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.

###

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

###

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.

###

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.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Daniel Holley Dement, 59, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to one year in jail with six months of active incarceration for driving without a license as a subsequent offender.

On the afternoon of March 20, 2026, a deputy with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Lexington Park post office. The deputy had stopped Dement earlier that morning and informed him that his driving status was invalid and that the vehicle he was driving was uninsured. When the deputy encountered Dement driving in the same vehicle approximately six hours later, a check of the vehicle’s registration revealed that it remained suspended due to an insurance lapse and that Dement’s driving status was still invalid. Dement was subsequently arrested for driving without a license.

In August 2026, Dement pleaded guilty to driving without a license as a subsequent offender and just last week was subsequently sentenced to one year in prison with six months of active incarceration.

“People who knowingly choose to drive without a license put everyone on the road at risk. A valid license helps ensure drivers have met the operational and legal requirements to safely operate a vehicle. Driving without a license raises concerns about proper insurance and the necessary training to drive safely,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Taking these motor vehicle offenses seriously, especially when dealing with repeat offenders who continue to disregard the law, is essential to keeping our roads and community members safe.”

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

Corporal Travis Wimberly of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.

Suspect Charged in Non?Fatal Shooting on Pomonkey Way: Detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have arrested a suspect in connection with the non?fatal shooting that occurred on October 17 on Pomonkey Way in La Plata. At approximately 1:20 a.m., officers responded to the 600 block for a report of a shooting and located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a hospital and treated for critical injuries. 

A preliminary investigation showed the suspect and victim were known to one another, and the incident did not appear to be random. Through continued investigation, detectives identified Diontrae La Shaun Gantt as the suspect. An arrest warrant for attempted murder was issued on October 20. On October 21, Gantt turned himself in to detectives. He was transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where he was served his warrant. He is currently being held without bond. 

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Worley at 301?609?6518. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous and potentially receive a cash reward can contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 1?866?411?TIPS.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will be closed for Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This includes the main office in Leonardtown and all satellite offices. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.    

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

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Oct. 27, 2026 – Calvert County Government offices will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in observance of Election Day, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day. The following facility closures and service changes will also be in effect:

· The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, including the landfill and transfer station, and all county convenience centers will be open Nov. 3 and 11.

· The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Nov. 3 and 11.

· The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division billing and customer service office will be closed Nov. 3 and 11. · Calvert County senior centers will be closed Nov. 3 and 11, and Meals on Wheels deliveries will not be made. Meal deliveries are scheduled to resume Nov. 4 and 12. · All community centers will be closed Nov. 3 and 11. · Calvert county bus service will be open Nov. 3 and will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11. Service will resume Nov. 12.

· Calvert Library locations will be open Nov. 3 and will be closed Nov. 11. Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at calvertlibrary.info.

· The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Animal Control Division will be closed Nov. 3 and 11. Animal control officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491. · The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center remains closed for renovations. Cove Point Pool and Kings Landing Pool are closed for the season. · The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. · Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open Nov. 3 and 11 with normal hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. · All recreation parks, including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park, will be open with normal hours. · Chesapeake Hills Golf Course will be open with normal hours. · Flag Ponds Nature Park, Kings Landing Park and Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary will be open with normal operating hours. · Breezy Point Beach & Campground remains open through Oct. 31.

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.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Jamal Kedrick Demetrius Davis, 30, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 8 years of active incarceration for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and an additional 8-year prison sentence for violating his probation in two other cases.

On March 1, 2026, a deputy with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle for running a red traffic light. As the deputy initiated the stop, the vehicle accelerated away. The deputy subsequently observed a clear plastic baggie thrown out the vehicle’s window. The baggie landed on the roadway, and the vehicle then stopped and pulled off the road. Deputies made contact with Davis and removed him from the vehicle. The recovered baggie contained a gray powdery substance that was later tested and confirmed to be fentanyl. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed baking soda and multiple bundles of cash totaling more than $6,000.

In August 2026, Davis pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The conviction resulted in violations of probation in two prior cases, for which he received an additional 8-year prison sentence to be served consecutively to his sentence imposed in the fentanyl case.

“This case involved a felony fentanyl offense that subsequently violated his probation stemming from convictions in two prior cases,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Holding individuals accountable for new offenses and addressing violations of court-ordered supervision are important parts of our work to promote public safety and protect our community from repeat offenders and this dangerous drug.”

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge, Chief of Narcotics, prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Corporal Travis Wimberly of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – October 26, 2026 – St. Mary’s County Government announces that parking lot improvements at the Leonardtown Library and Garvey Senior Activity Center are scheduled to begin Friday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2026. Work is expected to continue through the weekend and may extend into early the following week, weather permitting. Improvements include pavement maintenance and updated parking lot markings to create a revised parking layout, including changes to designated accessible parking spaces. Both facilities will remain open and accessible during construction. However, existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spaces will be temporarily relocated while work is underway. Clearly marked temporary accessible parking spaces will be available until construction is complete. Visitors are encouraged to use caution in parking areas, follow posted signs and obey directions from construction crews. The schedule is subject to change based on weather and construction progress. St. Mary’s County Government appreciates the public’s patience as crews work to complete these improvements while maintaining access to both facilities. For more information, contact Robert Pat Mooney at 301-475-4200, ext. 3561. 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. 

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD - Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is celebrating the inclusion 
of its schools in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Schools rankings, highlighting 
academic achievement across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The 2027 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings, released October 20, evaluate public 
schools across Maryland based on reading and mathematics performance, accounting for 
student backgrounds.
At the elementary and middle school levels, CCPS students have demonstrated strong 
academic achievement compared with statewide averages. According to the 2026 Maryland 
Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) results, 64.3% of CCPS students in Grades 3-8 
demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts, compared with 50.2% statewide. In 
Mathematics, 40.1% of students in Grades 3–8 achieved proficiency, compared with 27.8% 
statewide.
Elementary school results were particularly strong in Mathematics, with 50.7% of CCPS 
students in Grades 3-5 demonstrating proficiency compared with 35.8% statewide. CCPS 
students also exceeded statewide Science proficiency rates in the two assessed grade levels,
Grade 5 and Grade 8.
These academic results provide additional context for the newly released U.S. News rankings 
and reflect the important work taking place in CCPS classrooms.
The recognition extends to the high school level. In the 2026-2027 Best High Schools rankings, 
released in August, Huntingtown High School ranked No. 36 in Maryland and No. 1,771 
nationally, while Northern High School ranked No. 45 in Maryland and No. 2,103 nationally. 
Both schools earned places among Maryland's top 50 high schools

The rankings and student achievement results reflect the collective efforts of students, 
educators, staff, and families across the district. Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome 
emphasized the importance of celebrating these accomplishments while continuing to focus on 
student success.
“I am proud of these impressive accomplishments by our students and staff. We remain 
committed to excellence and to continuous improvement that ensures every student has the 
opportunity to thrive,” said Dr. Newsome.
The U.S. News & World Report elementary and middle school rankings evaluate approximately 
46,000 elementary schools and more than 24,000 middle schools nationwide. High school 
rankings use a separate methodology that includes college readiness, state assessment 
performance, and graduation rates.
Families and community members can explore the rankings through U.S. News & World Report:
• Best Elementary Schools in Maryland
• Best Middle Schools in Maryland
• Best High Schools in Maryland
CCPS Academic Achievement Exceeds Statewide Averages
Beyond the U.S. News rankings, recent Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program 
(MCAP) results provide further evidence of student achievement across CCPS. In addition to 
exceeding statewide proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics, CCPS 
students outperformed statewide averages in several additional assessments.
In Life Science MISA (Biology), 64.9% of CCPS students demonstrated proficiency compared 
with 47.8% statewide. In Government, 75.4% of CCPS students achieved proficiency compared 
with 46% statewide. Eighth-grade Social Studies results also exceeded the state average, with 
59.2% of CCPS students demonstrating proficiency compared with 41.7% statewide.
These results reflect Calvert County Public Schools’ continued commitment to strong 
instruction, academic achievement, and preparing students for success throughout their 
educational journey.
One School System. One Vision. Students at the Center.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, County Commissioners held a work session on legislation that would create a pretrial release program in the county. The proposed bill would establish a pretrial release and community service program to supervise individuals charged with certain nonviolent criminal offenses. The bill would allow a judge to place charged individuals under varying degrees of supervision based on a pretrial risk-scoring assessment. The community service program would supervise those sentenced to community service by assigning participants to community volunteer opportunities consistent with their court orders.

Commissioners worked with officials from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Charles County Circuit Court to discuss potential legislation, including provisions that would exclude individuals accused of or convicted of certain offenses, such as domestic violence or violent felonies, among other changes. Wes Adams, county attorney, said a draft bill incorporating the discussed amendments would be ready for the Oct. 29 session.

Capital Project Updates

During Department Highlights, Commissioners received an update on several capital projects, including Western Parkway and the new La Plata Library. Construction of Western Parkway is ongoing and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Once construction is complete, Phase 3B is expected to begin in February 2027, with an estimated completion date of winter 2028.

The county has received the grading permit for the La Plata Library project. The permit allows the county to proceed with site and infrastructure construction. The building permit is pending, contingent on the Town of La Plata allocating water to the facility. Construction is expected to begin in February 2027 and run through December 2028. Commissioners agreed to begin demolition work at the future site.

Charles County’s sidewalk and shared-use path program includes 46 requested projects, with seven active projects in design or procurement and construction projected between 2027 and 2029. Active projects include three along Bryans Road, one on Hamilton Road, one in South Hampton on Radio Station Road, and an extension to the Indian Head Rail Trail. Staff prioritize requests based on connectivity, community benefits, planning and equity priorities, and permitting and property requirements. Projects move through public outreach, design, permitting, and any necessary acquisition of property rights before construction. Road conditions, utilities, stormwater management, and environmental constraints can affect timelines. The county plans to advance the remaining 39 projects in groups of three once design and permitting are complete for three projects.

Public Comment Period Extended on Proposed Rental Licensing Program

Commissioners held a public hearing on proposed Bill 2026-08, which would establish registration, licensing, and inspection requirements for residential rental properties in Charles County. The program would promote compliance with property maintenance standards and complement existing state and county housing, fire safety, and livability codes for standard and short-term rental units. Proposed fees include a one-time $23 registration fee, a $214 standard license fee, and a $107 short-term license fee. License fees would include at least two inspections. Commissioners voted to hold the record open for an additional 30 days.

Commissioners Approve Stormwater Management Funding Plan

Commissioners also held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Assurance Plan, which outlines how Charles County will fund its municipal stormwater permit requirements over the next two years. The plan details funding for projects such as stormwater facilities, stream restorations, shoreline stabilizations, and septic system improvements, among other practices; the plan does not adopt a new budget or authorize new projects. Staff reported that the county has restored 621 acres, or 57 percent, of its required 1,083 acres of impervious surface restoration since January 2020 and appears on track to meet the impervious acre credit requirement by December 2027. Following approval, staff will submit the plan to the state. Commissioners voted unanimously to pass the resolution.

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.”