The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) congratulates Patricia A. Smith upon her retirement after a remarkable 50 years of public service at the agency. Ms. Smith received a Commendation from the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, as well as an Official Citation from the St. Mary’s County House Delegation.
 
After graduating from Great Mills High School, Ms. Smith began her career with SMCHD as Executive Assistant to the Health Officer with Dr. William Marek. She continued in the position for over fifty years, working closely with four health officers during that time.
 
“Ms. Smith's faithful public service and dedication to this community have been outstanding,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Her career has been distinguished by her grace, patience, and fortitude. We will all miss her very much and wish her the best in her retirement.”
 
For more information about SMCHD, visit smchd.org.

Sports Illustrated is being accused of publishing AI-generated writing, using headshots of fake authors, and creating bogus profiles. The magazine was called out for the content - which was allegedly written by nonexistent authors. Sports Illustrated said that the work came from a third party who assured their articles were written by humans. An investigation conducted by Futurism found that multiple “authors” with biography pages on the Sports Illustrated website were fake - including made-up interests, hobbies, and even an AI created headshot. As well as the authors, some of the writing on the website's review page was accused of sounding like it was written by an “alien” - with bizarre descriptions and formatting discrepancies.

Mark Cuban is leaving ABC’s “Shark Tank.” In a recent interview with the Showtime podcast All The Smoke, Cuban told hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson that season 16 of the ABC series will be his last. The reality show from Mark Burnett is currently in its 15th season. “It’s time,” said Cuban. “I love it because it sends the message the American dream is alive and well,” Cuban said. “I feel like in doing Shark Tank all these years, we’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of Shark Tank and show their business and get a deal, it’s going to inspire generations of kids. That’s what happens, right? Now we’ve got people coming on saying I watched you when I was 10 years old. I’m like, f—. But we’re helping them right? I’ve invested in, I don’t know how many hundreds of companies. On a cash basis, I’m down a little bit, but on mark to market meeting, the companies are still in operation. I’m way up.”

The Late Show won’t air this week on CBS after Stephen Colbert had another medical emergency. He is recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix. There was no show planned for last night but there were shows planned for tonight, tomorrow and Thursday.

Lusby, MD (Nov. 27, 2023) – Constellation will conduct its semi-annual, full-volume test of the emergency warning sirens surrounding Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on Monday, Dec. 4, at approximately noon. This is one of two semi-annual tests performed each year.

The warning siren system consists of sirens located in the 10-mile radius around the station. The sirens are not a signal to evacuate, but a warning to tune to a local Emergency Alert Broadcast television or radio station. County emergency management authorities activate the sirens.

Located in Lusby, Maryland, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant includes two nuclear reactors that can produce up to 1,790 megawatts (MW) of zero-emissions energy, enough carbon-free electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes. 

NAS Patuxent River will close Goose Creek Bridge to all traffic Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Thursday, Nov. 30 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for sewage line maintenance. The bridge is in the vicinity of Atlantic Test Ranges and the Goose Creek Campgrounds. Drivers will need to use alternate routes during this time.  

LEONARDTOWN, MD November25, 2023) – Update November 25, 2023: As a result of continued investigative efforts by detectives with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division, on Monday, November 20, 2023, 19-year-old James Jerome Adams Jr., a juvenile from Great Mills, Maryland, and an adult, who at the time of the incident was a juvenile from Bushwood, Maryland, were indicted for their involvement in the murder of 26-year-old Marcus Anthony Day on April 4, 2023. Both the juvenile from Great Mills, Maryland and the adult from Bushwood, Maryland, were charged as adults.

 At the time of the indictments, all three individuals were incarcerated on unrelated matters. Adams and the juvenile were served with their indictments by Detective Forinash, W. #344, on 11/22/2023 at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. A detainer was lodged against the third incarcerated individual, who is currently in a corrections facility outside of St. Mary’s County.  

Original release: April 5, 2023: On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:37 pm, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the parking lot of the Great Mills Sheetz at the 20700 block of Old Great Mills Road for a report of shots fired. A short time later, deputies also responded to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown for a report of a victim who arrived with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as Marcus Anthony Day, age 26 of Leonardtown, was pronounced deceased. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division is continuing the investigation. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Andrew Burgess at 301-475-4200, ext. 78041 or email andrew.burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov.Anyone with cellphone video or images who was present at the scene is urged to visit the Sheriff’s Office’s Citizen Upload Video Evidence Portal at https://www.firstsheriff.com/uploadevidence/. Videos and photos can be provided anonymously through the portal. Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.

May 5, 2023 update: Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division have arrested a 15-year-old male juvenile of Lexington Park for the murder of 26-year-old Marcus Anthony Day in Great Mills on April 4, 2023. The 15-year-old

juvenile was located and arrested in King George County, VA on Friday, May 5, 2023. The juvenile will be charged via warrant as an adult with First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in a Violent Crime, First-Degree Assault, Second-Degree Assault and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor. Due to a recent change in Maryland law, the juvenile will not be identified by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and no booking photo will be released until a waiver hearing is conducted to determine the jurisdiction of this case. St. Mary’s County Sheriff Steve Hall wishes to thank the King George County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Christopher Giles for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation.

(Waldorf, Maryland) – On Friday, November 24, 2023, at approximately 1948 hours, Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded for a report of a motor vehicle collision on United States Route 301 (Crain Hwy) south of Acton Lane in Waldorf, Maryland. Due to the seriousness of the collision, the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack requested a Collision Reconstruction Specialist (CRS) to assume the investigation.

Trooper First Class J. Engleman of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded as requested. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers indicates a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox operated by David Moore (28 yoa) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland was attempting to make a left turn from southbound United States Route 301 to the Berkley Square Shopping Center. At the same time, a 2001 Harley Davidson XL1200 operated by Kevin Thompson (33 yoa) of Brandywine, Maryland was traveling on northbound United States Route 301 south of Acton Lane. The operator of the Chevrolet failed to yield to oncoming traffic on a left turn and pulled into the travel path of the Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson subsequently collided with the Chevrolet. Mr. Thompson sustained injuries that were not compatible with life and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Duty Officer at the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack at (301) 392-1200. The investigation is continuing and being investigated by TFC Engleman and Trooper S. Tripp (23-MSP-041677).

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Wayne Carroll Key, Jr., 44, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to Life without parole consecutive to Life in prison for the double homicide of a six-year-old child and her mother, which took place on November 20, 2021.

Following an eight-day jury trial in April 2023, Key was convicted by a St. Mary’s County jury of two counts of first-degree murder; two counts of second-degree murder; and two counts of first-degree assault. During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge, the Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis, cited that the case was “a circumstantial evidence case in its entirety” that was “very compelling and substantial,” which was comprised of more than 200 pieces of evidence and testimony from over forty witnesses.

“Deliberately stealing an innocent child’s life simply to cover up the initial murder where the child was sadly the only eyewitness, is especially callous. The defendant viciously and senselessly murdered the child’s mother and when he realized the child witnessed his heinous crime, he consciously and maliciously killed again. I pray the victims’ family may gain peace knowing the defendant will be in prison for the rest of his life,” said Sterling. 

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor, Chief of the Special Victims Unit, represented the State during the sentencing proceedings on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Tyler Payne of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.

The Town of Leonardtown is holding their “Christmas on the Square and Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony” on November 24, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event will cause road closures around the Town of Leonardtown. The following is a list of road closures: ? Downtown Leonardtown Square – including Washington Street and Fenwick Street – will be closed to through traffic from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM ? Courthouse Drive, Guyther Drive, Camalier Drive, and portions of Park Avenue, Shadrick Street, Pope Street, and Church Street will also have restricted access before and during the event. The following are parking options for those attending the event: ? Parking will be available at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, and the Blackbelt Academy lot on Gregory Drive. ? Parking will be available at the College of Southern Maryland, the Governmental Center and the Leonardtown Library/Garvey Senior Center Lots. ? The auxiliary lots noted above offer a free shuttle bus service, which will be operating from 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM. ? Handicap parking will be available at the Mattingley Gardiner Funeral Home parking lot and in the public lot next to the Hair Company. ? Please obey all posted No Parking and Reserved Parking signs as well as police and volunteer instructions. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you at this magical event. 

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation advises citizens that the Northeast Community Center will temporarily close Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, for floor maintenance. Normal hours of operation will resume Monday, Nov. 27.

The Northeast Community Center is located at 4075 Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach.

For updates on Parks & Recreation services, park availability, field closures and more visit Parks & Recreation at www.Facebook.com/CalvertCountyParks and follow @CalvertCountyParksandRec on Instagram. Learn more about the department online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/parksandrec.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—Calvert County Public Schools’ (CCPS) high schools have been recognized as recipients of the College Board’s AP^® School Honor Roll for 2023. Only 4,570 schools across the nation, which represent 30% of eligible high schools, received this distinction this year.

Huntington High School (HHS) received the Silver Level AP School Honor Roll designation. Calvert High School (CHS), Northern High School (NHS), and Patuxent High School (PHS) received the Bronze Level AP School Honor Roll designation. In addition, CHS, HHS, and NHS received the AP Access Award, which only 39% of the AP School Honor Roll recipients received.

The AP^® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“Receiving the AP Honor Roll designation validates the deliberate work our high school administrators, counselors, and teachers are undertaking to ensure opportunities and support are available to help prepare students to be career and college ready,” shared CCPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Susan Johnson. “The benefits gained from AP courses are more than college credits…the increased confidence and time management skills our students develop through the coursework provides valuable workforce skills too,” continued Johnson.

For more information about the AP^® School Honor Roll, visit www.collegeboard.org/apawards.

As the holiday season fast approaches, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has launched an expanded series of resources, guidelines, and information in response to the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, smaller electronics such as cell phones and laptops, and electric vehicles. As the use of these items has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them.

“Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in the many devices and systems we use every day,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “With this greater use, however, we are seeing an increase in dangerous related fires. As the holidays near and consumers are purchasing devices that use lithium-ion batteries, NFPA is helping to educate the public about the risks associated with these batteries and ways to prevent them.”

The new online resources from NFPA feature more detailed information about how lithium-ion batteries catch fire, the proper disposal methods for these batteries, and what tips people can follow to stay safe when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries. Resources for safety educators and consumers, including a 10-minute lesson plan, social media cards, and safety tip sheets, are all free and downloadable.

NFPA recommends these tips when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.

• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.

• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.

• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.

• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, find training information, and download free safety tip sheets at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

About the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®)

Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

NAS Pax River Thanksgiving Gate Hours   

NAS Pax River will operate with the following Gate Hours during the Thanksgiving Holiday:

Thursday, Nov. 23: Gate 1 open 24-hours, Gates 2 and 3 closed. Visitor Control Center/Pass and ID Office Closed. 

Friday, Nov. 24: Gate 1 open 24-hours, Gate 2 open 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Gate 3 open 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Visitor Control Center/Pass and ID Office Closed. 

COPS officers recover drugs and firearm during traffic stop: On November 14 at 1:40 p.m., officers assigned to the COPS Unit were conducting traffic operations in the area of Glymont Road at Circle Avenue in Indian Head when they stopped a car for speeding. Officers observed drugs inside the vehicle and further investigation revealed the driver, Robert Alexander Aguilar, 18, of Bryans Road, had a loaded firearm magazine in his pocket. A polymer gun with no serial number was recovered from inside the car. Aguilar was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm in a vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of drugs, and other related charges. He is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Cpl. Walls is investigating.

Patrol officers investigating reports of unconscious driver recover drugs: On November 19 at 5:28 a.m., patrol officers responded to the area of Crain Highway and Mattawoman Beantown Road for the report of a car stopped in the roadway. When officers arrived, they observed the driver was unresponsive, the car was in drive and the driver’s foot was on the brake. Officer Karopchinsky placed his vehicle in front of the car in case the driver became responsive. Further, officers observed a quantity of cannabis and cocaine in plain view. The driver became responsive but refused to exit his car. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Jorton Alexis, 31, of Takoma Park, was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs. He was also issued several traffic citations. Alexis was released from the Charles County Detention Center by a district court commissioner. Officer Karopchinsky is investigating.

Patrol officers apprehend juvenile armed with a firearm and making threats: On November 16 at 5:54 p.m., officers responded to the area of Post Office Road and Macclesfield Court in Waldorf for the report of a teenager who pointed a firearm toward occupants of a car. A preliminary investigation showed the victims were turning onto Macclesfield Court when the suspect walked in front of their vehicle. The victims honked the car horn to alert the teen at which point the teen pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victims. Responding officers observed the suspect in the area and were able to safely take him into custody. A loaded firearm, with no serial number, was recovered from the suspect’s waistband. The suspect, age 16, was charged as an adult with first-degree assault, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm on a person, and other related charges. Cpl. Saunders and Officer Heishman are investigating.

Charles County Crime Solvers offering cash reward in attempted robbery case: On November 15 at 6 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 3800 block of Huntington Woods Drive for the report of an attempted armed robbery. A preliminary investigation showed two males were riding dirt bikes in the area when three males approached, pointed firearms, and demanded the dirt bikes. One of the victims was able to flee. The other victim complied and the suspects fled in a vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Beach at 301-609-6513. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) has opened the nonprofit funding utility for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget cycle, as awarded by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC). 

The Notice of Funding Availability is available online at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/nonprofit. Please read the notice thoroughly and use the provided links; the application process is completely electronic and must be submitted online.

Applicants must be organizations with nonprofit status serving St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The deadline to submit applications is January 12, 2024. For additional details, read the full notice. Applicants are urged not to delay beginning the online application process. The system will allow you to save your progress and go back to edit your submission up until the January 12^th deadline. Please submit any questions via email to: nonprofithelp@stmaryscountymd.gov. 

SMCG’s Finance Department will offer a one-hour training on how to navigate the online application process on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 3 p.m. Please contact Shelly Bean to sign-up at (301) 475 4200 ext. 1211 or via email to nonprofithelp@stmaryscountymd.gov.

The Commissioners will host their first Budget Work Session (BWS) of the upcoming fiscal year on November 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. BWS are held in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. Final adoption of the SMCG FY2025 Budget will be on May 21, 2024.

CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95. Meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.

For more information on SMCG please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook or Twitter (X) for regular updates.

LA PLATA, MD— The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County (SAO) is back for its third year of its “Drive Sober” initiative, which aims to bring awareness to the grave dangers of driving impaired, as well as help the public take preventative measures. The “Drive Sober” initiative will run during the holiday season – November 20, 2023, through January 1, 2024 – which is one of the deadliest times on the roadways due to drunk driving.

In prior years, the SAO distributed Uber gift cards to the community. This year, the SAO remains committed to offering the community safe rides home through rideshare; however, the SAO is making it easier for community members to participate. On Wednesday, November 22, 2023 (Thanksgiving Eve) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 23, 2023, drivers 21 years of age can download the Uber app and use the SAO’s code for up to $15 off a ride in Charles County to prevent impaired driving. The code will be released on our official Drive Sober webpage (www.ccsao.us/DriveSober) at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Limited quantities are available.

The SAO will continue to distribute rideshare gift cards throughout the duration of the initiative and has partnered with Colonial Liquors of La Plata, Maryland to be a pickup location for Uber gift cards, while supplies last. Exclusions will apply.

In addition to the free Uber rides, the SAO will distribute nonalcoholic drink vouchers to designated drivers and over 300 keychain breathalyzers.

The SAO will also redisplay two powerful billboards to remind motorists of the grave dangers of driving impaired. The first billboard features victim Ethan Ruefly, a 3-month-old infant killed by a drunk driver in Charles County. The second billboard features Taylor Halbleib (21 years old), Autumn Jenkins (20 years old), and Destanee Lyles (18 years old) – all victims of impaired drivers. Their stories can be viewed on the SAO website, www.ccsao.us/DriveSober.

Citizens of Charles County will be able to pick up preventative measures including keychain breathalyzers on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the “Shop La Plata” event in the Town of La Plata for Small Business Saturday.

Further information on the effects of impaired driving and the “Drive Sober” initiative can be found on the SAO’s website, www.ccsao.us/DriveSober.