 4 and continue through the listed siren locations until completed.

Residents are reminded that this is only a test of the outdoor warning siren system. No action is required.

Visit the Calvert County Alert Notification System webpage to learn more about the county’s siren alert system and find additional emergency planning and mitigation information from the Department of Public Safety.

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, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

As part of the consent agenda, the CSMC approved letters of support for the Evergreen at Cedar Lane development and the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

The Commissioners then presented proclamations in recognition of LGBTQIA Pride Month, National Homeownership Month, and National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week.

The CSMC then presented a commendation to Susie Selzer in honor of her retirement.

The Commissioners then received a Board of Health briefing from Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer.

For their main agenda items, the Commissioners took the following action:

• Approved the request to schedule a public hearing on July 14, 2026, to consider a Resolution approving Verizon Maryland LLC’s application for a Cable Franchise Agreement.
• Approved a request to schedule a public hearing on June 23, 2026, to consider the proposed text amendments modifying development standards for use Type 60 (Fuel Sales) and creating new use types 76A (Small Box Discount Stores) and 77A (Vape Shops) and associated standards.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Approved the Federal Aviation Administration grant application to update the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Master Plan.
• Approved the First Amendment to the Partnership Intermediary Agreement, effective June 25, 2021, between the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and the CSMC.
• Approved the FY26 Federal Older Americans Act Notice of Grant Awards on behalf of the St. Mary's County Department of Aging & Human Services 

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

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County will have a joint meeting with the Commanding Officer of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station on June 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. This meeting will be held at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum; additional information is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2026-121NewsReleaseNASPAXJoint.pdf

The CSMC will reconvene that day for their regular business meeting at 11 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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission will conduct two public hearings as part of the St. Mary’s 2050 planning process. The hearings will provide opportunities for community members to share feedback on the draft Comprehensive Plan and applicant-driven Land Use Category Change Requests.

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.

Public Hearing 1: Draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan (June 29)

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room, located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown. A copy of the draft plan is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/stmarys2050.

Public Hearing 2: Land Use Change Requests (July 7)

Community members are invited to provide feedback on applicant-driven requests for Land Use Category changes associated with the St. Mary’s 2050 planning process. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room, located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown. Information regarding Land Use Category Change Requests is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/stmarys2050.

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 St.Marys2050@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 May 30, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported disturbance involving two individuals outside Traders Steak & Ale, located at 3855 Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male suffering from injuries consistent with an assault. An investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a physical altercation between two men near the pavilion area at Kellam’s Field, located at 3825 Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. During the altercation, the suspect, identified as Nathan Oliver White, 44, of Chesapeake Beach, allegedly stabbed the victim in the upper body with a flathead screwdriver. Following the assault, White fled the area but was quickly located and apprehended by responding deputies a short distance away. White was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with First-Degree Assault and Second-Degree Assault. The victim, identified as David Reidy Brosnahan, 54, of Washington, D.C., was transported to CalvertHealth for treatment of his injuries. While receiving medical treatment, Brosnahan became disorderly and threatened hospital staff. After being directed to leave the property, he refused to comply and was subsequently arrested. Brosnahan was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing, and Failure to Obey a Lawful Order. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Michael Mudd at Michael.mudd@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case #26-48089.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary's County Board of Elections is reminding residents of important upcoming dates and resources related to the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election and notifying the public of an updated date for the pre-Election Day mail-in ballot canvass.

The pre-Election Day mail-in ballot canvass, previously announced for June 1, has been rescheduled to Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9 a.m.

As voters prepare to participate in the upcoming election, residents are encouraged to verify their polling place, review voting options, and familiarize themselves with key election dates. Information on voter registration, mail-in voting, ballot drop box and polling place locations, sample ballots, and election results is available through the St. Mary's County Board of Elections website at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/elections.

To find their assigned polling place, voters may use the Maryland State Board of Elections Polling Place Search tool at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch.

Key upcoming dates for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election include:

• Early Voting: Thursday, June 11, through Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Board of Elections has announced the following canvassing dates for mail-in and provisional ballots for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election:

• Pre-Election Day Mail-in Ballot Canvass: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. (Updated date; Results will not be released until election night.)
• Post-Election Day Mail-in Ballot Canvass: Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Provisional Ballot Canvass: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Final Canvass (Post-Election Day): Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.

All canvassing activities will take place at the St. Mary's County Board of Elections office located at 23250 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/elections for the latest election information, including voter registration resources, polling place and ballot drop box locations, election calendars, and election results.

Questions may be directed to Wendy Adkins at wendy.adkins@stmaryscountymd.gov or by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1613.

License-free fishing days are great opportunities to give fishing a try or bring a friend who doesn’t have their license. Maryland DNR photo.

All state residents and visitors can fish without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration on June 6, June 13, and July 4. 

Annual license-free fishing days provide a unique chance to explore the state’s diverse fishing opportunities. They are also a great time for licensed anglers to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on Independence Day 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 current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.

DNR also has dozens of resources to help new and experienced anglers, including an interactive angler access map 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.

Any angler looking to make a positive impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay can use these free fishing opportunities to catch invasive species such as Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) and blue catfish. These fish threaten native species, but they are fun to catch and make a tasty, high-protein meal. There are no seasons or limits on catching invasive fish.

Aside from these free fishing days and certain license-free areas, anyone age 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a fishing license when fishing in Maryland. Licenses can be obtained or renewed online, in person at a department service center or participating retail sports license agents, or by phone at 866-344-8889. Fishing license, tackle, boat, and marine fuel purchases fund DNR’s fish conservation work.

Due to construction work occurring near the Environmental Health entrance and parking area at the health department on 21580 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, walk-in Environmental Health services will be limited to dropping paperwork off at the Main Entrance of the building on Monday, June 1, 2026.

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 Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 7:00 a.m.

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

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this work.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 29, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Public Safety has contracted with MissionCIT LLC to develop a comprehensive fire, rescue and emergency medical services (EMS) master plan for Calvert County.

As part of the planning process, MissionCIT is seeking feedback from county residents and individuals who are not members of volunteer fire departments or volunteer rescue squads. The survey is intended to gather public perspectives on services provided by fire, rescue and EMS agencies throughout the county.

Residents are encouraged to complete a short online survey to help MissionCIT better understand the expectations and experiences of community members who use or are familiar with local emergency services.

The survey is anonymous, and all responses will be compiled collectively in the final report. Residents may take the survey at www.calvertcountymd.gov/EmergencyServicesMasterPlan.

The survey will remain open through June 6, 2026.

In addition to the online survey, the Department of Public Safety will host an in-person public feedback session at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 110 Main St., Prince Frederick.

The Department of Public Safety appreciates residents’ participation and assistance in helping shape the future of fire, rescue and EMS services in the community.

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 (May 29, 2026) – On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 8:34 p.m., patrol units from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle collision in the 27000 block of Mechanicsville Road.  

A preliminary investigation indicates that a 2012 Nissan X-Terra, operated by Michael Sirk, 86, of Mechanicsville, was traveling on Mechanicsville Road and attempted to turn into a private driveway. The vehicle failed to yield the right of way and struck a black and blue Honda CBR 600RR, operated by Leo Cianciolo, 22, of Mechanicsville.

The driver of the motorcycle was transported by Maryland State Police Aviation Command Trooper 7 to an area trauma center with life-threatening injuries, where he is currently listed in critical condition.

Currently, it appears that driver error and excessive speed are contributing factors in the collision.

Due to the severity of the crash, the Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed the investigation and is requesting eyewitness assistance from the public. If you were traveling in the area and witnessed anything, please contact Corporal Vincent Pontorno at Vincent.Pontorno@stmaryscountymd.gov or 301-475-4200, extension 2337.

BALTIMORE (May 28, 2026) – Today, the Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education held a special recognition for the 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year at the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building. Each of the state’s 24 school systems selects a Teacher of the Year who exemplifies outstanding work as an educator.  

The Teacher of the Year honorees represent exceptional commitment to education, equity, and school community leadership. Over the next year, they will collaborate to address priority issues in teaching and learning across the state.

“These 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year exemplify what it means to be champions for Maryland’s children,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President. “Thank you for the lives you shape, the futures you help build, and the hope and opportunity you create for young people across our state. It is no exaggeration to say that we cannot do this work without you. Without teachers, there is no public education system.”

“The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program showcases outstanding educators from every grade level across subject areas and programs in all 24 local school systems,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “They reflect the very best of the teaching profession, inspiring young minds and hearts each day. We can never thank our teachers enough for their work before the bell rings and long after the last school bus leaves.”

The honorees reflect a diverse group of educators spanning pre-kindergarten through high school across subject areas. This fall, one honoree will be selected as Maryland Teacher of the Year and will go on to compete for National Teacher of the Year.

The full list of 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year is below:

• Allegany County Public Schools — Elaine Davis, Mount Savage Middle School 
• Anne Arundel County Public Schools — Joseph Bigsby, Magothy River Middle School
• Baltimore City Public Schools — Dr. Otis Eldridge, Hamilton Elementary School
• Baltimore County Public Schools — Alison Benkovic, Chadwick Elementary School
• Calvert County Public Schools — Dr. Mary Macauley, Northern Middle School
• Caroline County Public Schools — Brittany Busick, Denton Elementary School
• Carroll County Public Schools — Emily Brynes, Westminster High School
• Cecil County Public Schools — K. Nicole Walker, Elkton High School
• Charles County Public Schools — Emily Leedy, J.C. Parks Elementary School
• Dorchester County Public Schools — Cierra Robinson, Maple Elementary School
• Frederick County Public Schools — Alicia Souder, Parkway Elementary School
• Garrett County Public Schools — April Fleming, Northern Garrett High School
• Harford County Public Schools — Michael James, North Harford High School
• Howard County Public School System — Kacy Valentine, Lake Elkhorn Middle School
• Kent County Public Schools — Kevin Nelson, Kent County High School
• Montgomery County Public Schools — Michelle Elie, Montgomery Blair High School
• Prince George’s County Public Schools — Clara Allsup, International High School at Langley Park
• Queen Anne’s County Public Schools — Alice Tickler, Church Hill Elementary School
• Somerset County Public Schools — Corey Bivens, Carter G. Woodson Elementary School
• St. Mary’s County Public Schools — Kinnon Williams, Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center
• Talbot County Public Schools — Holly Sump, Chapel District Elementary School
• Washington County Public Schools — Robin Papa, Clear Spring High School
• Wicomico County Public Schools — Dr. Chelsea Taylor, James M. Bennett High School
• Worcester County Public Schools — Kiersten Conway, Snow Hill High School

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On May 26, detectives arrested Parren Eric Swann, 61, of Oxon Hill, in connection with a May 10 assault on Brookwood Drive in White Plains. The assault occurred at approximately 5:17 p.m. when the victim turned onto Brookwood Drive from Billingsley Road and saw a vehicle traveling toward her on the wrong side of the roadway. After she honked the car horn, the suspect stopped in front of her vehicle, produced a firearm, and approached the victim and her mother, who was in the front passenger seat. As the victims fled, the suspect fired two shots, striking their vehicle and disabling it. The suspect then approached the passenger side and pointed the gun at the front?seat passenger before fleeing in a black Jeep Gladiator. Officers canvassed the area and developed leads, and detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division identified Swann as a possible suspect and confirmed he owned a similar vehicle.

With assistance from the Prince George’s County Police Department, detectives served a search warrant at Swann’s residence in Oxon Hill. Through further investigation and developments, Swann, who was at the residence, was arrested. Two firearms were recovered inside the home. Investigators then served a second search warrant at Swann’s storage unit in Waldorf, where three additional handguns were seized. Swann was transported to the Charles County Detention Center and charged with first?degree assault, second?degree assault, weapons violations, and other related charges. Swann is prohibited from possessing firearms due to an active protective order not related to this case. He is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond. Detective Gregory is investigating.

[Thursday, May 28] The Charles County Economic Development Department joins the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI) and the Energetics Technology Center to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub (MEIH), a new campus designed to accelerate energetics production, process innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub in Charles County and to welcome new and expanding investment into our local economy,” said Director of the Charles County Economic Development Department Jim Chandler, CEcD. “This project strengthens our economic base, drives private sector growth, and expands opportunities for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and high-quality jobs. It also reinforces the Western Charles County Technology Corridor as a competitive hub for defense, energetics, and technology-driven industries.”

The American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation received $50 million from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division to support the development of the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub.

Bringing together industry, academia, and government partners, the hub will also address critical challenges in the industrial base, improve production efficiency, and accelerate innovation in both existing and next-generation energetic material systems. By expanding advanced manufacturing capacity and strengthening research, testing, and production capabilities near Naval Support Facility Indian Head, the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub advances the mission by driving growth across the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, one of the National Capital Region’s most significant emerging defense and technology growth corridors.

"Our Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub is a transformational investment in Charles County and Southern Maryland," said Dave Dowell, CEO, ACMI Properties. "Sparked by a $50 million award from NSWC Indian Head Division, ACMI is building on that commitment by attracting more than $200 million in private capital—accelerating construction, creating high-quality jobs, and attracting leading defense technology companies to the region. This project isn't just about strengthening America's industrial base, it's about planting an innovation economy that turns breakthrough ideas into production-ready capabilities, faster than ever before."

Stretching from Indian Head to Bryans Road and the Maryland Airport, the Western Charles County Technology Corridor connects Naval Support Facility Indian Head, the Navy’s center for energetics, with development-ready sites, transportation infrastructure, and growing private sector investment. The Department of Defense continues to modernize production capacity and strengthen critical defense supply chains, which increases the strategic importance of the corridor.

To support that effort, the U.S. Navy plans to invest approximately $2.7 billion over the next decade in modernization projects related to energy systems, infrastructure, facilities, and mission support at Indian Head.

Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins added, “Investments like the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation and the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub strengthen Charles County’s position within the defense ecosystem and reinforce the importance of the Western Charles County Technology Corridor. We look forward to continued collaboration with our public and private partners across government, industry, and academia as we build on this momentum and expand opportunities across Charles County, the Southern Maryland region, the state of Maryland, and the national defense sector.”

For more information about the Western Charles County Technology Corridor and project updates as they become available, visit www.MeetCharlesCounty.com.

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Monise A. Stephenson, following an eight-day jury trial, declared a mistrial in the case against Anthony Dangelo Wilkins regarding the charges of Second-Degree Murder in the death of Miaquita Gray and the Attempted Second-Degree Murder of another victim after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on those charges and several related offenses.
However, the jury did convict Wilkins of 3 counts of Reckless Endangerment, as well as the Wear, Carry, and Transport of a Handgun Upon Their Person and Possession of a Firearm with a Prior Felony Conviction.  Based on these convictions, Wilkins faces up to thirty-three years in prison.
Wilkins was previously convicted of the Second-Degree Murder and Attempted Second-Degree Murder charges, as well as the three counts of Reckless Endangerment and the Firearm charges by a separate Charles County jury on July 27, 2021. That conviction was later overturned on appeal after an appellate court determined that too much information relating to the defendant’s possession of the murder weapon eight days later during his arrest in Emporia, Virginia was admitted as evidence during the trial.
Evidence presented during both trials revealed that officers responded to the Beer 4 U Bar located in the 2100 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered several victims suffering from various injuries, including Victim 1, who sustained head injuries from an earlier assault, and Miaquita Gray, who suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. Gray was later pronounced deceased as a result of her injuries. 
A preliminary investigation revealed that a few moments prior to the shooting, Victim 1 was physically assaulted and robbed by three male suspects in the bathroom of Beer 4 U. After the assault, Victim 1 and his girlfriend, Gray, exited the bar and stood in the parking lot of the establishment. The suspects exited the establishment prior to Gray and Victim 1 leaving the bar.  Victim 1 recognized the three male suspects and pointed them out.  One of the suspects, alleged to be Wilkins, brandished a gun and began firing at Victim 1 and Gray, fatally striking Gray. Two other victims were struck but did not sustain life-threatening injuries. 
A further investigation revealed Wilkins as the shooter and identified co-defendant Charles Leon Thompson, Jr. as an accomplice to the shooting and the armed robbery in the bathroom. 
On December 4, 2017, Thompson pleaded guilty to his role in the incident and was later sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Based on the mistrial, the State will be proceeding on the remaining charges.  A new trial date for Wilkins has been scheduled for December 14, 2026, to address these charges.  A sentencing date for the convicted offenses has not yet been set.