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.

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Scott Anthony Goldsmith, 55, to 48 years in prison for the Second-Degree Murder of Timothy Louis Portzen and the First-Degree Assault of a second victim.

On March 9, 2026, a Charles County jury found Goldsmith guilty of the aforementioned charges.

On October 3, 2023, officers with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Waldorf residence for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the surviving victim, who reported that she had been stabbed in the neck and had a visible wound extending from her right shoulder to her back. The victim was flown to a hospital for treatment and, thankfully, survived her injuries.

Officers also located victim Timothy Louis Portzen in a bedroom suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest. Emergency Medical Services attempted lifesaving measures, but Portzen was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation revealed that during the early morning hours of October 3, 2023, Goldsmith arrived at the victims’ residence and was greeted by the surviving victim. Goldsmith demanded to see the victim’s boyfriend, who was not at the residence, and Portzen. Goldsmith pushed past the victim and stabbed her in the neck. Goldsmith then proceeded to Portzen’s bedroom, where he stabbed Portzen nine times. The surviving victim retreated to her bedroom and heard the sound of a struggle before Goldsmith left the residence.

Goldsmith was later apprehended, and while incarcerated, admitted to the murder. He also admitted to discarding the knife that was used during the attack. Investigators additionally discovered the victim’s blood on a tire that Goldsmith had punctured following the murder.

During sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Kate Edmands, told the judge “The facts of this case warrants an above guideline sentence” and asked the judge to hold Goldsmith accountable for the acts against the victims.

Before sentencing Goldsmith to 48 years in prison, the Honorable Judge West said, “[The victim] wasn’t looking for any trouble with Goldsmith. This is really a tragic way to go. He probably, when he walked into the house that day, thought he was safe. He didn’t deserve to die.”

Sentencing

Count 1 – Second-Degree Murder

30 years

Count 4 – First-Degree Assault

18 years, consecutive to Count 1

On May 26, school administrators and the school resource officer at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School learned that a student was in possession of a knife. During the investigation, it was discovered that the original student believed to have the knife had passed the knife to another student, who in turn passed it to a third student. Following an administrative search of the third student, the knife was recovered. There is no information that anyone was threatened with the knife; however, the investigation is ongoing. All three students will be charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds. The students also face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact PFC Quigley at 301-609-3282 ext.0722.  

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 27, 2026) – On Wednesday, May 27, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division served a search seizure warrant on a residence located in the 21000 block of Columbia Street in Lexington Park, MD, recovering a loaded unserialized polymer 80, 9mm handgun and 10 rounds of live 9mm ammunition.

A 17-year-old was taken into custody and charged as an adult with possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21 years of age, illegal possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm without the required serial number.

Juveniles are not publicly identified by law enforcement due to legal protections.

CDS Violation: 26-43186 On May 14, 2026, at approximately 9:15 p.m., members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit observed activity consistent with a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction in the Fastop parking lot located at 4490 St. Leonard Road. A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle involved in the incident after deputies observed a traffic violation. During the investigation, Edwin Stanford Foote, 63 of Huntingtown, resisted arrest and was found in possession of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Foote was arrested and charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, and Hindering and Obstructing. A second traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle connected to the investigation. A K9 scan resulted in a positive alert, and a search of the vehicle recovered evidence consistent with narcotics distribution. Antony Levi Taylor, 38 of Lusby, was arrested and charged with CDS: Distribute Narcotics, CDS: Possess with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, CDS: Possess Not Cannabis, CDS: Possess Paraphernalia, and Destruction of Evidence.

Damaged Property: 26-43672 On May 16, 2026, Deputy Brown responded to the 500 block of Beech Drive in Lusby for the report of property destruction. The complainant advised that a kitchen window had been damaged by a brass BB. The estimated value of damaged property is $500.

Stolen Vehicle: 26-42219 On May 11, 2026, at approximately 10:23 p.m., DFC Parks responded to the 300 block of Cambridge Place in Prince Frederick for the report of a stolen vehicle. The complainant advised that her 2023 white Dodge Durango was stolen from a parking space outside of her residence. The estimated value of the stolen vehicle is unknown at this time.

Theft: 26-43958 On May 17, 2026, at approximately 12:24 p.m., Deputy Brown responded to the 12600 block of Olivet Road in Lusby for an auto accident. During the investigation, contact was made with Conrad Orlander Robinson, 44, of Lusby, who was wanted in connection with a theft at Weis, located at 210 Village Center Drive. Robinson was identified on store surveillance concealing crab meat in his pants before leaving without paying. While speaking with Robinson, deputies detected the odor of alcohol. Robinson then entered the roadway, refused commands to leave, and caused traffic disruptions while yelling profanities. Robinson became combative and resisted officers’ attempts to detain him. He was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Theft Less Than $100, Disorderly Conduct, Resist/Interfere with Arrest, Intoxicated Public Disturbance, and Reckless Endangerment. 

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 27, 2026 – Calvert County voters will have three convenient locations available for early voting during the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election.

Early voting will be held Thursday, June 11, through Thursday, June 18. Early voting centers will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Registered voters may cast their ballots at any of the following Calvert County early voting centers:

· Ward Farm Park Vote Center

10455 Ward Road, Dunkirk

· Community Resources Building

30 Duke St., Prince Frederick

· Southern Community Center

20 Appeal Lane, Lusby

Eligible Calvert County residents may also register and vote during the early voting period by visiting an early voting center and providing documentation verifying residency.

Acceptable documents include:

· Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration-issued driver’s license

· Maryland Motor Vehicle-issued identification card

· Change of address card

· Paycheck

· Bank statement

· Utility bill

· Other government document that includes the voter’s name and current address

Residents who provide acceptable proof of residency will be able to register to vote and cast ballots during the same visit.

For additional election information, contact the Calvert County Board of Elections at 410-535-2214, visit Facebook at www.Facebook.com/CalvertElectionBoard or email elections@calvertcountymd.gov. For more information about the Maryland primary election, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Vote.

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.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 27, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewer Division, will conduct maintenance work along Farren Avenue in Solomons from Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5, weather permitting, between hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Crews will upgrade service saddles, which connect individual homes to the central water line. Water service will be temporarily shut off while the work is performed.

Farren Avenue will be closed during work hours. Local traffic for residents who live on the street will be permitted within the work zone.

Residents are advised to avoid using washing machines during this time. After water service is restored each morning, residents should run their taps for several minutes to help clear water lines and minimize possible discoloration or air accumulation in plumbing fixtures.

The Water & Sewer Division appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during the maintenance work. For questions or concerns, call 443-532-1849.

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.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Amazon Web Services (AWS) has officially filed a site plan for a data center in Calvert County called the Calvert Technology Center.

The Calvert County government confirmed in an email to The BayNet that the county government received a site plan application and paid the associated fees. AWS submitted the initial application on May 4, application fees were paid May 18, and Environmental Health fees were paid May 26.

The next step is the review of the Concept Site Plan, which will be conducted by county government departments and other reviewing agencies. Residents can learn more about the commercial zoning process here.

According to the email from Planning & Zoning, the notification “is being provided for transparency purposes only and is not part of the formal development review process. The intent is to keep the public informed as information becomes available.”

The AWS application was brought up at previous Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meetings and Planning Commission meetings. Director of Planning and Zoning Jason Brinkley confirmed as early as April 15 that AWS had submitted documents to the Maryland Department of the Environment, but didn’t have access to the documents or know the level of environmental review that had been triggered at that point.

The site plan application comes as Calvert County residents continue their pushback against data centers in Calvert County and controversy surrounding the agreements with data center companies. There were also two failed attempts by County Commissioners Mike Hart and Catherine Grasso to place a temporary moratorium on all data center development, and a May 5 vote to force data centers to adhere to updated text amendments until the point construction starts to avoid them being “grandfathered in” on old regulations.

Residents should follow Planning & Zoning and the Data Center FAQ for updated information about the process.

The Environmental Health Division of the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has begun its annual beach water monitoring program for the 2026 summer season. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, SMCHD routinely monitors water quality at public beaches throughout St. Mary’s County to help residents and visitors make informed decisions about safe recreational water use.

Current beach water quality advisories for beaches monitored by SMCHD are available at SMCHD Beach Monitoring Page (smchd.org/beach). Results are generally updated weekly on Fridays, depending on sampling schedules and laboratory processing times.

SMCHD staff collect water samples that are tested for enterococcus, a type of bacteria commonly found in the digestive systems of people and animals. These bacteria at higher levels can indicate an increased risk of illness for swimmers. Test results are evaluated using health-based standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and adopted by Maryland. If bacteria levels exceed the state’s beach action value, SMCHD will issue a public advisory.

While water monitoring helps identify potential concerns, swimming in natural waters is never risk-free. Conditions can change quickly, and naturally occurring hazards – including harmful algal blooms or bacteria such as Vibrio – may still be present even when monitored levels of enterococcus meet standards.

“Summer is an important time for residents and visitors to enjoy St. Mary’s County’s beautiful waterways,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Our beach monitoring program helps provide timely information so community members can make informed decisions and enjoy a safe and healthy summer season.” 

Beachgoers are encouraged to check for current advisories and practice healthy beach habits to help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer experience. Helpful guidance for staying healthy at the beach is available through Healthy Beach Habits.

Information on beach conditions across Maryland can also be found through the Maryland Healthy Beaches Program.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX) will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, located just outside of NAS PAX at 22156 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park.

The joint meeting will feature discussion on the following topics:

• NAS PAX Airshow
• Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) Funding Extension
• Comprehensive Plan Update – St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow
• Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)
• Encroachment & Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ)
• St. Mary’s County YMCA

This meeting is open to the public and will be recorded. The recording will air on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) TV Channel 95 as part of the regular CSMC meeting replay and will be available for on-demand viewing via our YouTube Channel post-production. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website by clicking Board Documents from the SMCG home page.

Information on the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, including meeting schedules, minutes, and more is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/csmc. For more details on the meeting or to request accommodation, please call the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340.

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.

Tuesday, May 26] The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for June. All offices, facilities, and services not listed will be operating at their normal hours.

Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville will be closed.
• The Charles County Landfill, all Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility will be closed.
• Curbside collection of recycling and yard waste will slide one day. Friday service will occur on Saturday, June 20.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, and all school-based community centers will be closed.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center will be closed, and Port Tobacco Recreation Center will be closed.
• All indoor and outdoor pools will be closed.
• Elite Gymnastics will be closed.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 26, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that D’Montre Montez Bush, 26, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was convicted of armed robbery and related crimes following a three-day jury trial.

On November 16, 2025, deputies responded to a reported robbery in Lexington Park, Maryland, where they located an adult male victim seeking medical aid at the Bay District Fire Department. Investigators determined that the victim was ambushed by Bush and other accomplices, who were armed with knives and a machete, after he came to an apartment under the guise of meeting a woman he had been talking to online. The victim was chased outside, stabbed in the back, and robbed of his cell phone before he was able to escape to his vehicle.

“This was a deliberate and dangerous attack that escalated into violence and serious injury. The victim was targeted, assaulted, and robbed through an act of deception. He luckily managed to escape any further injury, thanks to the quick aid of emergency responders and medical professionals,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “We are grateful for the efforts of investigators, our prosecution team, and the jury in securing this conviction.”

Bush remains held without bond pending sentencing and faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison.

Assistant State’s Attorney Shaye Reynolds and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Kortnie Marsch of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.

NAS Patuxent River's Gate 1 will close Friday, May 29 from 9:30-11 a.m. for scheduled maintenance. Driver should use Gate 2 during that time.

Webster Field's Main Gate will close Friday, May 29 from 1-2:30 p.m. for scheduled maintenance. Drivers should use Webster's back gate during that time. 

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Communities surrounding NAS Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place May 26 –July 10, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mission Critical engines run events at the Open Air Engine Test Cell (OAETC) are required. 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.