Henson Seventh Grader Wins County Spelling Bee
 
Sydney Christley, a seventh-grade student at Matthew Henson Middle School, won the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) 34th annual Spelling Bee held Feb. 17 at Mattawoman Middle School by spelling the word “bureaucracy” correctly. As the county winner, Christley advances to the National Scripps Spelling Bee scheduled for May 27-June 1 in Washington D.C.  Mervin Posey III, an eighth grader at General Smallwood Middle School, earned second place in the competition, followed by Elijah Vaughan, an eighth grader at Theodore G. Davis Middle School, in third place. Additionally, teams from each competing school are awarded points based on student performances during each round.
 
Detectives Seek Information in Death Investigation
 
Human remains discovered in Nanjemoy earlier this year were identified yesterday as those of a missing Prince George’s County woman and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about the circumstances of her death. The investigation began on Jan. 2 at 12:32 p.m., when Sheriff’s officers responded to Riverside Road near Purse State Park in Nanjemoy after a hiker reported finding partial human skeletal remains. Over the next several days, a search team of more than 20 detectives excavated the surrounding area and recovered additional skeletal remains. The remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore and on Feb. 21, a medical examiner conclusively identified the remains as those of Crystal Keyona Anderson, 29, of Landover. Anderson’s mother reported her missing to the Prince George’s County Police Department on Aug. 2, 2011. Detectives there contacted the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for assistance after learning Anderson had lived in Charles County previously and still had acquaintances in the area. Detectives were unable to locate Anderson in Charles County. Charles County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating Anderson’s death as suspicious and are asking anyone with information about the circumstances of her death to contact police. Those with information may call Det. J. Elliott at 301-609-6515 or Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. Information can also be submitted by texting “Charles” and the tip to CRIMES or by visiting www.ccso.us and completing a form online. If a crime has been committed, Crime Solvers offers up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest or indictment.
 
Maryland Watermen To Pull More Ghost Pots From Bay
 
Maryland's ghost pot retrieval program starts again next month. State officials say watermen have until Friday to apply for work under the program. Ghost pots are lost or abandoned crab traps that can kill crabs and fish that get caught in them. They are being collected under a federally funded program launched in 2010 to help watermen hurt by the decline of the blue crab fishery. Areas targeted this year include the North East River, Fairlee Creek, West River, Rhode River, South River, Severn River, Magothy River, Patapsco River, Patuxent River, Upper Tangier sound, Lower Hooper Island and the Big and Little Annemessex Rivers at Smith Island. Natural Resources officials say $1 million is available this year, and they are focusing on helping watermen affected by last year's wet weather.
 
Maryland Agencies Oppose Bill To Stop Further Bay Regulations
 
Maryland agriculture and environmental officials are opposing a bill to prohibit additional bay restoration regulations on farmers until other states in the watershed catch up to their pollution reductions. Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance appeared Tuesday before a Senate committee in Annapolis saying the bill would tie his department's hands. Richard Eskin, director of the Department of the Environment's Science Services Administration, says it will significantly damage the state's ability to improve water quality and meet requirements under a new federally led bay restoration strategy. Farmers turned out in support of the bill by Harford County Sen. Barry Glassman, noting they are ahead of schedule in reducing pollution. Representatives of environmental groups, meanwhile, said the bill could have significant impact on restoration efforts and force even steeper reductions by others.
 
Broadband Network Expands in Charles County 
 
The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to announce that Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School are one step closer to being connected to the County's Institutional high speed fiber optic network.  Fiber optic cables for these locations have begun to be laid, as part of the One Maryland Broadband Network (OMBN) State project, which provides access to high-speed Internet broadband services for community institutions (e.g., schools, hospitals, community colleges, etc.) across the State of Maryland. In Charles County, the project will connect the Nanjemoy Volunteer Fire Department and Mount Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School to the Charles County Government fiber optic network.  This will result in much faster Internet service for both locations. "The OMBN program is providing much needed high speed internet connections to our most rural communities", said Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2).  "This is a step in the right direction in ensuring access for the entire County".
 
Man Drowns in Car
 
On February 19, 2012 at 3:38 P.M. police units responded to Cape St. Mary’s Marina, Mechanicsville, Maryland to assist the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department with a vehicle submerged in the water near the boating ramp.  Calvert County Company 12 Rescue/Dive Team was summoned to assist with an underwater search and discovered a male inside the vehicle unresponsive.  The victim was extricated from the vehicle, CPR initiated and transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  The St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations was contacted and assumed the investigation. The victim has been identified as William M. Joy, age 65, of Mechanicsville, Maryland.  Joy was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death. 
 
Juvenile Charged in Newburg Fire
 
Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded an investigation into a Newburg Fire with the arrest of a 16 year old male juvenile. The juvenile has been transported to the Cheltenham Youth Facility where he will be held pending a hearing. Charges include Arson 1st Degree, and additional charges being handled by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. On February 17, 2012 at 8:11 p.m. firefighters were dispatched for a structure fire located in the 17000 block of Rock Point Road, Newburg. Firefighters arrived on location to find a two story wood framed dwelling with heavy smoke and heat conditions on the second floor. Deputy State Fire Marshals, through investigation, determined that the fire originated in a
second floor bedroom of the dwelling occupied by Cheryl Docherty and the cause was determined to be Arson. The fire was contained to the room of origin and caused an estimated $15,000.00 dollars in damage.
 
Man Steals Shopping Carts for Scrap
 
On February 17, 2012 deputies responded to a report an individual stealing metal shopping carts from the Food Lion located in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.  A description of the suspect, later identified as Calvin Ben Jones, 60 of Leonardtown, Maryland and the suspect vehicle was broadcast.  Witnesses reported the suspect was placing the shopping carts the bed of a pickup truck.  Deputies responded to a local metal and scrap yard business and found the suspect pulling away from a scrap metal pile containing eleven metal Food Lion shopping carts.  Jones was detained while deputies contacted the business to obtain a copy of the receipt given to Jones for the sale of the metal carts.  Jones was arrested and charged with fourth degree burglary and theft.
 
The Maryland House Passes Gay Marriage Bill
 
The Maryland House of Delegates voted Friday night to pass the bill to legalize gay marriage 71-67. If the bill passes the Senate as expected, Governor Martin O'Malley says he'll sign it. Maryland would join seven states and the District in allowing gays to marry. But opponents will likely launch a petition drive that will give voters the final say on the November ballot. The bill now goes to the Senate, which passed it in 2011.
 
Fatal Fire at Foxchase Cause Determined and Identity Confirmed
 
Investigators have concluded the fire that took the life of David Vanryswick (56) was the result of using smoking materials while receiving medical oxygen therapy. The fire occurred on February 8, 2012 at 11:44 p.m. in his apartment located at 45955 Foxchase Drive in Great Mills. Mr. Vanryswick was home alone at the time of the fire. He was found deceased inside his two bedroom, first floor apartment of the two story wood framed garden style apartment building by first arriving firefighters. The preliminary report for the accidental cause of death by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reveals Mr. Vanryswick died as result of the fire. The Foxchase Apartments were constructed in 1989, which was prior to the requirements of residential fire sprinklers. These life saving devices were mandated in all newly constructed apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels and dormitories in Maryland on July 1, 1990. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard reminds all citizens to prevent a tragedy by fire while using oxygen. “All Marylanders need to be aware of the potential hazards involving medical oxygen use. Oxygen itself is not flammable, however, an oxygen enriched environment can cause materials to ignite more readily and burn at a faster rate than normal,” stated Barnard.
 
Free Mulch at Charles County Landfill 
 
The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to announce that mulch will be available to citizens with residential or commercial vehicles during the week of March 19 through March 24. The mulch is located at the Charles County Landfill at 12305 Billingsley Road, Waldorf.  Landfill staff will load your vehicle during this week. The mulch is the result of huge quantities of vegetative debris that fell during Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  The mulch will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Commercial vehicles will be limited to 25 tons of mulch. 
Local businesses will be defined as those having a physical business location in Charles County. For more information, contact the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3440. St. Mary's County Residents call Debbie Barker at 301-475-4200.
 
National Harbor Casino Gets Support
 
There is support to build a luxurious Las-Vegas-style casino on the Potomac River at National Harbor near the nation's capital that would cost about $1 billion. A consultant hired by the Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker’s administration concluded that National Harbor was an overwhelmingly preferred location in the county. It's not clear whether there will be enough support in the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation to allow a casino in the county. Voters also would have to approve legislation in a statewide referendum. Prince George’s County could make about $30 million from the local share of taxes on gambling proceeds. The administration also estimates the county could make another $20 million from property, income, hotel, admissions and amusement taxes. The casino would be large, with up to 4,750 slot machines. Legislation introduced in Annapolis this month would allow table games like blackjack and make it possible to build a casino in Prince George's County. Currently, Maryland only allows five casinos. Only two have opened so far, in Perryville off of Interstate 95 and near Ocean City on the Eastern Shore. A third casino in Anne Arundel County is scheduled to open with about 4,750 slot machines this summer. Bidders are seeking licenses to open casinos in Baltimore city and Rocky Gap State Park in western Maryland.
 
Maryland State Police Looking for Burglar
 
From the Prince Frederick Barrack of the Maryland
State Police, Terril Emmanual Harrod, age 21, is wanted in connection with a burglary in Huntingtown, Calvert County.  His last known address was 676 Flagstaff Road in Lusby.  He has moved from that residence and currently has no fixed address.  He is described as an African American Male 5' 7" weighing 157 lbs. Anyone with information about Harrod is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, (410)535-1400.  You may remain anonymous.
 
Sheriff's Office Goes to Automated Answering System
Callers will reach a new automated system when dialing 410-535-2800 to reach the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office. The message will announce prompts to reach the appropriate personnel to handle your call. Callers can speak directly to Sheriff’s Office personnel at any time during the message by pressing zero.  As always, if it is an emergency, please dial 911. Callers can also dial their party’s extension, if they know it, at any time during the initial message. This type of call-in system will help alleviate the high volume of calls the Sheriff’s Office receives on a daily basis. Sheriff Mike Evans hopes that by employing this new system, citizens in Calvert County will be able to quickly obtain answers and assistance from Sheriff Office personnel.
 
Calvert County Government Facility Closures for the Presidents Day Holiday
 
 The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces the following office and facility closures for the Presidents Day holiday:
•      All Calvert County government offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents Day.
•      The Calvert Pines, Southern Pines and North Beach senior centers will be closed Feb. 20. Meals on Wheels will be delivered to clients.
•     All Calvert Library locations will be closed Monday, Feb. 20.
•      There will be no public transportation services Feb. 20; the regular schedule will resume Tuesday, Feb. 21.
•      All Solid Waste facilities will be open and operating on normal business hours on Monday, Feb. 20.
For more information, visit the Calvert County Web site at www.co.cal.md.us.
 
Charles County Government Announces President's Day Holiday Schedule
 
The Charles County Commissioners wish to remind residents that the offices of Charles County Government and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of the President's Day holiday. The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center off Billingsley Road in Waldorf, and the Pisgah Recycling Center on Route 425 in Pisgah will be open for normal business hours. Every-other-week curbside recycling "blue bin" collection service will not be affected.  VanGO will operate on a regular weekday service schedule. The Crain Memorial Welcome Center will be open for normal business hours on Monday, February 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Welcome Center is located at 12480 Crain Highway in Newburg. The following schedule changes and closures will also be in effect:
* Lackey and North Point High indoor pools will be open from 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
* Community Centers will be closed.
* Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center and Port Tobacco Recreation Center will be open normal operating hours.
* All park facilities will be open for normal operating hours.
For questions about County Government holiday closures, contact Ms. Crystal Hunt, Public Information Officer, at 301-645-0580 or HuntC@CharlesCounty.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258
 
St. Mary's County Government Offices Closed February 20 in Observance of
Presidents Day
 
St. Mary’s County Government Offices and all three St. Mary’s County Libraries will be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of Presidents Day. Offices and libraries will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. The St. Andrews Landfill, Solid Waste/Recycling Program, six (6) St. Mary’s County Convenience Centers and the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) will be operating normal business hours on Monday, February 20, 2012, however the Statewide Specialized Transportation Assistance Program (SSTAP) will not be providing services for the Senior Nutrition Centers and the SSTAP appointments. All Department of Aging Senior Activity Centers will be closed and there will be no Meals On Wheels deliveries.
Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's County Public Schools are all Closed Monday Feb. 20th.
 
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