Calvert

CountyTimes
WWW.COUNTYTIMES.NET
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022

2022:
The Year in Review
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 Calvert County Times 2

CONTENTS
LOCAL NEWS 3 COPS & COURTS 10
YEAR IN REVIEW 5 CALENDAR 11
COMMUNITY 8

“THE MORE THINGS CHANGE,

THE MORE THEY STAY THE
SAME.”
FRENCH WRITER JEAN-BAPTISTE ALPHONSE KARR IN
1849

ON THE COVER
LOCAL 4
Hoyer secures funding

LOCAL 8
North Beach hosts art exhibit
5
Calvert got new commissioners, sheriff in 2022

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 3 Calvert Local News Calvert County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

County Awarded $2M Whale Skull Extraction

Grant for Open Air at Maryland Beach
Pavilion vised a plan to extract the sediment from
the beach first by small pontoon boat,
then by truck (Photo 2) to CMM’s Fossil
Calvert County’s Department of Eco- area surrounding the pavilion. Preparation Lab, which is located in the
nomic Development has received a $2 Calvert County Economic Develop- Paleontology Hall inside the museum.
million grant from the State of Mary- ment was also awarded a $60,000 grant The extraction took place Monday, De-
land to develop an open-air pavilion in for the schematic design of the pavilion. cember 19th with a team of paleontology
the heart of Prince Frederick Town Cen- The project will be funded through the enthusiasts (Photo 3), including God-
ter. The award was announced by Gov. $50 million Rural Maryland Economic dard, who traveled down to share in the
Larry Hogan this month. Development Fund, which is overseen excitement. Godfrey said, “It felt like we
“We are thrilled about this project, by the Maryland Department of Com- had won the World Cup of Paleontol-
which will revitalize the vacant Armory merce and administered by the five rural ogy! We are so blessed to have so many
location and serve as a central focal point regional councils to boost economic de- avocational and professional paleontolo-
for a walkable community in the Prince velopment activity, stimulate private gists, locally.”
Frederick Town Center and compli- sector investment and create jobs in the “We don’t yet know what species
ment any future development at Armory state’s rural regions. of Miocene baleen whale this is,” says
Square, while preserving the agricul- The Calvert County Department of Godfrey, “that we will only know once
tural character of Calvert County,” said Economic Development monitors eco- it has been prepared. It might even prove
Economic Development Director Julie nomic trends and works to execute to be our greatest preparation chal-
Oberg. “We appreciate Gov. Hogan’s business programs that complement lenge, depending on how indurated the
support for this exciting investment, Calvert County. The department’s goal While combing Matoaka Beach for entombing sediments are.” The skull,
which will help to improve the quality is to attract and retain strong, healthy fossils and shark’s teeth, Pennsylvania affectionately christened “Cody,” is the
of life for our residents and make Prince and dynamic companies of all sizes and resident, Cody Goddard, made a fasci- most complete fossil whale skull ever
Frederick more attractive for tourism industries. For more information, visit nating discovery. A large hardened block recovered from that section of Calvert
and economic development.” www.ChooseCalvert.com. of sediment laying on the beach had an Cliffs.
The multi-use pavilion will promote Find information on Calvert County unusual fossil protruding from one end. The unprepared “raw” fossil skull can
tourism, create opportunities to stimu- Government services online at www. After further investigation, Goddard be seen on a blue hydraulic cart in the
late business activity, support a farmers CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date realized that he had stumbled upon a Mio- museum’s Fossil Preparation Lab. Air
market, community events, arts and en- with Calvert County Government on cene fossil whale skull. He then reached scribe-like tools (like miniature jack-
tertainment and maximize the variety Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cal- out to Dr. Stephen Godfrey, Curator of hammers) will be used to delicately
and nature of events that can be hosted vertCountyMd and YouTube at www. Paleontology at the Calvert Marine Mu- remove the very hardened sediments that
at the pavilion. Plans will include a com- youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov. seum (CMM), who confirmed, by way of encase most of the skull. That process,
mercial kitchen, restrooms and a grassy a video text that the fossil encased in the undertaken by our volunteers, will take

Seasons
sediment was indeed a whale skull and many months. Once the bones that make
quickly made the trip to visit the fossil’s up the top of the skull are uncovered, we
location in person. should then be able to identify it, if it is
Moving the 650 lb. block of sediment a currently known species of Miocene

Greetings
safely from the beach to the museum baleen whale.
was no small task. Godfrey and team de-

Adjusted Parks & Rec

Fee Schedule to Take
Wishing you a
beautiful holiday
Effect Jan. 1
An adjusted fee schedule for Calvert The fee schedule is reviewed and ap-
season and a new County Parks & Recreation programs,
facilities and services will take effect
proved by the BOCC each year. A
formalized fee schedule guides the de-

year of Health Jan. 1, 2023.

Modest increases in some programs
partment in the proper collection of
those fees and allocation of revenues. It
and services account for changes in com- is estimated that adjusting fees will save
Laura Zurl, GRI, SRES, e-PRO
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
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been added to provide a 50% discount View the 2023 Parks & Recreation
[email protected] for admission and rental fees to active Fee Schedule at www.calvertcountymd.
Contact me today for more information! duty military residents and a 50% dis- gov/CCPRFeeSchedule.
Cell 410-610-8630 count off rental fees to Calvert nonprofit Find information on Calvert County
organizations. Government services online at www.
The Department of Parks & Recre- CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date
ation formalized the collection of fees with Calvert County Government on
through its Revenue and Fee Manual, Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cal-
adopted by the Board of County Com- vertCountyMd and YouTube at www.
missioners (BOCC) in October 2019. youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 Calvert County Times Calvert Local News 4

Hoyer Secures Funding

50
for Fifth District Priorities After Christmas %
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-

Clearance OFF

SALE
05) on Dec, 26 released the following
statement following House passage of
the 2023 Fiscal Year Omnibus legisla- ALL CHRISTMAS TREES
tion, announcing over $16,125,150 in
Community Project Funding for Fifth ALL GREEN WREATHS
District priorities. This total is in addi-
tion to the more than $13,000,000 that ALL ORNAMENTS
Congressman Hoyer secured for proj-
ALL CHRISTMAS POTTERY

75 75% ALLBULBS
ects in the Fifth District in the FY22
Omnibus. The House Committee on
Appropriations allowed each Member % ALL 2022 2022
of Congress to submit up to 15 Commu-
FLOWER &
OFF OFF
nity Funding Project requests for their
districts in the Fiscal Year 2023 funding
bill. As part of that process, Congress- VEGETABLE SEEDS & SEED
man Hoyer solicited requests on his Some exclusions apply. Merchandise discounted 25% or more may not be
website and submitted 15 projects to the be returned or exchanged. Valid on in-stock merchandise only.
House Appropriations Committee.
“The funding package that passed the
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House today is one that reflects a ma- Congressman Steny Hoyer
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I was glad to work with stakeholders
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2988 $
57 88

across our District on each of these re- $2,000,000 for Kennedy Krieger Insti- 25% OFF HOUSE PLANT SALE
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 5 Year in Review Calvert County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

Calvert in 2022: A Year of Change

By Dick Myers One of the biggest changes in the Hutchins insisted
Staff Writer year was the move away from life cop- that the county not
ing with covid to a post-covid world in dawdle in setting
Many people who live in Calvert which people were still getting sick but up the two afore-
County may observe from time to time in which those illnesses more often than mentioned local
that not much seems to change. If you not were less severe and had a quicker agencies along with
commute to work in DC or Annapolis, or road to recovery. the local trial board
to Pax River over that bridge, the traffic The change manifest itself in an elec- to accompany them.
is still bad and at times a nightmare. tion in November that will see a new He was success-
If you work the land or the water, the majority county commissioner board, ful in that endeavor
seasons still change and the bounty still two new school board members and and the new enti-
produces a good, though fragile, living. a new sheriff. And 2023 begins with a ties were ready to
If you are retired, living in one of Cal- new school superintendent, a new Cal- function when the
vert’s settled bayside communities, life vertHealth CEO and a new College of state-mandated
still is measured by the tides and walks Southern Maryland president at their re- July 1 deadline
on the beach. It’s a peaceful existence spective helms. happened, mak-
seemingly unaffected by the outside ing Calvert the first
world, unless you live in Breezy Point THE TOP FIVE STORIES OF 2022 in the state to do
or near a Solomons marina on the week- so, and making its
ends in the summer. #5: Police Reform framework a model
If you are lucky enough to work lo- Calvert County leaders have touted for others.
cally at one of our businesses or for local how well the county has responded to Hutchins’ insis-
government, schools and police, life is the state-mandated police reform mea- tence that the boards
still measured by how well things go sures that include the creation of local be heavily weighted
at work and still you can treasure more police accountability and administrative with persons with
time spent at home with family and in charging committees to oversee actions law enforcement ex-
your neighborhoods with friends. of local police agencies, most notably in perience, however,
If you are at school, time is still mea- Calvert the sheriff’s office, since a sepa- was not as suc-
sured by homework, classmates and rate state framework is being set up to cessful. During the
what will come next in your life. oversee the Maryland State Police. public hearings held
Yet in 2022 amid that sometimes-slow Thanks in large part to the insistence late last year and
pace of life here, there were currents of of former commissioner Tim Hutchins, early this year the
change, some subtle and some more sub- who as a former state trooper and head overwhelming citi-
stantive, changes that as we head into of the state police, he knew how impor- zen response was for Maryland State Hall of Fame firefighter Randy Smith
2023 may come into sharper focus as tant it was to have a fair and impartial the oversight major-
they take hold. oversight of law enforcement agencies. ity to be average citizens who were most cooperation with the new oversight
affected by police actions. process.
At the final public hearing in January
on the Calvert County Police Account- #4: School Board Turmoil
ability Board (CCPAB) makeup, Calvert In The County Times Jan. 20 is-
County NAACP Branch President Mi- sue, the lead story carried the headline:
chael Kent said, “We are happy with “State Test Scores Took a Nose Dive in
the work done,” adding “It is a very Calvert.” The story confirmed what had
good document you have put together.” been known anecdotally for a while – the
He noted, however, that in the county virtual learning produced by the pan-
“young black males and females are demic significantly impacted outcomes
fearful of being hauled over by police.” for many students, so much so there was
A League of Women Voters represen- fear of a lost generation if something
tative said, “The role of law enforcement wasn’t done about it.
should be to serve as resources but in a The test score decline was particu-
non-voting capacity.” larly severe in mathematics, Assistant
The ordinance adopted said, “To Superintendent Dr. Susan Johnson told
the extent practicable, members of the the school board. When we interviewed
CCPAB shall reflect the racial, gender, Johnson for the Aug. 4 issue, she empha-
and cultural diversity of Calvert County sized the resolve of the school system to
and include, with not less than two mem- address the problem.
bers from each County Commissioner Johnson said, “I think COVID has
District: been challenging because it has im-
So many people applied to serve that pacted so many people in different ways.
the commissioners set up a special com- Everyone is concerned about differ-
mittee to review the applications. In ent aspects, and we had to navigate the
the end the process achieved stability changing landscape every week during
with the appointment of former county the pandemic.”
commissioner and deputy county admin- Because of that, she said, “Our students
istrator Wilson Parran, a well-respected and staff have struggled with teaching
African American community leader, to and learning. But there are other things
chair the CCPAB and also to be on the that we deal with that are challenging all
charging committee. the time such as school safety, dispro-
At year’s end the new charging com- portionality, gaps in learning.” 
mittee had 35 complaints to review She said, “Through the pandemic our
and of the first eight they looked at, six students and staff grew exponentially in
were dismissed and two were still being their ability to work and learn in a virtual
investigated. or blended environment. But students do
At the final CCPAB meeting of the have learning loss. The learning loss is in
Sheriff Ricky Cox year, new sheriff Ricky Cox pledged two areas: social and emotional develop-
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 Calvert County Times Year in Review 6
election, and also was mentioned often sion to the circuit court.
in the commissioner race. The two can- Just last week, in his final day in of-
didates who spoke out against the policy, fice as county commissioner, McConkey
Lisa Grenis and Jana Post, prevailed in lost his last legal challenge to the Calvert
the at-large school board race and will be County Ethics Commission ruling that
seated in January. he had a conflict of interest when he cast
Then surprisingly, at the board’s last that tie-breaking vote to put his property
meeting of the year and Nutter and within an expanded Huntingtown Town
Cousins' final meeting, the board major- Center. On Monday Dec. 19, in a terse
ity, who had consistently voted against one-line opinion, the Maryland Supreme
Nutter, changed the policy to instead Court denied McConkey’s request that
limiting comments to an hour. A shocked they hear the case. Known as a writ of
Nutter exclaimed, “Sometimes some- certiorari, the denial means that the deci-
thing’s better than nothing.” sion by the state’s second highest court
Another hot topic during the year was stands upholding the ethics commis-
Critical Race Theory, with some parents sion’s stance.
who spoke to the board insisting it was The then Maryland Court of Special
being taught and some school board Appeals (COSA) had earlier ruled that
members and staff denying that. The a judge erred in overturning the ethics
theory became an issue in the board’s commission finding that McConkey cast
New Calvert County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Andrae Townsel passage of an anti-racism policy. his vote in error. The unanimous deci-
sion by the three-judge panel upheld the
ment and in academic learning.” schools, the issue raised its ugly head #3: Controlling Growth ethics commission decision “imposing
So, the learning gap was one issue again. Calvert Education Association The issue of growth versus no growth its strongest sanction -- a cease and de-
facing new superintendent Dr. Andrae President Dona Ostenso, representing (and in between, smart growth or con- sist order and a letter of censure, rather
Townsel as students returned to school the teachers, has consistently brought trolled growth) has been around for than a letter of reprimand,” according to
in August without being required to wear up the subject of discipline and violence decades in Calvert County and argued in the Aug. 17 opinion by COSA.
masks or to be vaccinated, both issues against her members and staff at the most local elections, such as the county The Maryland Supreme Court this
for which many parents criticized the school board’s public forums. commissioner races in 2018. year did grant CCU a writ of certiorari
school board during their public com- “This has been an incredibly challeng- When returnees Steve Weems and to hear their case seeking to overturn
ment portion of meetings. ing school year,” Ostenso told the school Mike Hart joined newcomers Buddy the commissioners’ overall vote on the
Dr. Townsel’s appointment was con- board in June. Regarding the discipline Hance, Tim Hutchins and Kelly McCo- comprehensive plan due in part to Mc-
troversial, with some parents and others issues, she added, “This is more than nkey, one of their first major decisions Conkey’s ethics violation. That court has
questioning his track record and pro- what educators signed up for when they of their first year in office in 2019 was not yet rendered a verdict. The citizen’s
gressive ideas and others saying the chose this career.” adoption of the rewrite of the county’s group has lost their case at both the cir-
opposition was racially motivated. One Those forums were an ongoing issue comprehensive plan, the guide to zoning cuit court and COSA levels.
of his early initiatives, “The Playbook throughout 2022. Emerging from virtual in the county. That decision has had re- Commissioners Hance and Weems
– School Days with Eric Thomas,” was meetings, the board imposed a 10-person verberations ever since and was played (who did not seek re-election), were the
also criticized for its cost ($344,000) and limit on speakers. School board member out in 2022 in Maryland’s highest court. two negative votes cast in both decisions
track record. The county commissioners Pat Nutter at just about every meeting That day in August 2019 in which in 2019. Tim Hutchins, one of the three
immediately jumped on the opposition unsuccessfully made a motion to lift the the decision was made featured a pre- positive votes, resigned due to health and
bandwagon in a letter questioning the limits. The county commissioners, led liminary 3-2 vote to put two pieces of his replacement Chris Gadway (who lost
program, but Townsel defended the ini- by then-Commissioner Chris Gadway, property owned by McConkey into the the Republican primary), voted a more
tiative: “The Playbook program is one of often mentioned the limits and at one Huntingtown Town Center. McConkey controlled growth position. And Mike
those resources that is being utilized by school board meeting all five commis- cast the tiebreaker in that 3-2 decision. Hart has over the last year claimed to
all of the Calver County high schools to sioners spoke out against it. And the subsequent 3-2 vote approved have had an epiphany in which he has re-
promote student achievement and help Nutter, who had been appointed to the plan update, with McConkey also alized that he voted in error and now has
close the learning loss gaps of students the seat held by the late Bill Phalen, and casting the tiebreaker. become one of the board’s staunchest
who need additional support,” he said. Pamela Cousins (most recently board The decisions prompted an ethics anti-growth members, even having sup-
The school board seems to be per- president), both chose not to run for complaint against McConkey and also ported a moratorium in Prince Frederick.
petually emersed in controversy, with election, leaving two at-large seat vacan- was catalyst for the formation of a new Meanwhile recently the board, in the
discipline being the biggest issue pre- cies on the board. So, the speaker limit citizens group called Calvert Citizens absence of McConkey, rescinded the
covid. But as the students returned to the became an issue in the school board United (CCU) which appealed the deci- vote putting his properties in the Hun-
 7 Year in Review Calvert County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022
tingtown Town Center and also some mission and then Clark was elected in
key provisions of the master plan re- 2018. The former county commissioner
lating to the size of several other town said, “I put in 20 years. It was a hard de-
centers, most notably Prince Frederick. cision but it’s time for young people to
The board also recently voted to adopt take over and move this county and this
new Adequate Public Facilities regula- state the way they should be.” When all
tions, requiring that water and sewer, was said and done after the November
stormwater management and public election the seat was claimed by former
safety facilities be in place in addition to St. Mary’s County Commissioner Todd
roads and schools. Morgan.
During 2022 the county commission- Clark’s announcement was followed
ers and planning commission were told by one from veteran commissioner,
by public works staff that the Prince Steve Weems. And then Board of Edu-
Frederick sewage treatment plants were cation Chairperson Pamela Cousins
at capacity only later to be told that was announced she wasn’t seeking re-elec-
in error and there is plenty capacity. tion. Pat Nutter, who had been appointed
During that discussion, County Admin- to the late Bill Phalen’s seat, said he had
istrator Mark Willis promoted a plan to never intended to seek election ad also
send Prince Frederick sewage down to announced in fact he wasn’t.
the Solomons sewage treatment plant. So, the announcements left a wide-
That plan never took hold and was lam- open at-large commissioner seat, and
basted by the commissioners and the two at-large school board seats up for
public. grabs. Originally Steve Jones, then
The question for 2023 is whether the planning commission chairman, said he
majority newcomer members of the com- was going to run for that seat, but then
missioner b board will continue that slow switched to run against Mike Hart for
growth course initiated in 2022. Two of the 1st Commissioner District seat, which
the most pro-growth commissioner can- he lost in the Republican primary. Todd
didates, McConkey and Steve Jones, a Ireland easily prevailed to join Buddy
planning commission member, lost their Hance as at-large commissioners. Hance
election bids. Jones lost to Hart. McCo- was the top vote getter through the pri-
nkey was defeated by Catherine Grasso mary and the general election.
in the Republican primary. Grasso was Republican Central Committee Chair-
one of the movers of the ethics violation person Catherine Grasso announced she
complaint against McConkey. was stepping down from that position to
run against beleaguered Commissioner Clockwise from top left: Catherine Grosso, Ricky Cox, Todd Ireland, and Buddy Hance. All won their bid for
elected office.
#2: The Election Kelly McConkey. Grasso, on behalf of
Nowhere was change more evident in the central committee, had filed an ethics
Calvert County than the year-long story complaint against McConkey and those The fallout from the Oct. 28, 2019, year in office, indicating the voters
about the 2022 election that concluded problems eventually caught up with him death of Leah Clark, who was struck and in that instance were not interested in
on Dec. 20 with the swearing in of three as he lost to Grasso in the Republican killed by a sheriff’s deputy while she change.
new county commissioners and a new primary. was walking along Dares Beach Road, “I am truly very thankful for the sup-
sheriff. With the county now firmly planted in may have influenced both the sheriff’s port the voters gave me,” said the always
The portent of change occurred in The the GOP column, no Democrat mounted race and the 1st District Commissioner gracious Phipps.
County Times second issue of the new a serious challenge to the five winning race.
year with Delegate Jerry Clark, who rep- Republican county commissioners. The deputy, Joseph Magliaccio, was #1: The Economy
resented southern Calvert and middle The primary featured a hotly contested found not guilty of six criminal charges Pocketbook issues always trump other
St. Mary’s, announcing his intention sheriff’s race to replace retiring Sher- in a jury trial earlier this year. He had news and that was the case in 2022.
not to seek re-election. Clark had been iff Mike Evans. The sheriff supported been indicted by the grand jury on neg- Our cover photo of the June 16 issue
appointed in 2016 to take over Tony his second in command, Lt. Col. Dave ligent manslaughter with an automobile. of The County Times declared “Pain at
O’Donnell’s seat when he was appointed McDowell, but lost in the Republican He was only found guilty of negligent the Pump” as gas prices topped $5. By
to the Maryland Public Service Com- primary to Ricky Cox. driving and speeding. The verdict raised year end they had fallen below $3. The
charges in the community of mishan- big question remains for 2023 to answer.
dling of the case by the sheriff’s office. Will inflation persist? Will the country
McDowell was on duty at the time and dip into a recession? Or will the econ-
Jones was called in to assist. omy rebound, with the troubles of 2022
Both McDowell and Jones vigorously just a reaction to a perfect storm of issues
defended their actions that night, but they related to covid, supply chain problems
both lost their races by wide margins. and the war in Ukraine.
In the crowded school board primary, The May 19 issue reported from
taking advantage of the larger num- Southern Maryland Association of Re-
ber of Democrats who used the mail-in altors that one of the economic fallouts
method, Camille Khaleesi overtook was rising interest rates and a dampening
Scoot Fowler’s election night lead to of rising housing costs.
claim the fourth at-large board of educa- Ironically. the budgets of the county
tion spot on the ballot in November. The ($342 million for FY ‘23) and the mu-
other primary victors were Lisa Grenis, nicipalities of Chesapeake Beach and
Tracy McGuire and Jana Post. North Beach, bolstered by federal stimu-
Although the school board races are lus monies and increasing income tax
supposed to be non-partisan, the two revenues, have yet to see the impact of
parties supported candidates and those a slowing economy. As the government
favored by the Republicans, Grenis and entities begin work on their fiscal year
Post, prevailed in November. 2024 budgets, that could change.
When the polls closed on election We’ll tell you the outcome when we
night, three-time Register of Wills GOP do our Year in Review 2023. And of
candidate Mark Lynch had a lead over course in these news pages between now
Democrat Margaret Phipps, seeking her and then.
12th term. But when the mail-in ballots
were counted, Phipps easily overcame [email protected]
Gas prices skyrocketed in 2022 the deficit and will be entering her 45th
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 Calvert County Times In Our Community 8

Art Exhibit in North Beach: Cabin Fever

artists respond to their cabin fever?
Come to Artworks@7th January recep-
tion on January 7, 2023 from 1 – 4 (light
refreshments will be served). You’ll see
works by local artists like “Evening
Walk” by Mike Smawley, “Tabby at the
Window” by Suzanne Shelden and “Cat
Sleeping on the Porch” by Davy Strong
and much more to help erase those win-
ter doldrums!
Our featured artist for January is Ben-
ita Jenkins. Benita is an enthusiastic new
artist eager to share her artistic creations
with the community. She paints out of
enjoyment and passion and says that
painting gives her peace. Come support
this aspiring new artist! Her bright col-
ored abstracts will surely brighten your
winter day.
Money spent locally stays in the local
economy and continues to strengthen the
January 5, 2023 – January 29, 2023 economic base of the entire community.
Open House January 7, 1 – 4 PM Small local businesses make indispens-
Hello to a New Year with endless able contributions to communities and
possibilities! Winter days ushered us neighborhoods. Supporting local artists
from frenzied holidays into cold Janu- allows them the opportunity to continue
ary where gray skies atop leafless trees to serve their communities. You will
steal the landscape of warmth and forces often see members of Artworks@7th
us inside day after day - cabin fever has supporting local charities and organi-
arrived. This visceral need to be among zations by participating in art shows,
people, the desire to shake off the couch teaching workshops, and donating items
crumbs, the need to take in stimulating for fundraisers.
scenery is the universe telling you to ArtWorks@7th is located at 8905
get up and get out! Listen to your inner Chesapeake Avenue (near 2nd street) in
artist, take a walk, study the trees’ long North Beach, Maryland. Our hours are
limbs, smell1-2
12-22-2022 thePage
cold(Xmas
air, meet a friend
Ad) _Post PW TabThursday through Sunday,
1-6-2013 (Clearance) 12/19/2211:00
2:59 AM – 1
PM Page
for a hot drink. How will Artworks@7th 5:00 PM.
7 Calvert Local News Calvert County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

2023
FREE QUIT
Tobacco
Classes meet at 6pm. Held at
Calvert County Health Department Classes
in person or online.

Cigarettes -Cigars-Chew-Vapes
January 12—March 2
March 16—May 4
May 18—July 6
August 10—September 28
October 19—December 14

To Register, please call: 410 -535-5400, ext. 359

or visit CalvertHealth.org

Text READY to 200-400 or Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW For 24/7 support

and medication assistance from the Maryland Quitline!
Paid for by Cigarette Restitution Funds
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 Calvert County Times Cops & Courts 10

CALVERT SHERIFF'S CRIME BLOTTER

During the week of December 19– River Road in Lusby, for the report of an unknown suspect (s) pried off the lock Arrests:
December 25, 2022, Calvert County a theft from a vehicle. The complain- to a pump house and stole a small radi- On Decem-
Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to ant advised a loaded, black Ruger EF 9 ator-style heater. The estimated value of ber 21, 2022,
1,397 calls for service throughout the semi-automatic pistol was stolen from the stolen property is $70.00. Deputy J. Smith
community. the center console of a vehicle parked responded to the
outside the victim’s residence during the Theft: 22-74160 500 block of Short
Damaged Property: 22-74559 overnight hours of Dec. 18 into Dec. 19. On December 21, 2022, Deputy Mur- Court in Lusby,
On December 23, 2022, Deputy The estimated value of the stolen prop- phy received a report of a theft. The for the report
Newton responded to the 6000 block erty is $350.00. complainant advised an iPad Air was of a burglary in
of Gordon Drive in Sunderland, for the stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked progress. Inves-
report of damaged property. The com- Theft: 22-73750 in the 1500 block of Dogwood Road in tigation revealed
plainant advised an unknown suspect (s) On December 19, 2022, DFC Ostaz- St. Leonard. The estimated value of the the homeowner
shot the tailgate of the victim’s vehicle eski responded to the 700 block of Lazy stolen property is $650.00. heard a loud
with a BB gun. The estimated value River Road in Lusby, for the report of a banging outside the residence. Depu-
of the damaged property is $500.00. theft from a vehicle. Contact was made Theft: 22-74398 ties arrived on the scene and also heard
with the complainant who advised an On December 22, 2022, Deputy Daily yelling and a loud banging noise com-
Motor Vehicle Theft: 22-73730 unknown suspect (s) entered and rum- responded to the 200 block of Athena ing from a detached garage behind the
On December 19, 2022, DFC Ostaz- maged through the victim’s vehicle and Lane in Huntingtown, for the report of a property. Upon entering the garage, a
eski responded to the 12100 block of stole a teal Nintendo Switch. The es- theft. The complainant advised a DeWalt male was observed wearing a rifle, hold-
Long Wolf Lane in Lusby, for a report timated value of the stolen property is air compressor was stolen sometime ing a tackle box, yelling at deputies. The
of a stolen vehicle. The complainant $250.00. between Dec. 15 and Dec. 21, from a male was identified as Justin Paul Gar-
advised a 2013 dark gray GMC Terrain carport outside the residence. The es- ber, 40 of Broomes Island. A search of
was stolen from the residence sometime Theft: 22-73834 timated value of the stolen property is Garber’s person revealed two hypoder-
between 9 a.m. and noon on Dec. 18. On December 19, 2022, DFC Ostaz- $500.00. mic needles, a Super 8 airsoft rifle, and a
The estimated value of the stolen prop- eski responded to the 700 block of Lazy green tackle box. Garber was transported
erty is $8,000.00. River Road in Lusby, for the report of Theft: 22-74791 to the Calvert County Detention Center
a theft from a vehicle. The complainant On December 24, 2022, Cpl. McCar- and was charged with Burglary Second
Theft: 22-73695 advised during the overnight hours be- roll responded to the BP Station/Store Degree, Theft: $100 to Under $1500,
On December 19, 2022, Deputy Mur- tween Dec. 18 and Dec. 19, an unknown located at 2975 W. Chesapeake Beach CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, and
phy responded to the 12100 block of suspect (s) had rummaged through the Road in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. Trespassing: Private Property.
Long Wolf Lane in Lusby, for the report victim’s vehicle and stole a pair of Apple Investigation revealed a female entered Anyone with information about these
of a theft from a motor vehicle. The com- Pro Max AirPods and a small round jew- the store and grabbed 2 bottles of Kend- incidents is asked to call the Sheriff’s
plainant advised an unknown suspect (s) elry box with white pearls. The estimated all Jackson wine off the shelf and fled the Office at (410) 535-2800 and reference
entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle value of the stolen property is $250.00. store. The female suspect is described the case number provided. Citizens may
parked outside the residence and stole as a black female with a medium build, remain anonymous thru the ‘Submit a
a wallet and its contents. The estimated Theft: 22-73806 with black and red braided hair. She was Tip’ feature on the Calvert County Sher-
value of the stolen property is $200.00. On December 19, 2022, Deputy wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue iff’s Office mobile app. To download,
Wilder responded to the 11400 block of jeans, and black boots. The estimated visit https://apps.myocv.com/share/
Theft: 22-73707 Dowell Road in Solomons, for the re- value of the stolen property is $30.00. a39520678 . Tipsters may also email cc-
On December 19, 2022, DFC Ostaz- port of a theft. The complainant advised [email protected]
eski responded to the 700 block of Lazy sometime between Dec. 11 and Dec. 19,

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 11 Calvert County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

Calvert Community Calendar

To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email [email protected] with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.

Thu, Dec 29 Calvert Library Prince Frederick music, stories, and special activities. Calvert Library Fairview Branch
850 Costley Way Join us for story time and craft, avail- Rt. 4 and Chaneyville Road, Owings
Winter Break Programing: Chesa- 1-4 p.m. able while supplies last. Sessions are 25 Month of December
peake Horseshoe Crabs - 40 minutes. Sign up at the Admissions
Bring your quilting, needlework, knit- Desk when you arrive. Cost is free with Calvert Library’s Art in the Stacks is
Calvert Marine Museum ting, crocheting or other project for an admission. For more information visit: delighted to exhibit the amazing pho-
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. afternoon of conversation and shared Sea Squirts | Calvert Marine Museum, tographs of local artist Gary Scribner
creativity, 410-535-0291 or 301-855- MD - Official Website for the months of November through
Called living fossils by some, horse- 1862. https://CalvertLibrary.info. January at Fairview Library. Gary has
shoe crabs are a truly ancient species traveled to all 50 US states and over 35
that we are fortunate to have as part of Upcoming countries capturing landscape photos on
today’s Chesapeake ecosystem. Identify Sun, Jan 1 film and digital media since the early
the amazing adaptions that have helped First Fossil Friday! 1970’s. During his travels, Gary has also
horseshoe crabs to survive for millennia 12 Hikes in ‘23 Hiking Challenge enjoyed capturing street scenes of ordi-
and see live Atlantic horseshoe crabs in Calvert Marine Museum nary people in cities he has visited, same
the museum’s animal collection. Activi- American Chestnut Land Trust Trails Friday, Jan. 6 of which will be in this exhibit. Check-
ties appropriate for ages 4-10. Included 8 a.m. 1 – 4:30 p.m.  out his website @ www.scribbleimages.
with museum admission. com; 410-257-2101. https://CalvertLi-
Participants must register, and then Fossil hunters, bring your fossil finds brary.info.
Little Minnows sign-in using the QR code at any ACLT from the Calvert Cliffs or other local
trailhead at least one time each month to areas to be identified! This service is pro- Art in the Stacks): Photography by
Calvert Marine Museum qualify for a prize at the end of the year. vided for free; however, admission fees Ray Saunders.
10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Participants are encouraged to upload apply for access to CMM exhibits. For
photos from each hike to ACLT’s FB and more information visit: Calendar • Cal- Calvert Library Prince Frederick
This month’s theme is Dinosaurs are Instagram with hashtag #ACLT12Hike- vert Marine Museum, MD • CivicEngage 850 Costley Way
Fossils Too. For preschoolers ages 3 – 5, sin23. Encouraged to join Facebook Month of December
with an adult. This program focuses on Group “ACLT’s Hiking Challenges
one of the museum’s three themes. Join Group” Ongoing For Ray K. Saunders it’s all about
us for story time and a takeaway craft, the images, the moments and the light.
available while supplies last. Sessions Pet Night @ Annmarie Garden In Annmarie Garden in Lights Ray spent his professional life as a pho-
are 25-40 minutes. Capacity is limited. Lights tojournalist working for newspapers in
Sign up at the Admissions Desk when Annemarie Garden Virginia, spending 23 years as a photo
you arrive. Cost is free with admission. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts 13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD editor at The Washington Post. , 410-
For more information, visit: Little Min- Center Nov. 25-Jan. 1 (closed some eve- 535-0291 or 301-855-1862. https://
nows | Calvert Marine Museum, MD 5-8 p.m. nings) CalvertLibrary.info.
- Official Website 5-9 p.m/ nightly
Bring your well-behaved pet for the Art In The Stacks: Art by Mimi Little
last night of our holiday light show! Must Dazzling light show - festive exhib-
Fri, Dec 30 be on a leash 6’ or shorter. Advance tick- its - holiday shopping - food trucks. Calvert Library Southern Branch
ets required for humans! Purchase tickets Admission: ADVANCE TIMED-EN- 13920 H. G. Trueman Rd, Solomons
Winter Break Programing: Evolution at www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/ TRY TICKETS REQUIRED! Members Month of December
and Extinction: Megalodon content/annmarie-garden-lights-28 FREE (must reserve tickets); Non-mem-
bers $15; Ages 2 & under FREE; SNAP Mimi Little’s paintings will be on
Calvert Marine Museum card holders, call 410-326-4640 to re- display at the Southern Branch during
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thur, Jan 5 serve your reduced price tickets the months of November and December.
Mimi works with acrylics, collage, and
Today is all about the top predator of Sea Squirts Holiday Magic cold/wax oil to create paintings that are
the Miocene seas – Megalodon! Dis- abstract in nature. Although the majority
cover how this massive shark evolved Calvert Marine Museum ArtWorks@7th of her painting are done in the studio, she
and how it ultimately met its extinction 10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. 8905 Chesapeake Avenue (near 2nd enjoys painting en plein air (in nature).
during the Pliocene Epoch. Activities street), North Beach Mimi’s passion is to make paintings
appropriate for ages 4-10. Included with This month’s theme is See, Hear, December 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023 that relate to her life, where she lives,
museum admission. Smell & Touch. Children 18 months what she is doing and what is socially
to 3 years, with an adult, are invited to Art in the Stacks: Photography by important to her, 410-326-5289. https://
On Pins & Needle discover the museum together through Gary Scribner CalvertLibrary.info.

Stop by & see what Southern Maryland

Online has to offer! Stay abreast of
community happenings, speak your
mind, & make new friends in the forums,
or buy & sell in the most popular
classified market in the area.

Your Online Community for Charles,

Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties www.somd.com
Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times BusinessDIRECTORY 21

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County Times
St. Mary’s County ● Calvert County
20 The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN

1. Single Lens Reflex 1. Pinochle trick
4. People of southern Benin 2. A system of connections
7. One who is learned (abbr.) 3. Emblems of royalty
10. Neckwear 4. Work with a soft hand
11. Solid water 5. Plant cultivated in Peru
12. A way to work the soil 6. A timid man
13. Inspiring 7. Lacking intellectual depth
15. Pick up 8. A way to order
16. It wakes you up 9. Intoxicating
19. Parcel 13. Mimic
21. Popular dog breed 14. Surfers use it
23. Lets out a sigh 17. Small Eurasian deer
24. Embedded into the surface 18. Popular Miller beer
25. Hard liquors 20. Finds out about
26. One from Scotland 22. Unusual
27. Satisfy 27. Small European viper
30. Used to introduce a contrasting 28. Indicates before
statement 29. Birth swine
34. Antidepressant drug type (abbr.) 31. 7
35. Similar 32. Useful keyboard key
36. Winged horse 33. Letter of the Greek alphabet
41. Soft drink maker 37. Edible mollusk
45. One who doesn't live up to 38. Stitched up
expectations 39. Utilized
46. Nursemaid 40. __ in tradition
47. Inheritor 41. A way to get through
50. Hot, often dusty wind 42. Let off
54. Serves as an introduction 43. Fashionable source of shade
55. Earned top billing 44. In due time
56. Mansion 47. Printing speed
57. A partner to a carrot 48. A major division of geological time
59. War-horse 49. Nocturnal, cat-like mammal
60. Midway between northeast and east 51. __ de la __
61. It checks the heartbeat 52. After B
62. Aquatic salamander 53. Unusual
63. CNN's founder 58. Former money of the EU
64. Being precisely suitable and right
65. Strongly alkaline solution

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times Cops & Courts 19

ST. MARY'S SHERIFF'S CRIME BLOTTER

Wanted: Walter Crouse Prentiss
The St. Mary’s counts of Second-Degree Assault and Ma-
County Sheriff’s licious Destruction of Property.
Office is seeking Anyone with information on Prentiss’
the whereabouts whereabouts is asked to contact Detec-
of Walter Crouse tive Joseph Bowling at 301-475-4200,
Prentiss, age 42 of ext. 71959 or email joseph.bowling@st-
no fixed address, maryscountymd.gov.
who is wanted Citizens may remain anonymous and
for violating the contact Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333, or
conditions of his text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to
Pre-Trial Release and removing his GPS “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime
monitor. Prentiss was incarcerated at the Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for
St. Mary’s County Detention and Reha- an award of up to $1,000 for information
bilitation Center for First-Degree Rape; about a crime in St. Mary’s County that
three counts of First-Degree Assault, three leads to an arrest or indictment.

Lexington Park Shooting

Under Investigation
On Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at 7:08 Division and Crime Lab Technicians
pm, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to continue the
deputies responded to the 21800 block of investigation.
Ronald Drive in Lexington Park for the Anyone with information about this in-
reported shooting. Deputies arrived on cident is asked to call Cpl. Austin Schultz
the scene and located a 25-year-old male at 301-475-4200, ext. 71953 or email aus-
victim with a gunshot wound to the head. [email protected].
Preliminary investigation determined Citizens may remain anonymous and
that the shooting occurred near the inter- contact Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333,
section of Ronald Drive and Pegg Road. or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their mes-
The victim was flown by helicopter sage to “CRIMES” (274637). Through
to an area medical facility for treatment the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are
for incapacitating injuries where he was eligible for an award of up to $1,000
listed in stable condition. for information about a crime in St.
Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations indictment.

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 18 Obituaries The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

In Remembrance
The County Times publishes obituaries as submitted by funeral homes
Brinsfield
Our Family 
Life Celebration Homes &

and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Submissions

may be sent to [email protected] by noon on Mondays in
Crematory
Serving Yours

order to be published the following Thursday. Any submissions

received after this deadline may run in the following week’s edition. Traditional Funerals, Cremation Services,
Memorial Packages & Pre-need Services Provided
Dottie Brofft, 106 EPA as a research librarian in Cincinnati
where she retired.
Dottie Pearl Dottie was a wonderful letter writer
Brofft (née Fink) and champion speller. She always re-
passed away Dec. membered birthdays and enjoyed Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

16, 2022 at the age keeping in touch with family and 22955 Hollywood Road
of 106 in Leonard- friends. Dottie enjoyed summer vaca-
Leonardtown, MD 20650
town, MD. tions at the cabin built by her husband
Dottie was born Rudy, and his son Bob, in Lake of The 301-475-5588
November 10, Woods, Ontario, Canada. Many fishing
1916 and grew and swim trips, picknicks, shore lunches,
up on the family blueberry picking and pie making filled
farm in Harrison those summer days.
County, Indiana with her parents Jesse Dottie will be remembered as someone
and Nellie (NEE Keen) Fink and her that lived a fulfilling and interesting life Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

siblings. Dottie completed high school who loved her family and friends. We are 30195 Three Notch Road
at age 16 and then attended Indiana grateful for Dottie’s life and will cherish
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
University where she earned her BS de- memories that we shared with her.
gree. After graduation, Dottie worked at Dottie is survived by her daughter 301-472-4400
Wright Patterson AFB and then trans- Peggy (Hamblin), grandchildren Jesse,
ferred to aviation support in Wichita, KS. Molly and Jill. Great grandchildren Car-
While in Wichita Dottie met and married son, Lily and Remi. Niece Lou Alice and
her husband Rudy Brofft and they even- extended family.
tually settled in Cincinnati, OH. Dottie Dottie will be laid to rest at Spring Family owned and operated for two generations

furthered her career by working with the Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH

Public Health Service and later at the
www.brinsfieldfuneral.com

St. Mary’s Department of Aging & Human Services

Programs and Activities
Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-475-4200, ext. 1658
Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1080
Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 3101

Unless otherwise specified, all activities are open to Senior Activity Center participants ages 50+. Please call your local Senior Activity Center or visit StMarysMD.com/aging for the most up-to-date information.

Cycling Without Age - Rides ing your arm and holding a controller. To Stephenson). We are taking a holiday
Enjoy the fresh air and free rides register, click on the “View and Sign Up Loffler Book Club News break for now but will resume weekly
leaving the Northern Senior Activity for Activities and Programs” button at Meet at the Loffler Senior Activity gatherings on Thursday, January 12 at
Center courtesy of Cycling Without www.stmarysmd.com/aging. Accommo- Center on Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. to discuss 10 a.m. If you are interested in being a
Age, St. Mary’s County. These extraor- dations can be made for those requiring A Vineyard Christmas by Jean Stone. part of this, contact Sheila.graziano@
dinary experiences are created through registration assistance by leaving a mes- During the month of January, the group stmaryscountymd.gov Or you can call
trishaw rides for older adults driven by sage at 301-475-4200, ext. 3115. will be reading Fresh Water for Flow- 301-475-4200, ext. 1658.
trained volunteers. Christina Allen will ers by Valérie Perrin. Discussion will
provide two rides by appointment on Zumba with Leslie Corbin be on Friday, February 3. Our book Art with Jamie
Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 10:30 Come join us at the Garvey Senior Ac- club is a casual group that enjoys the Jamie’s art classes in January will fo-
a.m.-12 p.m., on Three Notch Trail with tivity Center on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. perspective of others. Contact Sheila. cus on observational drawing- learn the
her trishaw bicycle. To reserve a ride, for Zumba. A fun, aerobic dance class [email protected] for fine art of taking any object and drawing
click on the “View and Sign Up for Ac- using music with a Latin beat. It’s exer- more information. it using observation, points of reference,
tivities and Programs” button at www. cise that is so much fun you don’t realize basic shape then adding high lights and
stmarysmd.com/aging. Accommoda- you’ve been exercising. Try your first Sing Out Loud low lights. On January 31 there will be
tions can be made for those requiring class for free! For more information, call The Loffler Sunshine Singers recently a make and take project featuring a car-
registration assistance by leaving a mes- 301-475-4200, ext. 1080. delighted 150 partygoers plus staff at the dinal in a winter setting. The dates for
sage at 301-475-4200, ext. 3115. annual St. Mary’s County Department these sessions are Tuesday, Jan. 10,17,
Dungeons and Dragons of Aging & Human Services Christmas 24 and 31 at 10 a.m. The cost of these
Nintendo Wii Sports: Tennis – Free Dungeons and Dragon will be meet- Party on Friday, December 9. If you love sessions is $25 per session and includes
Play ing at the Garvey Senior Activity music and singing, you may want to the use of high-quality art materials.
Do you love Wii Bowling? Take a Center on Mondays, starting January 9 consider singing with us! Our director, The Make and Take project on Jan. 31
swing at Wii Tennis! This game is just as at 5 p.m. Are you a fan of storytelling? Joyce Haderly has been leading choirs includes all materials. Register for these
easy to learn and friendly to all skill lev- Have you ever wanted to be a character for decades and has brought out the very sessions at www.stmarysmd.com/Aging
els. Join us at Northern Senior Activity in Lord of the Rings? Join Peter Friesen best in this newly formed group. We or leave a message on our reservation
Center on Thursday, January 12, 2023, to learn about D&D and play a series of are further graced by piano accompani- line at 301-475-4200, ext. 1660.
from 1-3 p.m. for casual, competitive one-shot campaigns! For more informa- ment (Tina Watts) and three guitarists
fun. Keep in mind that it requires swing- tion, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1080. (Mary DeLima, Mary Ludwig and Lois
Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times Contributing Writers 17

Wanderings
of an Aimless Mind by Shelby Oppermann

The Way We Were… Wanderlust

It’s a good thing I love my yard, because unless my husband and I just drive
History and Stories of St Mary’s County from long-ago to just yesterday around sightseeing, we aren’t going anywhere. Yes the crud starting with a C has
hit us both…again. The other time was in February 2021 but was much worse

Valor in a Border State – this just feels like a bad sinus infection (so far) for me. My husband was first
to show symptoms like usual, and I thought I may be in the clear having taken
precautions of not being near each other, using separate bathrooms, me sleeping
This past October, readers of this column were introduced to “Muffled Oars: on the couch, and Lysoling and disinfecting every possible surface in our home.
A Story of St Mary’s County During the Civil War”. The book, published by the But unfortunately, it was not enough. It seems like many people we know are
St. Mary’s County Historical Society, is available at Fenwick Street Books & going through this same thing right now. Why is it, when you know you can’t go
Music, the Historical Society Bookstore, and anywhere, you want to go somewhere even more. And using curbside pick-up at
Amazon in softcover and Kindle formats. drugstores just really doesn’t cut it.
Where “Muffled Oars” was a novel, “Valor So, I am wondering where we should wander this week. Two sick people in
in a Border State” by County resident Rob- the same house, even if they love each other very much, is a recipe for disas-
ert L. Long, is non-fiction. Now in its second ter. There is so much beautiful scenery and there are so many beautiful parks
edition and available at Fenwick Books and in Southern Maryland where we could get out and enjoy nature, be far away
Amazon, “Valor in a Border State” presents from people and get fresh air. Our
brief biographies, letters, and history of St. go to place has always been Gilbert
Mary’s County men who fought – and died – Run Park since it is pretty close to our
for the Confederacy. Interestingly, nearly all home in Mechanicsville. The lake is
these men attended the Charlotte Hall Mili- so calm and beautiful and other than
tary Academy, as had many who enlisted and getting chased by crazed ducks oc-
fought on the Union side during the Civil War. casionally we love to walk the path
Of particular interest to readers of “Muf- around the lake with Mindy. They also
fled Oars” is Long’s retelling of the dangers have plenty of logs and jut off areas
and adventures of nineteen young men who with picnic tables where we (me) can
departed Leonardtown for Richmond, VA, take a rest. What I would really like to
on August 14, 1862. The family names of the do is grab some hot dogs or the Nick’s
men are familiar: Combs, Fenwick, Waring, Hayden, and so on. Their convey- sweet Italian sausage links from our
ance: a York River rowboat which, loaded with men and baggage, left barely freezer and have a cookout on the
two inches of freeboard. Four oarsmen were selected and no doubt the boat’s grates. I imagine we can get curbside
oars were wrapped with burlap to muffle the sounds. pickup of charcoal or just use twigs
Long draws this story from an article titled “The Efficacy of Prayer” by and branches just laying around to fill
Confederate veteran John Hickey who was one of the nineteen men. It is a har- the standing grills. We might have to
rowing tale of near captures. do that this week. Now, I am craving
Having been spotted by Union patrol boats on their first attempt to cross the hot dogs.
Potomac, the crew took refuge at Flood Creek (near White Point Beach off There are a few other parks that we
Medley’s Neck Road). haven’t been to yet that I would like to visit. Maxwell Hall Park in Hughesville’s
At 5:15pm on the 14th, the crew made ready to row across the Potomac website states that they have some nicely maintained trails. And I have always
heading to Machodoc Creek in VA (near Coles Point), a distance of about seven wanted to see the old historic Maxwell Hall. I didn’t realize that Maxwell Hall
miles. Quickly spotted by a Union steam tug just off Blackistone Light. The Park has 6 horse riding and hiking trails color-coded by trail intensity and mil-
pursuit was quickly joined by a Union clipper just south of Colonial Beach. In age. The Brown Trail is 3.5 miles and covers areas through woods, fords, and
Hickey’s words: hilly areas, but does offer two rest areas and scenic overlooks. It could take me
“We were within one mile of the Machodoc bar and had slightly the advan- five years to work up to that trail. I also did not know there was shoreline access
tage in distance. With the bar between us and the clipper, there was a possibility at the park. It’s also close to home.
that the clipper might ground. I’ve also never been to Bensville Park in White Plains which the website says
“A puff of smoke and the skipping of the ball across tour bow warned us of is connected to The Indian Head Rail Trail. I also found Tilghman Lake Park
what we might expect. ‘Boys’ said Foxwell [the captain], there is nothing that in La Plata that I have never heard of but looks beautiful too. Friendship Farm
can save us but prayer and if any of you can pray aloud, we will join in.” One Park in Nanjemoy looks peaceful too with a long, meandering Friendship Trail
of the rowers, Warren Moore, began to recite the Memorare. – sounds perfect for Wanderlust. Obviously, there are plenty of new parks or our
Another shot was fired, but the ball fell just short, showering the men with old favorites to enjoy now and throughout our (normally) mild winters here in
water. Hickey continues: Southern Maryland.
“The full sails of the clipper were seen to flutter as she shifted to catch a And you know I love our St. Mary’s County Parks and have walked the trail at
breeze and the gun diverted and our prayers were heard.” St. Mary’s River State Park since when my sons were young, and I’m sure I will
Cheering broke out as the boat rowed into the mouth of the Machodoc. again. I wonder if the old bench is still there down by the swampy area where
“There were many non-Catholics in our party,” wrote Hickey, “and I am I used to journal or listen to music on the Walkman before cell phones? Dorsey
fully assured that to this day, were any of them interrogated on the subject, they Park always brings me happy memories of soccer practice and games when my
would concur with the writer, that at the time it certainly appeared as a strong sons were young, or just walking the trails with them. Lots of days were just
manifestation of the ‘Efficacy of Prayer.’” spent watching them play on the playground equipment. My sons have always
Learn more about known that it is a special place for me and have arranged cookouts at Dorsey
the extraordinary his- Park for my birthday or Mother’s Day over the years. Forests and even jut a
tory of the County and single beautiful tree are where I have always felt centered or can get my soul
its people at the St. centered. I really think I, and my husband, need some centering and definitely
Mary’s County His- healing right now during this last week of 2022. I want a fresh, healthy start for
torical Society. www. 2023 and wish that for you as well.
stmaryshistory.org To each New Year’s adventure, Shelby
Please send your comments or ideas to: [email protected] or
find me on Facebook
16 Contributing Writers The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

The Tackle Box

Fishing Report FINANCIAL
FOCUS
Passing Assets Through a
Trust: What to Know
As the year winds down, your thoughts might drift to the future. And,
as part of that future, you may be thinking of where your financial as-
sets will end up. You’ve worked hard to accumulate them, and you’ll
certainly need some of them to support your retirement, but what about
the rest? What’s the best way to pass them on to your loved ones?
Part of the Swann family that landed fabulous fish the day after Christmas on the Miss Susie II There’s no single path for everyone to follow. But you might con-
sider establishing a trust, which offers some key benefits. For example,
By Ken Lamb stripped bass that were in the 45-to- your estate can avoid the time-consuming, and highly public, process
Contributing Writer 51-inch range, weighing close to 50 of probate. Plus, you can be highly specific about how your assets will
pounds. The sea monsters have been be distributed.
Not many days left until the new mixed with the 20-to-35-inch fish that To establish a trust, you will need to work with a qualified estate-
year. The Potomac River striped bass are tearing up the water, chasing bait. planning attorney. And while you’ll discuss many issues, here are three
season ends on this Saturday, Decem- It has been a great fishing season key questions that will certainly need to be addressed:
ber 31. in southern Maryland with rockfish, • Who will serve as trustee of the trust? As the grantor, or cre-
Trollers and jiggers are getting a spot, cobia, redfish, spanish mackerel, ator, of your trust, you will pick the trustee – the individual or
great bite at daybreak just inside the di- catfish, snakehead, and white perch all corporate entity that will manage the trust’s assets and carry out
viding line that separates the Potomac being plentiful. We had a good sprin- the purpose of the trust. You could choose a trusted loved one,
from the bay. The fish are available all kling of bluefish and speckled trout, but this individual might not have the knowledge or experience
up and down the river from Ragged too. If we get our croaker back, it will to manage the responsibilities of a trustee. As an alternative, you
point to Smith Point. Trolling is best. a spectacluar 2023.The season lasts un- could choose a corporate fiduciary, such as a bank or trust com-
Umbrellas are the lures of choice. til 31 December and no one needs to let pany. These entities are typically regulated by outside agencies
We have counted five ocean-run this opportunity get away from them. and provide significant public matter expertise. Of course, they
charge for their services and often have account minimums.
• When are distributions made? As the grantor, you can choose
when assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries you’ve named.

Pet
You could decide to keep the assets in the trust until a beneficiary
reaches the age of majority; note that the age of majority is not
the same in all states. Or you could choose to “phase in” the dis-
tributions at particular ages – e.g., 30, 35, 40 – or after a certain
number of years. You could even hold assets in the trust for the
lifetimes of the beneficiaries. These types of choices will depend
on several factors, such as your feelings for how responsible a

OF THE WEEK
beneficiary might be in managing money.
• For what purposes can the trust assets be used? In addition to

MEET
choosing when your trust should make distributions, you can de-
cide how these assets should be used. You could designate some
broad categories, such as health, education, maintenance and
support. A beneficiary’s request for distributions in these areas is

SIMBA
usually granted. But you could also structure the trust to provide
mandatory income, perhaps once a year, or include a provision
that provides incentives, such as distributing certain amounts of
money once the beneficiary has achieved a milestone, such as
Definition of DOG: Magical, Best
finishing a degree or purchasing a first home.
Friend, Loyal, Heart Mender, Life
One final note: Although you clearly have great control over what
Saver, Therapist, Protector....Perfect!
your trust can accomplish, its effectiveness will also depend, to a great
extent, on its asset level. With this in mind, you’ll want to pay close
Hello, my name is Simba. The feeling here at the shelter is that I’ll be
attention to your investment decisions throughout your life and your
a GREAT GUY to have around YOUR HOUSE. I’ll thrive in a quiet
withdrawal strategy during retirement. The better your choices in these
home with a regular routine and I would LOVE to have a stay-at-home
areas, the more options you’ll have with your trust – and the greater the
mom or dad! My must haves are: a fenced in yard, lots of treats, and
potential benefits for your beneficiaries.
a friendly canine sibling. I’m only about A YEAR OLD and I weigh
about 90 pounds. My TCAS pals say that I think my NUMBER ONE
PURPOSE in life is to be your personal shadow, so get ready to BE
LOVED UNCONDITIONALLY! My prayer is to have my New Home by
New Year’s so email [email protected] to schedule
an appointment to meet me ASAP! BE MY MIRACLE AND PLEASE
CHOOSE ME! When you choose to adopt from TCAS, you are literally Article was contributed by David McDonough
saving a life.
Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
To see more of my amazing friends also Office located at 41680 Miss Bessie Dr. Suite 302
available for adoption, “like” us on Facebook
@ Tri-County Animal Shelter Southern MD Leonardtown, MD 20650
or view us on our website at https://www. 301 997 1707
charlescountymd.gov/services/animal-care-
control/tri-county-animal-shelter
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times In Our Community 15

Sheriff’s Office Raises More than

$31,000 for Special Olympics
Through its fundraising events this benefit more than 200 local Special As a youngster, I was blessed to have a
year, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Olympics athletes. great aunt who was a librarian in a small
Office has collected $31,612.15 for The mission of Special Olympics is town in northern Missouri. She was not
Special Olympics Maryland in 2022. to provide year-round sports training only a librarian, she was the librarian. It
The Sheriff’s Office and its community and athletic competition in a variety of being the early 1950s, there were no fax
partners raised money during the Law Olympic-type sports for children and machines, no internet connections. There
Enforcement Torch Run in September adults with intellectual disabilities, giv- were no study rooms, no story times, no
and at the annual St. Mary’s Splash, ing them continuing opportunities to books on tape, and it being a small town,
held on Saturday, Dec. 17. develop physical fitness, demonstrate there was no bookmobile.
The St. Mary’s Splash event in the courage, experience joy and participate But there was my great aunt Agnes
cold waters of the Potomac River gener- in a sharing of gifts, skills and friend- who presided, quite efficiently and re-
ated about $17,000 from participants. ship with their families, other Special gally, behind the circulation desk.
The money raised funds for sports Olympics athletes and the community, The bonus of having a wonderful aunt
and leadership programs that will according to the organization. as a librarian was that she enhanced my
parents' dedication to my early childhood
reading efforts. My Christmas present
from her was invariably a book. My first
present was "To Think That I Saw It On
Mulberry Street". That was followed by
"McElligott's Pool", "If I Ran the Zoo",
and so forth.
My reading habits have grown far
beyond Dr. Seuss' many volumes, but it
all started with my Great Aunt Agnes in
little old Macon, Missouri.
Consider the modern local library.
Books are freely exchanged between
branches, and even between different
counties (in our case, between Calvert,
Charles, and St. Mary's County's library
systems). There are study rooms, story
times, books on tape, fax machines, copy
Former Sheriff Tim Cameron, Sheriff Steve Hall, and Chaplain Charlie Wharton machines, internet connections, a notary
public, and, coming soon to St. Mary's
County, a bookmobile. (Ooops, modern

Free Child Seat Installation on

terminology is "mobile library").
If you have not visited your local li-
brary lately, treat yourself and visit one.

Thursday, Jan. 12
You will see an amazing value created
by your local and state tax dollars. And
if you are a regular library user, even
if only infrequently, take a moment to
Is your child safety seat installed call your local county commissioner
correctly? Not Sure? Are you about to to let them know how important their
become a parent? Let a National Certi- robust financial support is in creating
fied Child Safety Seat technician teach and maintaining a thriving, growing,
you how to install your seat correctly and far-sighted library system in your
and safely. community.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office County budgets for the coming fiscal
and its community partners are hosting year are being formulated right now. I
another free child safety seat installation urge all library patrons to let their lo-
event. Deputies and trained staff will in- cal governments know that libraries
stall child safety seats on Thursday, Jan. are important to you and are deserving
12, 2023, at the Lexington Park Volun- of substantial and continuing financial
teer Rescue Squad at 21685 FDR Blvd. support.
in Lexington Park, next to the Lexington
Park Library. John A. Walters, Leonardtown
The installation event runs from 3pm
to 6pm. Appointments are preferred, If you would like to submit a Letter
but drive-ups will be accepted up until to the Editor, please include your
5:30 pm. name & town of residence.
Sign up for an installation appoint- Email: [email protected]
ment at https://www.signupgenius.com/ P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD 20636
go/70a054caba729a3f49-
 14 Year in Review The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022
By mid-autumn dozens of reports of pled with paying a monitoring fee to the “It feels a little like 2014,” Rey said So far, the unit has a supervisor and
check theft from the mail had been taken bank, Slade said — sometimes as much the night of Nov. 8 waiting for election one deputy assigned to it, Hall said but
in by the sheriff’s office. as an extra $100 per month — to ensure returns to come in, noting the national he wants to assign more to make the
According to law enforcement and against stolen checks being cashed. sentiment appeared to lean towards a program grow to all elementary schools
victims, the thieves are intercepting the “You get hit multiple times,” Slade Red Wave much like it did when she was here.
checks, either at a postal center or from said. “You don’t consider that when you first elected. “That’s one of the things I heard most
individual mail boxes and “washing” put your mail in the U.S. Postal Service.” Rey unseated the long-serving Demo- from people on the campaign,” Hall said.
— or altering — the payee names and crat John Bohanan in an upset victory “My idea is to have individuals trained
monetary amounts on the checks and NOVEMBER eight years ago. and ready to go after the first of the year.”
then cashing them. Later, when all of the precincts re- The program is one of several initia-
Then-Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron The general elections revealed that ported in voting numbers, they showed tives Hall wants to pursue or continue as
said anyone using the mail to send while St. Mary’s was still very much a Rey trailing close behind Crosby with the county’s new sheriff.
checks should reconsider. Republican stronghold in Democrat- 4,710 votes of her own to the incum- He follows Sheriff Tim Cameron, who
“Some habits die hard,” Cameron controlled Maryland, it was not has red bent’s 5,037. served as sheriff and one of the county’s
said. “People would really have to con- as some had hoped. Rey would later concede the race. most popular elected officials for 16,
sider the security of their sent mail with The only race in which the GOP who will move on to become superinten-
checks. seemingly fell short was in District 29B DECEMBER dent of the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
“This is clearly a focused ring of peo- where Deb Rey came close to unseating Hall said his predecessor and mentor
ple doing this.” Democrat incumbent Brian Crosby for Newly-elected Sheriff Steve Hall has put the agency on the right track and
“We’ve seen some massive amounts the delegate seat she once held. shared his vision for the coming year for he intends to see it stays there.
written on these intercepted checks,” Though the race was close — the can- law enforcement in St. Mary’s County.
said Jason Babcock, spokesman for the didates were separated by just 327 votes Hall said he is ready to start a pro- [email protected]
county sheriff’s office. on election night— Crosby claimed gram for school resource
Dan Slade, a Leonardtown-based at- victory. officers dedicated to county
torney, said several checks of his were He defeated Rey in 2018 to be the elementary schools shortly
stolen and altered in an attempt to bilk only Democrat in the St. Mary’s County after he takes office Dec. 5.
thousands from his accounts. delegation to the General Assembly in “We are training people
Only one check was fraudulently Annapolis. for this as we speak,” Hall
cashed, Slade said, but his bank was able “I am humbled to be able to continue told The County Times
to catch the rest. my service to you over the next four this week. “We want to ef-
“We were paying our monthly bills… years,” Crosby said in a statement to his fectively have visibility
and someone stole our checks,” Slade supporters on social media. “I want to in the elementary schools
told The County Times. “The next thing thank everyone who pitched in over the throughout the year.
we knew we had checks being cashed all last 18 months to make this a reality.” “It’s a small contingent
across the country.” Going into election night, Rey said now, but it’s a good place
The inconvenience of the thefts is cou- she felt good about her chances. to start.” Capt. Hall, now St. Mary's new sheriff addresses interns

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 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times Year in Review 13
feet wide for a length of a little more The carnival would reopen later in O’Connor who vied for the
than three miles. August with much more security, no same office.
The tornado, given the lowest desig- night time hours and fewer attendees. Todd Fleenor, a retired
nation of EF-0 by the NWS, reached a The carnival has been held for decades sergeant with the agency and
maximum speed of 85 miles per hour. without being marred by such violence. senior K-9 handler, got just
It lasted just five minutes according to According to police reports the shoot- 1,148 votes in the race.
a June 10 report by the NWS just two ing started in the parking lot of the fire The winners of the Repub-
days after the weather event occurred. station just a few minutes before 11p.m. lican primaries for both races
“A severe thunderstorm spawned a Friday night and left Syncere Kovey were the presumptive winners
brief, spin-up tornado between 8:42 Smith suffering from multiple gunshot of each race as there were no
and 8:47p.m…” the report stated. “The wounds. Democrat challengers in the
origins of this severe thunderstorm was Smith was evacuated to MedStar St. general election.
the result of cell merger of two sepa- Mary’s Hospital where he died from his “St. Mary’s County de-
rate thunderstorms that approached St. injuries. serves better protection
Mary’s County; one crossing eastwards Sheriff’s deputies got descriptions through harsher penalties
over the Potomac River near Quantico, of the alleged shooter, a six-foot-tall for sex offenders, violent
Va., towards Charles County…and the black male wearing dark clothing with criminals and repeat drunk
other one crossing northeast over the Po- dreadlock-type hair, and found a person drivers,” Sterling said after
tomac [River] from near Colonial Beach, matching that description at the Bird- declaring victory. “I vow to
Va.” ies convenience store located at the work closely with our new The new Maryland Dove arrived in St. Mary's City
That confluence of weather events oc- intersection of Three Notch Road and sheriff, the Maryland State
curred between La Plata and Dentsville, Hollywood Road south of the fire station. Police and all other law enforcement more accurate evidence of just what the
NWS reported and then moved to Me- Deputies reported giving commands agencies to crack down on drug dealers ships looked like and how the sails were
chanicsville where the tornado formed. to the subject — later identified as Dev- and tackle the big city crime seeping into rigged.
Meteorologists say that the tornado ron Ny’quez Murray, 19, of Lexington our communities. Dr. Fred Hocker, a Swedish professor
touched down about 200 yards south- Park — who was sitting on the curb. “I look forward to restoring integrity and researcher who has a substantial dig-
west of the intersection of Route 5 and According to police charging docu- to the office and protecting our county’s ital archive of maritime archaeological
Three Notch Road, uprooting about 12 ments, Murray did not comply; instead taxpayers from wasteful spending.” finds, assisted the shipwrights in build-
trees and snapping tree trunks. he stood up and went behind a shed in Hall expressed his gratitude for the ing the new vessel.
One tree reportedly fell on the roof a grassy area and revealed himself mo- win.
of residence but the occupant was un- ments later. “I am truly grateful for our resounding SEPTEMBER
harmed; NWS said trees were felled in Police arrested him and found a 9mm victory last night,” Hall said. “Our cam-
all directions causing “localized but pro- Smith and Wesson handgun behind the paign was almost a year-long journey. By the beginning of the fall, St. Mary’s
lific” damage. shed where Murray had been with the “Nothing of this magnitude with this dedicated part of Route 5 through Leon-
The tornado inflicted similar dam- slide locked back and the magazine de- level of importance is done by an in- ardtown in the memory of the state and
age three miles away when it reached pleted of ammunition. dividual. It was a community effort county’s first ever African American
the area of 40900 block of Delabrooke As the county dealt with the continu- and I am thankful for everyone who sheriff.
Road, NWS reported; the residents in ing rise in violence, life as usual in a participated.” Joseph Lee Somerville served two
this area received prior warning and re- political season with voters choosing terms as sheriff but first was a senior
ported seeing large pieces of hail the size both Jaymi Sterling as their new State’s AUGUST deputy.
of a half-dollar coin. Attorney and Capt. Steve Hall defeated Somerville was a lieutenant in the
Radar reports showed that the rotation two other competitors in the GOP By the end of summer, the county was sheriff’s office in 1977 when he was ap-
of tornado may have reached 1,400 feet primary. ready to receive an a new icon of its his- pointed by then Gov. Marvin Mandel to
above ground level. Jaymi Sterling unseated incumbent tory rebuilt to more accurate standards. serve out the term of then Sheriff George
State’s Attorney Richard Fritz, who The long awaited new Maryland Sanger, who died in office.
JULY had once been her boss, June 19 with a Dove, a replica of one of two sailing He then ran for the office and handily
landslide in the GOP primary with 7,290 ships that brought colonists from Eng- won the local election to serve another
The community peace and joy that votes to Fritz’s 2,993 while Capt. Steve land in 1634, arrived in St. Mary’s City four years.
usually ruled in Hollywood was shat- Hall, a 24-year veteran of the St. Mary’s after being built in St. Michaels across Throughout the county, Somerville,
tered when a gang-related fight that County Sheriff’s Office handily won the the Chesapeake Bay. the patriarch of a large, extended family
broke out in the Hollywood Volunteer GOP nomination to be the next sheriff by According to shipwrights who built in St. Mary’s, was known as a gentleman
Fire Department’s carnival ended in a a large margin of 7,098 votes to the 1,908 the new vessel, the materials used in the and well-liked by almost everyone who
fatal shooting. garnered by County Commissioner John construction of the new Dove are much knew him.
It proved that the gang violence closer in historical accuracy as is the After serving as sheriff, he went on to
thought to be only endemic to Lexing- shape of the vessel. work as a bailiff in the St. Marys’ County
ton Park could move anywhere in the The original Dove was of European Circuit Court.
county. construction and built in the early 1600s.
The membership of the fire company It accompanied the Ark on its voyage
had voted not to hold the second half of to the New World in 1634 when English
their annual carnival the gang-related settlers first founded St. Mary’s City.
shooting took the life of a 16-year-old The Ark carried the colonists and the
during the festivities of the night of July Dove was a cargo ship that the colonists
15. would use to travel up and down the lo-
The carnival was immediately shut cal waterways as they explored the lands
down for the following July 16 and July around their new home.
17 dates. The Ark was rented by the Calvert
William Mattingly, president of the family, who bankrolled the colonial ex-
volunteer fire company, said the mem- pedition, but the Dove, a much smaller
bership came to its decision at a special vessel, was owned by the colony and
meeting July 17. stayed with the settlers.
The membership has not abandoned The Dove would eventually fall into
the idea of holding the remainder of the disrepair and on an outbound voyage
carnival, however, Mattingly told The was lost at sea shortly after the colony Sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville
County Times. had been founded.
“We are going to have the carnival but It was at the bottom of the ocean OCTOBER
it’s just not going to be this weekend,” where the research to build the new
Mattingly said. “We need to develop a Dove would get some assistance Residents found they couldn’t even
better plan if something like this happens Shipwrights said submarine research send checks in the mail without the
again. of ship wrecks at the bottom of the ocean serious risk of them being stolen and
“We can’t do that overnight.” A SWAT standoff in Lexington Park over the centuries have given them “washed” for their cash value.
 12 Year in Review The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022
MAY ing as managing partner stated publicly that those days would
for the past eight years. never return.
By the end of spring the county gov- Ms. Lorenzini has a
ernment had continued to collect revenue general practice that in- JUNE
and would promulgate its biggest operat- cludes a variety of civil
ing budget to date. and criminal circuit court By mid-summer a grieving family fi-
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s litigation. She has been nally received closure about the fate of a
County unanimously approved a $324.8 regularly appointed by family member who had gone missing in
million budget this week that includes the court to represent in- local waters.
the use of $25 million from the county’s dividuals in guardianship Sixth months after Ernie Sigmon
undesignated fund balance to pay for matters, children in adop- III went missing from his boat in the
capital construction projects. tion and custody matters, Patuxent River his body was found in
It also uses the last of the American and military personnel.  Dorchester County Monday.
Rescue Act funding of about $11 million. Before joining Cumber-
The $25 million will be put towards land & Erly, LLC, Ms.
highway maintenance and improvement Crab populations cratered this year Lorenzini was an assis-
projects such as the continued build- tant state’s attorney for
out of FDR Boulevard, which takes up scientists believe is a 33-year low. St. Mary’s County for two years, where
roughly half of the allocation. For comparison in 1993 scientists be- she was assigned to the child support
The separate Capital Improvement lieve that some 850 million crabs lived enforcement unit and prosecuted district
Plan (CIP) budget is $68.8 million. in the Chesapeake Bay and its surround- and circuit court criminal matters.
The income tax was reduced from ing watershed, in 2021 scientists believe The county also came more and more
3.17 percent to 3.0 percent in the fiscal that just 282 million crabs lived there. to grips with the declining ability of vol-
2023 budget. The 3.0 percent income tax In 2020, the state believed there were unteer rescue squads to operate without
rate was last seen in the fiscal 2018 op- 405 million crabs in the bay, 30 percent major assistance from taxpayer funded
erating budget. greater than the amount found in 2021. contract emergency medical personnel.
Department of Finance Director Ja- The number of juvenile crabs in 2022 Full-time and hourly paid emer-
nett Cudmore called the new rate “a big was 101 million crabs, a slight increase gency medical technicians (EMTs)
accomplishment” at the May 24 county from 86 million juvenile crabs in 2021, and paramedics are now answering the
commissioner business meeting. but the third consecutive year of below vast majority of calls for service in St.
The property tax rate remains at .8478 average recruitment, according to the Mary’s.
cents per $100 of assessed value. state’s dredging report. Steve Walker, director of the Depart-
The sheriff’s office received an extra St. Mary’s also got a new Circuit ment of Emergency Services, reported to
$6.7 million in funding to reach to $27.5 Court judge to replace the retiring Judge the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County
million; it is a 29.2 percent increase over David Densford who reached the man- that the demand for paid medical as-
the prior year. datory retirement age of 70. sistance hired by the county had grown
The Board of Education also received Gov. Larry Hogan announced May 10 from at 1,100 hours a week when it first Ernest J. Sigmon, lost at sea
more money over the prior year as well; that he had appointed Amy Lorenzini to started last year to 2,000 hours a week.
their total local allocation was $121.5 fill the vacancy on the St. Mary’s County “It’s a 61 percent increase,” Walker Sigmon was a Mechanicsville resident
million. Circuit Court. told elected leaders. “The needs are con- and his disappearance triggered a mas-
Commissioner Mike Hewitt praised “I am confident that Ms. Lorenzini… tinuing to increase.” sive effort to search for him from both
the budget but issued a warning. will bring valuable experience and From November of 2021 through Jan- law enforcement and volunteers.
“I’ve had my share of voting against knowledge to the bench and honorably uary, February and March of this year, Maryland National Resources Police
budgets,” said Commissioner Mike serve the citizens of [St. Mary’s County] Walker said, 69 percent of all basic life say they are still investigating Sigmon’s
Hewitt. “But I think what this budget did admirably,” Hogan said in a prepared support calls were answered by county- death.
is it gave something to everybody. statement. employed medical staff. “After conducting a six-month in-
“It gave income tax breaks to some Lorenzini lives in St. Mary’s County For the same time period paid para- vestigation that involved underwater
people; there was no increase in the and has been a prosecutor in the St. medics with the county’s Advanced Life imaging sonar technology, authorities
property tax rate.” Mary’s state’s attorney’s office and a Support (ALS) unit answered 82 percent recovered… [Sigmon] on June 20 at
The increases for schools, law en- clerk for Judge Marvin Kaminetz. of calls for service. approximately 11a.m.,” the statement
forcement and county government also “I’m honored at the appointment,” Walker said the new data on the effec- reads. “Officers were alerted after re-
meant salaries for employees there Lorenzini told The County Times. “I’m tiveness of paid staffing — which was ceiving a phone call from a concerned
would grow, he said. excited to have the opportunity to serve originally designed to support volunteer citizen who stated they found the vic-
But being flush with federal cash St. Mary’s County.” rescue squads during daytime staffing tim deceased in the Choptank River in
would not last much longer. Lorenzini has been an attorney with hours — was a reflection of the new re- Dorchester County.”
“We’re operating in good financial the Prince Frederick firm of Cumberland ality facing the organizations. Sigmon’s father, Ernest Sigmon Jr.
times, but going forward next year, the & Erly, LLC, for the past 17 years, serv- “They’re doing a great job,” Walker offered a prepared statement from the
year after, this American Rescue money said of volunteers who are still answer- family regarding the discovery of his
is going to be going away,” Hewitt said. ing calls for service. “They’re working son.
“On top of that we have this infla- very hard. Back in December, searchers inves-
tion going on that’s really driving up the “They just can’t get their staff back.” tigated Sigmon’s last known position,
costs of everything. The COVID-19 pandemic exac- which appeared to be off the shore of
“We need to be vigilant that we are do- erbated a lingering problem that had Calvert County.
ing the right thing as far as our income dogged some volunteer rescue squads His 25-foot center console boat was
and our expenses.” for years in that they could not bring in found trolling in the waters off of Dares
The state would also reveal that the enough volunteers to staff stations dur- Beach, the family’s Facebook page
blue crab population would also reach ing the day. stated, but he was not there and no blood
historic levels — low levels — just as This left the responsibility for answer- was found on the boat, they said.
the summer season was taking off. ing calls to some of the larger, better “After 173 days of this unimaginable
The population density of harvestable staffed squads all throughout the county. tragedy, God has brought Ernie home to
male hard crabs has cratered in 2022, But soon, with volunteer rosters us,” the father wrote. “Our hope, faith,
according to the latest winter dredge sur- dwindling because of aging members and strength has never been so exten-
vey conducted by the state’s Department and fears of contracting COVID-19, sively tested.
of Natural Resources, which reports that the county had to act and use federal Summer temperatures also helped
there are now only an estimated 227 mil- stimulus funds to hire contract medics to cause a weather anomaly here in St.
lion living in the region. bridge the gaps in service. Mary’s.
The results of the dredge are similar Walker had hoped that the volunteer The National Weather Service (NWS)
for juvenile and female crabs as well. services would be able to recover their has confirmed that a tornado touched
Overall, the total population of Mary- members but as the year wore on, even down in a section of Mechanicsville last
land hard crab has dwindled to what Amy Lorenzini, newly appointed Circuit Court Judge veterans with the volunteer services week that cut a swath approximately 75
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times Year in Review 11
and Charles counties. said. “Throughout my career, I pros- to the judge’s
Their 2021 map brought District 1 ecuted some of the worst criminals in decision.
much farther west across the Chesapeake St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, and Frederick “But those
Bay, gathering into it more Democrat counties. maps had citi-
voters in an apparent aim to unseat “As State’s Attorney, I will prioritize zen inputs,”
Harris and make the Maryland Congres- efforts to fight violent crime, corruption, Morgan re-
sional Delegation entirely Democrat in drug dealing, drunk driving, domes- turned. “How
part affiliation. tic violence, sex offenders, and repeat many citizens
Of the eight congressional members, offenders.” had input on
only Harris is a Republican. She said she would target dealers of this map?”
In her ruling, Battaglia called the 2021 synthetic opioids for prosecution. The Mont-
plan an example of an “extreme gerry- “We cannot jail our way out of the gomery County
mander that subordinates constitutional opioid epidemic; enough is enough,” delegate said
criteria to political considerations.” Sterling said. “I am dedicated to crack- just three
This was one of the chief claims of ing down on drug dealers who peddle Republican ac- Palchinsky showing the petition to oppose the Royal Farms that would supplant her
business and others at Tulagi Place
Republicans, including Del. Kathy Sze- this poison.” tivists spoke at
liga who filed a lawsuit, along with other Sterling said community members had the public hear-
plaintiffs, against the plan. told her they were concerned there was a ing for the proposed map. Longmore explained in the May 13
Local GOP lawmakers were bolstered lack of transparency in the local criminal “The court gave us five days to redraw hearing that two buildings on the prop-
by the ruling. justice system and about “prosecutions the map,” Luedtke said. “Given more erty — approximately 2.28 acres would
“It pays to fight back,” said Del. Matt not being evenly pursued.” time the process might have looked be used as an administrative build-
Morgan, (R-Dist.29A) “I believe community trust is a cor- different.” ing and a cannabis processing facility
Gov. Larry Hogan praised the nerstone of an effective state’s attorney’s Morgan said the new map looked better respectively.
decision. office,” Sterling said in her statement. than the old but was still gerrymandered. When the community wasn’t con-
“This ruling is a monumental victory “As a first step to regaining the com- The medical cannabis issue would cerned over the opening of cannabis
for every Marylander who cares about munity’s confidence in an independent, come up again, but this time in facilities it was worried over the com-
protecting our democracy, bringing fair- non-partial state’s attorney’s office, I Hollywood. ing of convenience stores such as Royal
ness to our elections, and putting the will not be accepting any campaign do- The parcel of land that has until re- Farms.
people back in charge,” said Gov. Larry nations from criminal defense lawyers, cently been the home of The Greenery Just such a project was approved over
Hogan in a statement. “It puts in plain criminal defense law firms, or their fam- on Mervell Dean Road in Hollywood much community consternation and a
view the partisan, secretive, and rigged ily members.” would soon become the site of a can- zoning appeal in the area of Great Mills
process that led to the legislature’s ille- nabis processing facility, according to Road and Gate 2 of Patuxent River Na-
gal and unconstitutional maps. APRIL county planning documents. val Air Station.
“I call on the General Assembly to im- The proposed project had already After a four-and-a-half hour public
mediately pass the independent Citizens By early Spring, Maryland finally had been approved by the St. Mary’s County hearing April 25, the county’s planning
Redistricting Commission maps that a congressional district map that fol- Board of Appeals after unanimous deci- commission approved a concept site plan
were written with accountability and lowed the state constitution. sion in May of last year; the project was for a Royal Farm convenience store and
transparency.” The new map was a quickly redrawn listed on the property placard last year as gas station at the aged shopping center
Battaglia’s ruling also permanently plan offered by Democrats when Judge an Agricultural Industry Major use in the located just outside Gate 2 of Patuxent
enjoined the state legislature from enact- Lynn Battaglia ordered the legislature to town center’s mixed-use zone. River Naval Air Station.
ing the 2021 redistricting plan and called do so by March 30. What the specific use was, a process- It was a close vote; 4-to-3. Those who
on lawmakers to redraw the maps. While the new map Hogan signed into ing facility for medical cannabis, was voted against it noted the sharp increase
“The 2021 Congressional Plan is un- law April 4 is viewed by many as far bet- not listed. in traffic the project would bring as well
constitutional, and subverts [the] will of ter than the heavily gerrymandered one At the May 13 public hearing last year, as exacerbating unsafe road conditions.
those governed,” Battaglia wrote in her Democrats tried to enact, not everyone the fact that the buildings still standing Those in favor said the applicant had
ruling. was pleased with the process the major- on the old Greenery property would be met all the requirements of the law, in-
In local politics, Jaymi Sterling, who ity party in Annapolis used to come up repurposed to process medical cannabis cluding on traffic.
would successfully run to become the with the new map. was openly discussed. This decision means that the historic
first female State’s Attorney in county “The Democrats rapidly redrew the There were no residents from the but deteriorating group of buildings will
history, began her campaign against her congressional maps over the weekend, surrounding community who spoke on likely be demolished to make way for
former boss and long-time incumbent behind closed-door sessions yet again, the matter and county planning records the new development; the small busi-
prosecutor Richard Fritz. with zero input from the citizens and show there was only one resident who nesses that are locally owned will have
Sterling resigned from her post after a taxpayers of Maryland,” said Del. Matt sent in a letter opposing the project. to move.
fast rise in the office after claiming she Morgan (R-District 29A). The plan to put a cannabis process- That includes the much beloved and
had witnessed improprieties regarding Morgan, in a floor speech in the Mary- ing facility in Hollywood came at a time often patronized Linda’s Café, owned
spending of public dollars; Fritz said he land General Assembly earlier this year, when the county was pursuing efforts to and operated by Linda Palchinsky.
initially demoted Sterling from her post asked Montgomery County Del. Eric address how such facilities are treated by For 33 years Palchinsky has run her
because she had exceeded her authority Luedtke why maps drawn last year by the zoning ordinance. business there, becoming a fixture of
regarding an internal personnel conflict a citizens’ commission appointed by the The proposed operation in Hollywood Lexington Park in an area where the
between office employees. governor as an alternative to the Demo- has the major agricultural designation community first sprang to life to support
In her campaign announcement, Ster- crats’ map was not considered. because it would involve the intensive the navy base during World War II.
ling said she would work to “return “We had a focus group that went from process of a crop that had been grown Palchinsky said she, and others who
integrity to the office” and focus on May to November, the citizens redistrict- at another location, then Deputy Direc- have been tenants there, have operated
curbing rising crime. ing commission,” Morgan said. “Why tor of Planning and Zoning Harry Knight there from month to month on leases
“As a prosecutor, I never shied away were those maps never considered?” said at last year’s hearing. with the property owners, who are based
from taking on tough cases,” Sterling Luedtke said they were drawn up prior “They are not growing the horticul- in Virginia.
tural product on this site,” The specter of having to vacate with
Knight told appeals board little notice has always loomed over her,
members. “They are process- Palchinsky said.
ing it on this site.” “I’m very despondent, very de-
Christopher Longmore, pressed,” Palchinsky told The County
attorney for the applicant, Times the day after the marathon hear-
Deborah Price, said last year ing. “That intersection is going to
that his client still had to ob- doomed for accidents.
tain a license to process the “It’ll be a mess.”
cannabis on site. The Royal farms would be more than
“This is solely a processing 5,000 square feet in size, with the fuel
facility for medical cannabis,” canopy area coming in at roughly the
said Longmore. “Not for any same size.
Jaymi Sterling won a resounding victory to become St. Mary's first female State's Attorney other uses.”
 10 Year in Review The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022
in Charlotte Hall can call on just one to Lexington Park community. growing operation in Avenue now under journalists of its existence.
represent them. “It’s one of my greatest fears,” Cam- construction had been known to county “There are two potential use catego-
“How is that fair,” Morgan said. “If eron said. “That some child is going to elected officials, as well as planning, ries in the Zoning Ordinance for growing
District 28 was divided up into subdis- get hurt in the crossfire.” public works, and health department and processing cannabis. These are use
tricts then south of Billingsley Road in The violence would continue through staff for the past four years but in March type 2. Agricultural Industry, Minor,
La Plata then we all know that’s Repub- the summer of 2022, including fatal did the public awaken to the fact. which is described as the ‘Processing,
lican territory. gang-related shootings, before a short Documents obtained by The County drying or storage of crop and animal
“This map disenfranchises tens lull between mid-October through late Times regarding the facility being products, including minor dairy pro-
of thousands of voters in Southern December. constructed on Abell Road show that cessing facilities and small-scale grain
Maryland.” There were other violent deaths that officials had labeled it a horticultural mills.’ The other use is use type 5. Crop
While the county was ready to shed deeply shoot the community and led operation, and, thus, under the zoning or- Production and Horticulture, which is:
itself of much of the baggage of the leaders to call for action from the state; dinance and was not subject to go before ‘Agricultural activity primarily engaged
COVID-19 pandemic it would be faced suicidal jumpers from the Gov. Thomas the county planning commission, board in raising and harvesting of orchard
with the worst violence on its streets in Johnson Bridge. of appeals or any kind of public hearing. crops, row crops, or field crops on an ag-
recent memory. Commissioner Mike ricultural or commercial basis, including
Law enforcement officials have said Hewitt railed against the primary processing and packaging, but
that closed schools led to dozens of project during a regu- excluding canning and secondary food
young men who were only tangentially lar business meeting of production. Includes horticultural opera-
involved in education to abandon it for a the Commissioners of St. tions engaged in cultivation of flowers,
gang and crime centric lifestyle. Mary’s County in early fruits, vegetables, or ornamental trees
That meant gun violence. March. and shrubs on a wholesale basis with in-
In the not too distant past one or two He said he had only been cidental retail sales,’” the memo, which
homicides in St. Mary’s County was informed of its existence in is not on county letter head, nor is it
about the limit of killings here but homi- recent days by nearby resi- signed, stated.
cides, shootings and other violent crimes dents who are concerned Charlie Mattingly, the applicant for
such as armed robberies have skyrock- about the project’s progress. the project, said he has been sharing his
eted, data from the sheriff’s office shows. “I was appalled at what’s plans with the community from the be-
This past year was already off to a being built in the critical ginning which was 2018.
violent start as the sheriff’s office dealt area,” Hewitt said. “There “We’ve been extremely transpar-
with two homicides; both committed in are challenges getting ent,” Mattingly told The County Times.
the Lexington Park area — one a drive Dive & Rescue units responded to bridge jumpers approvals for decks…dif- “I shared our exact site plan with
by shooting and the other a stabbing — ferent small things like that. neighbors.”
and both have been closed with suspects “These tragedies are occurring at a “There are challenges getting approv- “It’s come down to a couple of neigh-
arrested and charged. more frequent level and what we can do als by the Critical Area Commission.” bors who are spreading misinformation
Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron, in his will remain to be seen,” said Commis- The Critical Area Commission, docu- about the project.”
final year of service, said the COVID-19 sioner Todd Morgan. ments show, has been aware of the Mattingly said the project includes
pandemic had played a part in the rise Morgan and other commissioners said project for years; the commission strictly a “50,000 square foot growing house,”
in violence but it was already a problem they would include for discussion the regulates growth of any kind on land that that is now under construction, while a
before the virus came here in March of suicide prevention measures at a virtual is within 1,000 feet of the watershed. 2,500 square foot facility already exists
2020. session with the commissioner boards Hewitt questioned how such a project, for breeding different strains of cannabis.
Despite a gun violence task force — from both Calvert and Charles counties whose plans include, another large cli- “There are already 200 to 300 plants
aimed at getting illegal guns and those Feb. 9 to discuss common issues. mate controlled growing house as well there already,” Mattingly said.
who possess them off the streets — “It’s a state bridge so we’ll have to as administrative offices, could not be A 50,000 square-foot greenhouse has
which has since ended its operations, the look for some state support along the placed under more public scrutiny be- been approved for construction, he said,
violence on county streets only increased way,” Morgan continued. fore now. for more growing capacity “if the market
in 2020 and 2021. Commissioner John O’Connor said The site in currently encircled by a needs it.”
“I’m frustrated,” Cameron told The commissioners receive notifications of chain link fence. One commissioner, Eric Colvin,
County Times in an interview in Febru- critical incidents when they occur, such “How in the world does something would later admit that the county had
ary. “There’s a culture of youth carrying as the bridge jumper on Feb. 5. like that get approval, to get a permit, failed in its responsibility to adequately
and using guns in our community. “I had already been looking into what without a public hearing; no input from install zoning rules to prevent such a
ways we could intervene,” O’Connor the residents,” Hewitt said. “It’s just a facility in a highly-restrictive-to-devel-
said. “When somebody has reached that monstrosity sitting there.” opment portion of the county.
point… getting public safety there in The answer lay in a memorandum re- The commissioners would later in
time is difficult.” garding the decision on how to label the the year enact such rules to restrict in-
O’Connor said he “didn’t want to talk project in county government parlance. dustrial-sized cannabis operations from
about it anymore” in discussions with The document was part of an e-mail rural areas as well as apply rules to dif-
the Maryland Department of Transporta- transmission to Commissioner John ferent zoning areas regarding cannabis
tion about possible immediate remedies O’Connor sent Feb. 17 that O’Connor in growing, processing and distribution
to the problem. turn sent to The County Times on Feb. businesses.
“There are safety devices throughout 24, shortly after community members In March state Democrats would lose
the United States — in New York, San concerned over the project had informed their bid to impose their congressional
Francisco — they have special nets… redistricting scheme via a court order.
they tangle you up. The General Assembly started delib-
Guns and drugs are part of the criminal culture lead- “It’s something to give first respond- erations on a map offered by the Senate
ing to growing violence ers time, something to give someone March 28 to meet March 30 deadline set
pause.” by Senior Judge Lynne Battaglia.
“There’s a notable number of vio- Despite the call from local leaders, the The newly-offered map strengthens
lent crimes that involve the use of guns state would do nothing to put safety ap- District 1, currently held by U.S. Rep.
across our county.” paratus on the bridge due to studies they Andy Harris, by returning its boundaries
This week the sheriff’s office re- claimed showed that they would com- to roughly the same status before Demo-
ported investigating a shooting in which promise the bridge structurally. crats voted their map in last year along a
no one was injured — a vehicle was party line vote.
struck by multiple rounds — but a child MARCH The new map makes the districts much
was in the vehicle at the time it was hit, more compact and contiguous than the
Cameron said. As the year went on the community in one thrown out by the court; District 5
This shooting, and many others like it, the 7th District would erupt in controversy was gerrymandered to cut a swath north-
in which homes and vehicles are targeted over a massive, industrial cannabis grow- ward from Southern Prince George’s
rather than people, still can put lives in ing facility being built in critical area in County up into District 4.
danger, Cameron said. the heart of the rural preservation district. District 5 is held by U.S. Rep. Steny
Again, they were committed in the An industrial-sized medical marijuana The cannabis facility in Avenue Hoyer and includes Calvert, St. Mary’s
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times Year in Review 9

Looking Back on 2022

By Guy Leonard early afternoon of Jan. 3. as possible by using a portfolio approach Superintendent that decisions made
Staff Writer Many neighborhoods were blanketed to purchasing power, with contracts for closest to the source best serve stu-
in up to six inches of snow; the frozen base load and peak load, structured as dents,” Smith told The County Times.
The past year was full of change. St. precipitation was so heavy it bowed long-term and short-term contracts. “We look forward to the [Administra-
Mary’s County was able to put much trees, snapped branches and caused an Because of previous rate reductions, tive, Executive and Legislative Review]
of the COVID-19 pandemic behind it initial power outage for nearly 45,000 SMECO’s new adjusted rates will be committee convening later this week to
but it left dividends of closed schools in Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative similar to where they were in 2017.” take action on the MSDE request to re-
increased street violence by young men (SMECO) customers throughout South- St. Mary’s County Commissioner Eric scind [the mandate] for face coverings
armed with guns in gangs. ern Maryland. Colvin said he and many of his constitu- in school facilities.
Residents also chose some new county By Jan. 5 SMECO still had 5,647 ents were taken by surprise by SMECO’s “If repealed, we will move to optional
commissioners, sent one of them to the customers without power in Southern announcement. masking in our schools and continue to
State House and also elected the first fe- Maryland; St. Mary’s still had 938 cus- “I’ve definitely heard from constitu- encourage masking for those medically
male State’s Attorney in county history tomers without power, according to the ents about it,” Colvin said. “That [the vulnerable or unvaccinated.”
and the first new sheriff here in 16 years. latest numbers from the utility provider. rate increase] was a little disappointing.” Politics were also controversial as
But St. Mary’s residents started the Steve Walker, emergency services While SMECO and other businesses ever as Democrats in the State House
year off with a rare event in Southern director, said earlier this year that the can pass on their costs for energy to cus- moved forward on a redistricting scheme
Maryland — a crippling snow storm. storm hit St. Mary’s hard. tomers, customers must be the last in that would eventually bring about legal
“When it started snowing the ground line to bear the brunt. action from Republicans which did not
JANUARY was warmer and we had just had some “It’s getting harder for everyone to pay succeed.
rain,” Walker told The County Times. their bills,” Colvin said. “I was very sur- For Southern Maryland the structure
The first snowstorm of the year, just “So, I think we wound up getting about prised and had no idea this was coming.” of the map has some minor changes but
days after the opening of 2022, hit South- 10 inches of snow. Murphy said the cooperative would Republican law makers are already pre-
ern Maryland — and St. Mary’s — hard, “There were some people reporting up act if fuel costs decreased. dicting the map will bring legal action to
shutting down the county government to 12 inches.” “If costs do go down, we’ll reduce the overturn it.
and schools for two days, making some That snow storm and the concurrent rates,” said Murphy. “Bring on the law suit,” said Del. Matt
roads nearly impassable and leaving cold weather meant residents would have Morgan in a social media post in Feb-
thousands without power. to deal with abruptly rising energy costs; FEBRUARY ruary. “One man, one vote is a principle
The snow began to fall late into the the outcry against the Southern Mary- our democracy is built upon.
night of Jan. 2 and continued on into the land Electric Cooperative was harsh. Still there was some good news. Stu- But unfortunately, the new state leg-
Southern Maryland Electric Coopera- dents and school staff state-wide could islative map violates that principle and
tive (SMECO) announced it would raise finally remove their masks while in class. disenfranchises thousands of people
service rates for electricity by about 27 It was a nod to the fact that vac- across Maryland. That is unfair, and I hope
percent, prompting a shock amongst cus- cinations and the lesser lethality of the court strikes down this nonsense.”
tomers at such a sharp rise in costs. COVID-19 variants were the new reality Morgan was especially critical of the
Two St. Mary’s County members of in fighting the pandemic. way the map codifies delegate elec-
the Board of Directors for SMECO de- The Maryland State Board of Edu- tions in Democrat controlled counties,
fended the increase, saying that the rise cation voted almost unanimously Feb. where districts elect the top three vote
in electricity rates was closely tied to the 22 to rescind its requirement that all earners, while in the more Republican-
increase in price of oil and natural gas students and public schools staff wear controlled districts they are broken out
stocks which are burned in the produc- masks while in educational facilities. into subunits to dilute more conservative
tion of electricity. The vote was 12 to 2 to return the de- votes and help ensure Democrats have a
In a prepared statement released by cision to keep mask mandates or rescind change of winning one seat.
SMECO in early January, the coopera- them to local school board authorities. Such is the case in St. Mary’s.
tive made the same argument as to why That authority returned to local “I actually wanted to vote for this
the costs had to go up so abruptly. school boards March 1 when the Mary- map, my district’s not that bad,” Morgan
“Higher costs for oil and natural gas, land General Assembly approved the said on the floor of assembly while the
which are the fuels used by electric gen- state board’s action. map was being debated.
erating plants, have spurred increases in St. Mary’s Superintendent Dr. J. Scott Morgan used the example of Charlotte
wholesale energy costs since last fall,” Smith said the local board was hopeful Hall, which is roughly divided between
explained Sonja M. Cox, SMECO presi- the state legislature would act quickly. St. Mary’s and Charles counties.
dent and CEO. She added, “The co-op “[St. Mary’ County Public Schools] A resident in Charles County has
does not make a profit on SOS energy agrees with the Maryland State De- three delegates they could call upon,
SMECO's rate hikes drew outrage charges. We work to keep our rates as low partment of Education and the State Morgan said, while one in St. Mary’s

The St. Mary’s County Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for
Publisher Thomas McKay
the residents of St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Times will be available on news-
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 St..Marys Local News

s
8 St The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

Patuxent River
Naval Air Station N e w
Navy Demonstrates Unmanned Cargo
Delivery Systems for Ships at Sea

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft with unmanned logistics, and is begin- continued long-term experimentation, maritime requirements.
Division (NAWCAD) recently demon- ning conversations about operations and how the fleet operates, and how we get To view a video of the demonstrations,
strated multiple unmanned systems in contested environments. The Navy is cur- the technology out to our Sailors,” said go to https://youtu.be/YazljfUCMs0
a first-of-its-kind mission to move sup- rently identifying areas where unmanned Tony Schmidt, NAWCAD’s Experimen- The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft
plies to ships at sea without the use of logistics would be a critical enabler to tation Office director. Division is the Navy’s warfare center
manned aircraft during an event at Naval operations at sea, and the Blue Water The unmanned systems under con- dedicated to aviation employing more
Air Station Patuxent River in St. Inigoes, Maritime Logistics UAS is a great dem- sideration are capable of vertical than 17,000 military, civilian and con-
Maryland. onstration of this emerging requirement.” take-off-and-landing to operate from tract personnel. It operates test ranges,
The demo, held in collaboration with During the event, industry partners most naval ships at sea and stations laboratories and aircraft in support of
the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Skyways Air Transportation, Inc., and ashore, as well as systems that do not test, evaluation, research, development
Systems program (PMA-263), employed Martin UAV operated their unmanned require dedicated launch and recovery and sustainment of everything flown
unmanned vehicles to transport cargo systems through long-range flights from equipment. by the Navy and Marine Corps. Based
weighing less than 50 lbs., which accounts ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and shore- NAWCAD acquired the original Blue in Patuxent River, Maryland, the com-
for 90% of Navy logistics deliveries. to-ship situations, carrying a variety of Water UAS prototype in 2019 to dem- mand also has major sites in St. Inigoes,
“We are seeing an increase in manned objects to mimic critical supplies. Both onstrate long-range unmanned naval Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and
and unmanned logistics,” said Col. Victor systems successfully delivered cargo ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore cargo Orlando, Florida.
Argobright, PMA-263 program manager. over 200 nautical miles onto a moving transport. Navy test pilots and engineers
“For the Marine Corps, the Commandant ship underway. have since worked with industry part-
is enthusiastic about where we are going “[For the future], we are looking at ners to develop a system that best meets

CH-53K approved for Full Rate Production

The CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift curement quantities, thereby gaining
helicopter has entered Full Rate Produc- production efficiencies and reducing unit
tion (FRP) and its deployment phase, costs.
following a decision review by Freder- “We have successfully demonstrated
ick J. Stefany, Acting Assistant Secretary the performance and reliability of this
of the Navy for Research, Development aircraft,” said Col. Kate Fleeger, PMA-
and Acquisition. 261 program manager. “With FRP we
FRP occurs at the end of Low Rate will continue to build on the strong man-
Initial Production following a review as- ufacturing, sustainment and support that
sessing the results of Initial Operational has been established for the CH-53K.”
Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), Live The Marine Corps continues to ex-
Fire Test and Evaluation, production ecute its transition from the CH-53E
readiness reviews, risk, and affordability to the CH-53K and is on schedule to
analyses. On Dec. 21, the Acquisition declare Full Operational Capability in
Decision Memorandum was signed, au- FY2029.
thorizing entry of the CH-53K into FRP. PMA-261 manages the cradle to grave
FRP is an important milestone to the procurement, development, support,
H-53 Heavy Lift Program Office (PMA- fielding and disposal of the entire family
261), as it allows the program to proceed of H-53 heavy lift helicopters.
beyond LRIP and begin increasing pro-
 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times St..Marys Local News
St 7

Suspect in Police Shooting Still Hospitalized

By Guy Leonard unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; two ple times with no positive effect, as well
Staff Writer counts of attempted unlawful taking of a as utilizing a Sheriff’s Office K-9.
motor vehicle; first-degree assault; sec- Sater attempted to carjack an occu-
An Anne Arundel County man shot ond-degree assault; attempted harming pied vehicle at a restaurant, according to
last week by a county deputy after al- of a law enforcement animal; attempted police, but the victim fled. The suspect
legedly trying to steal a car while armed animal cruelty; three counts of rogue continued to flee through the shopping
with a knife remains hospitalized, ac- and vagabond; malicious destruction of center and entered a separate vehicle
cording to sheriff’s officials. property more than $1,000; theft: $1,500 which was running and was shot by a
Tyler Ray Marini Sater, 20, of Stoney to under $25,000 and attempted theft: deputy who fired three rounds from their
Beach, has yet to be formally charged in less than $100. service weapon. Deputies initiated first
the incident of Dec. 19, in which he was On December 19 at 9:32 p.m. depu- aid immediately to the suspect who was
alleged to have attempted to carjack a vic- ties responded to the California Wawa subsequently flown to an area trauma
tim at a California restaurant as deputies located in the 23100 block of Three center for treatment and remains in criti-
pursued him on foot after running across Notch Road in California, for the re- cal condition.
Route 235 from a motel parking lot. ported stolen vehicle. Deputies located Sgt. Timothy Wesner, a 10-year vet-
Officials with the sheriff’s office say the stolen vehicle minutes later at a hotel eran of the agency, was identified as the
he remains under guard by deputies in in the 23400 block of Three Notch Road. deputy who fired his weapon, striking the
hospital awaiting transfer to the adult Contact was made with an individual suspect twice. Per policy, Sgt. Wesner
detention center in Leonardtown. matching the suspect description, who remains on administrative leave pending
Sater is awaiting criminal charges then fled on foot towards the Wildewood the outcome of the investigation.
for: armed robbery; robbery; attempted shopping center. Deputies attempted less
armed carjacking; attempted carjacking; lethal means by tasing the suspect multi- [email protected]
Tyler Sater

Bach Drive in Charlotte Hall, MD

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6 The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS

After Christmas
Clearance 50 %
OFF

SALE
ALL CHRISTMAS TREES
ALL GREEN WREATHS
ALL ORNAMENTS
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Some exclusions apply. Merchandise discounted 25% or more may not be
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 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times St..Marys Local News
St 5

Sterling Set to Take Over Barn Fire Under

As Chief Prosecutor Investigation
said, who, along with the By Guy Leonard had also once owned the land upon
returning prosecutors, Staff Writer which it sat and had been used as both a
will take their oath of of- dairy and tobacco barn years ago.
fice following Sterling’s A Christmas Eve fire destroyed a Beasley said it was used as an equip-
swearing in. long-standing barn at the Budd’s Creek ment storage barn of late and a 2022 John
Those 13 attorneys are raceway in Mechanicsville and Maryland Deere skid loader was lost in the fire.
supported by 33 members State Fire Marshals are investigating.
of the staff, she said, and The management of the raceway is- [email protected]
those supporting posi- sued a statement on the
tions have all been filled. blaze.
“We’re fully staffed,” “Tonight at about
Sterling said. 6:30, our barn caught
Sterling said she plans fire. The current thinking
to be more active in the is that the wind knocked
Maryland States Attor- down a live electrical
neys Association to enact wire. Thankfully every-
legislation in Annapo- one is ok, but we lost a
lis that would increase lot of equipment,” the
penalties on violent statement from owner
offenders. Ezra Beasley reads. “The
“We want to push leg- barn itself was over 100
Soon-to-be State's Attorney Jaymi Sterling islation that helps protect years old and has been
victims and hold violent an iconic mainstay of our
By Guy Leonard offenders accountable,” Sterling said. facility.
Staff Writer Working with Sen. Jack Bailey (R- “It will be missed.
Dist.29) she wants to support legislation Huge thank you to the
Jaymi Sterling will be sworn in as this year in the General Assembly that volunteers from over 10
the new State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s would protect victims of child sex abuse. departments that came
County on Jan. 3. Certain sex offenses, she said, are not out to fight the fire. They
She has hired new prosecutors and considered as violent offenses, though are truly heroes.”
brought back ones who were already they should be. Beasley said the barn
serving in the office, she told The County The legislation she wants to cham- had once been the prop-
Times, and has also filled all of the sup- pion in Annapolis would have those sex erty of the Amish who
port staff positions. offenders considered subsequently as
Sterling said she is ready to get to violent offenders.

Merry Christmas
work. Sterling also wants to put her staff to
“The excitement in the commu- work on pursuing state and federal grant
nity, we join in that,” Sterling said in a dollars to support efforts against violent
Wednesday interview. “We’re excited to crime that the office, historically, has not
get started.” often sought, she said.
Sterling has 12 assistant state’s at- Included in that effort would be gun
torneys working under her — eight of
them who worked in the administration
of Richard Fritz are returning, she said.
“Everyone who worked here previ-
ously was invited to apply,” Sterling said.
violence reduction grants that could be
used to fund prosecutors to focus solely
on gun crimes or staff who could work
solely as victim and witness coordina-
tors in violent crime cases.
&Happy New Year!
“Well more than 13 people applied.” It’s part of Sterling’s efforts, she said,
Those prosecutors returning are John to modernize the office.
Stackhouse, Sarah Proctor, Laura Cas-
par, Sean Moran, Michael Kane, Joe
“We want our office to run efficiently
and effectively,” Sterling said. Wishing you health,
Boyd and Duke May.
The office will be welcoming five
new attorneys starting Jan. 3, Sterling
[email protected]
peace, & prosperity!

We are celebrating 25 years!

Wishing all our customers
the best holidays ever.
Thanks a million! AND
Sharon and Anne HOME IMPROVEMENT
Est. 1998 CO INC.

MASS, INC. www.amglassco.net

BWI • DCA • Dulles • Amtrak • Doctor Visits GREAT MILLS HUGHESVILLE LEONARDTOWN
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301-373-4407 Reservations Email: [email protected]
301-994-2740 301-932-6144 • 301-884-5611 301-475-3334
4 The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

Happy Holidays
from Our Family to Yours

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 Thursday, December 29, 2022 The County Times 3

CONTENTS
LOCAL NEWS 5 OBITUARIES 18
YEAR IN REVIEW 9 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT 18
COMMUNITY 15 COPS & COURTS 19
CONTRIBUTORS 16

“WE’RE EXCITED TO GET

STARTED.”
JAYMI STERLING, SOON-TO-BE-SWORN-IN STATE’S ATTORNEY

ON THE COVER

LOCAL 5
Sterling set to take over State’s Attorney’s Office

LOCAL 5
Barn fire under investigation
9
St. Mary’s saw much change in 2022

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 MERRY CHRISTMAS
2 The County Times Thursday, December 29, 2022

During this time of Christmas, there are wonderful times of celebrating family traditions
and creating memories to last a lifetime. For some, it comes with times of uncertainty,
loneliness, and great need. They feel this way every day, but it is amplified during
Christmas as they see and hear everyone making plans for gatherings with family,
laughing as they prepare the meal and exchange gifts that loved ones specifically chose
for them.

As we come out of two years of craziness, leaving the pandemic behind, let us all focus
on the Lord and His provision. The Mission was born out of the Lord seeing to the needs
of those that have little and to give hope and a helping hand to the less fortunate in our
local community.

When I was 17 with no father figure, a stranger did just that for me. To this day, that act
of kindness reminds me that someone took the time out of the hustle and bustle for me,
if even just for a brief moment. I was in high school, working as a checker at a small
supermarket, in the San Joaquin Valley of California. One evening a gentleman walked
up and took out of his pocket a small black Bible that had my name inscribed. He said,
“Richard, I’m not in good health and I don’t think my heart will last too much longer, but I
want you to have this’ ‘. I’m not sure how he knew who I was, as I never saw him again;
little did he know that 41 years later I would still be sharing his unmeasurable gift to me.

This Christmas season, I humbly ask each of you for a gift that is close to my heart. You
will find, by giving this gift, you will be receiving even a greater gift in return. I ask for you
to reach out and help or see to the needs of just one person or family, and experience
what a wonderful Christmas it would be for those that you touch. A life can be completely
changed by such a gesture that will forever be a memory to someone to reflect on
reminding them that someone actually cares for them and that they matter.

We all know you don’t have to be homeless to feel the pain of despair or have struggles.
So, this Christmas Season let’s all help someone and give the glory to our good Lord
who’s the very reason we are celebrating not only Christmas but every day He blesses us
with.

Isaiah 9:6 tells us, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

To everyone in this community that supports The Mission to help keep

our doors open; the staff and faithful volunteers say: THANK YOU and
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Richard Myers, Executive Director

THE MISSION

Please consider supporting The Mission with an end of year donation. Send Checks To: The Mission,
P.O Box 2011 California MD 20650 or a Credit Card donation can be made at:

seekingshelter.com
 St. Mary's
County Times
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022

WWW.COUNTYTIMES.NET

Looking Back:

2022