The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland would like to thank all sponsors, presenters and participants that helped to make this year’s Bike To Work/Wellness Day, held on May 17, 2013 in Indian Head, Maryland, such a success. Bike to Work/Wellness Day was hosted by the town of Indian Head and the Tri-County Council’s Commuter...
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On May 3, 2013, Patuxent Habitat for Humanity hosted The 5th Annual ReCycled Art Show and Benefit Auction. On behalf of the Board of Patuxent Habitat for Humanity I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, and, of course, bidders, who together made it possible. The Recycled Art...
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Friends, Regardless of your political ideology, please take the recent developments with the Benghazi coverup & the abuses of power within the IRS very seriously. Your government must exist in a political ecosystem where there is a healthy anxiety regarding the power of its citizenry. These scandals, amongst others, indicate a disturbing pattern of...
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I missed too many Christmas mornings to count. I missed birthdays, holidays, weekends with my daughter and calm evenings with my wife. I missed these irreplaceable lost memories because I chose to be a Secret Service Agent. I am honored to have served the country in my own small way, and although I am...
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This week, I join with Americans across the country to mourn the victims of the devastating bombings in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by the tragedy, and I thank our nation’s brave first responders, police, and medical personnel for their courageous response to this horrific attack. I continue to be...
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To the Editor: The St. Mary’s County Public School System recognizes that April is Autism Awareness Month. While April 2nd has been designated as World Autism Awareness Day, the entire month of April is a time to focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. According to Autism Speaks, a worldwide organization that promotes research and awareness,...
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From House Speaker John Boehner’s Office Press Office Waiting, they say, is the hardest part. But in just 11 days, we’ll have answers to a couple lingering questions on the minds of the American people. Yes, we’ll know who is cutting down the nets, as the Final Four wraps up with a new NCAA...
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Some military installations have already started informing civilian and dual status employees about impending furloughs, which in some cases will be equivalent to 20 percent cuts in pay. Furlough notices are expected to be issued by the Department of Defense in April. Federal and dual status employees who receive furlough notices have rights in...
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Transportation Trust Fund Not Protected In Gas Tax Hike – By Ellen Sauerbrey Congratulations to the Maryland General Assembly’s legislative leadership and Governor: you’re on your way to 26!! If the latest gas tax bill passes, it’ll make at least 26 times you have increased taxes and fees on Maryland’s hardworking families since this...
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House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of the third anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law, which is tomorrow, March 23rd: “Tomorrow marks three years since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which is already making significant progress slowing the growth of...
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I support the county teachers, support staff, and citizens. It is possible to support all three simultaneously. My 2010, campaign literature said, “I support improving the education funding formula.” The formula between the Board of Education (BOE) and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) elapsed and sadly was not replaced. I favored an improved formula...
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I love Calvert County Public schools. They have some of the best students, buildings, and support staff around. Today, Calvert Education Association (the county’s teacher union) president, Debbie Russ, informed all staff that it has come to their attention that the Calvert County Public School budget may not be entirely funded by the Calvert...
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Dear Debbie, The following comments are mine as an individual Commissioner and have not been provided to the other Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) members in advance. I am extremely disappointed in the tactics your email below to all school staff demonstrates, which is nothing more than fear mongering. I expect better from a...
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Dear Member of the CCPS Employee Community, I hope by now you realize the SERIOUSNESS of the Calvert County Public Schools budget not being fully funded by the Calvert County Board of Commissioners. In the event the CCPS budget is not fully funded, you may not receive your negotiated salary increase. Also program cuts...
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Dear Editor – I am writing to thank the managers and staff at Applebee’s Prince Frederick for choosing End Hunger In Calvert County as their local charity. During the entire month of February, the restaurant supported End Hunger In Calvert County by collecting donations and informing their customers about the reality of hunger in...
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During these upcoming weeks, students across St. Mary’s County Public Schools will be engaged in the state’s assessments. We are a school system focused on student achievement and the assurance that our students meet rigorous standards. Our students are ready, and we are proud of the learning that they continue to demonstrate. Across the...
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The most dangerous 90-days in Maryland are well under way – The General Assembly 90-day Session! New regulations, fees and taxes are being proposed that will make it harder for you and your neighbors to balance your budget – a budget already strained by the unending Great Recession. Here are the latest 2013 proposals...
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Hoyer Joins World Parliamentarians in Calling for Action to “Stop the Horror” in Sudan Today, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer joined a global coalition of 98 politicians from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions of Sudan. Mr....
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“Mr. Speaker, we are now two days away from failure-triggered, ideological-driven and irrational budget cuts called ‘sequester’… these cuts could be incredibly harmful to our national defense, our economy, and our national welfare.” “General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: ‘This will affect the entire country, and it will undermine...
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“Today, Mr. Speaker, we continue an unfortunate and unnecessary countdown to the irrational and reckless automatic cuts the Republican policies will impose. The countdown stands at three days. “Unless Congress acts by Friday, the cuts will take effect with dangerous results across the country and in the Fifth District of Maryland, my district. Approximately...
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Governor details impact of federal sequestration in Maryland Visits FLIR Systems, a growing advanced manufacturing company affected by looming federal cuts Governor Martin O’Malley today urged action in Washington to avoid federal sequestration – a series of automatic cuts that threaten job creation and reduce vital services for families and children in Maryland and...
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“I am pleased to join Marcia Fudge, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and my good friend, Steve Horsford, the Gentleman from Nevada, and I noticed that Don Payne is here. His father was a very close friend of mine, active some 45 years ago. So it’s good to see you here, Don....
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House Republicans: Maryland Needs a Responsible Plan NOT a Gas Tax Hike Today members of the House Republican Caucus made it clear that Maryland does not need a gas tax hike, but instead needs a responsible plan that addresses the actual needs of its citizens. “As a caucus, we are appalled that Democratic leaders...
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“Two weeks from today, if Congress fails to act, the Republican policy – the Republican policy – of sequestration will take effect. Sequestration is a dangerous and irrational policy, or, as Leader Pelosi said, cutting across the board without reference to priority level. It will have devastating effects on our national security and economic...
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To the Editor: Over the last several years, St. Mary’s County Public Schools has been lauded for exceptional levels of student learning and extraordinary educators. Both our students and teachers have been recognized on the state and the national stage, representing the accomplishments they have earned in a supportive and growth-oriented culture. I am...
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To the Editor: Now that the 2012-2013 school year is well on its way, it is important to pause in honor of African-American History Month. The 2013 African American History Month theme, which is the bases of the African American History Month proclamation issued by President Barack Obama, is “At the Crossroads of Freedom...
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The BOCC are ever aware of the looming possibility of sequestration. We are in touch daily with our local Navy leadership, State and Federal representatives and other community members. As the issue grows closer we are aware that rumors will feed rumors and a tremendous amount of misinformation will result. We’d urge everyone to...
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Dear Friend, Thank you for your emails concerning new Gun Control proposals in Maryland. As you know, the Governor and the folks who control Annapolis intend to infringe upon your constitutional freedoms once again. Maryland already has some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States. Put simply, the folks who rule...
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Friend, Whether its horrific mass shootings like the ones in Newtown and Columbine, or murders on the streets of our cities, we lose far too many American lives each year to gun violence. That’s why we’ve introduced a comprehensive plan that would ban military-style assault weapons, limit large ammunition capacity and require licenses for...
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Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today to commemorate Black History Month: “Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the countless contributions African-Americans have made in making the promise of America the practice of America. Having recently marked the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation...
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“The jobs report released this morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us what we already know: our recovery continues, but there is more Congress must do to help the private sector create job opportunities. With 166,000 private sector jobs added in January, more Americans are getting back to work. Yet too much...
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My name is Andrew Serafini and I represent District 2A, which is located in Washington County in beautiful Western Maryland. It is my privilege to offer a rebuttal of the Governor’s State of the State address on behalf of the Republican members in the State Legislature. First let me say that we just concluded...
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O’Malley’s speech on repealing capital punishment: Thank you very much. It’s wonderful to be here with all of you. Lt. Governor, thank you for those heartfelt and very principled remarks. And thank you all for stepping up and for being here on this issue. County Executive Ike Leggett, it’s good to see you. County...
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Friend, There’s no easy answer to the complex problem of gun violence. I’ve spent my entire career — as a prosecutor, city councilman, mayor, and now as governor — focused on trying to keep families safe and reduce violent crime. We need a comprehensive approach. That’s why in the next few days, I’ll unveil...
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SOME REALLY SAD NEWS! Friends, I knew this day would come eventually, but I am really sad to tell you that effective January 7, 2013, the Hogettes are no more. Mike Torbert, aka Boss Hogette, decided it had run its course and was disbanding the group and canceling all future Hogette appearances. He feels...
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Friend, There is a thread that unites the story of our people, it is the thread of human dignity. Last year, we took important steps forward in the struggle to promote the dignity of all Marylanders. We made the DREAM of college more affordable for more Maryland families. We recognized the Piscataway Indians for...
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As you know, unless President Obama and Congress take action, tax rates will go up on every American on January 1st. “The day after that, a mandatory ‘sequester’ will go into effect that will implement harmful cuts to our national defense. That is currently the law of the land. “The House has done its...
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As 2012 comes to a close, I want to thank all of you for your help and support for this year and the past 6 years that I have served as the Fire Chief of the Huntingtown VFD. Our organization has come a long way in the past several years due to the hard...
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Dear Friends, As a meteorologist, one thing I know about the weather – it is always changing. I also know at least one thing does not change and has remained the same for almost 30 years: the compassionate care of Calvert Hospice. I am writing to you today to ask you to join us...
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Dear Friends, As the year come to an end, I want to thank all of you in the agricultural community for your hard work and great efforts during the last year. Through highs and lows, ups and downs, it has been a pleasure and an honor to work on behalf of the people who...
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The Optimist Club of Mechanicsville would like to thank the community for all its support over the past year, especially in the current economic times. It has been a great 2012 for the Club which was honored to be able to give back to the community it serves. The Optimist Club of Mechanicsville just...
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The College of Southern Maryland held its first Robotics Challenge – Collegiate Division, winning against Muhlenberg College on Nov. 3 at the La Plata Campus. Engineering positions will always be in demand, said Byron Brezina, a technical engineering project manager at the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV), who attended and demonstrated two...
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Dear Parents: Unfortunately, in these uncertain times, rumors are circulating in our schools and communities. These rumors are overwhelming our community as well as almost every school community in our region and maybe across the nation. These rumors stem from the fear of a copycat event following the tragic events in Connecticut. In addition,...
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St. Mary’s County Public School’s Community: I write to you with a heavy heart and on behalf of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County. Words cannot fully describe our feelings about the horrific events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012. We want to...
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It is once again time to start preparing for the upcoming Holiday Season. There are many children in the Twin Beach area who need our help. You have been so generous in the past years with your contributions, we are asking for your support again. The North Beach Children’s Fund is comprised of a...
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As negotiations continue to prevent the looming fiscal cliff and with many critics of the Federal workforce suggesting further cuts to pay and benefits of federal employees, I wanted to share an op-ed I wrote for the Federal Times on the need to recognize the substantial contribution that these middle-class workers have already made...
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Saturday, December 8, was the Calvert Shop with a Cop event. What a great success it was thanks to the many men and women of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Prince George’s County Police, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Calvert Optimist Club, and the many civilian volunteers that...
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To the Editor: St. Mary’s County Public Schools recognizes the challenging economic times many of our families are facing. While our community has a stronger economy than many, the staff of St. Mary’s County Public Schools understands that many families are experiencing financial hardship. In the past several school years, between 150-300 students were...
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I want to come to you about a story I would really like to have covered on SMNewsnet. Adam Lumpkins is an amazing, local, 5 year old who has been fighting Pre-B Cell Acute Lympoblastic Leukemia since he was 21 months. His mom is a Paramedic in Charles County, currently stationed in Hughesville, and...
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My name is Gary Scales and I hope you can help me! On October 22, 2010, a speeding motorist who was driving out of control killed my son, Richard Jackson. The driver, Jarron Jennings, who killed Richard was tried by a jury during a three day jury trial in St. Mary’s County from April...
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Dear Southern Maryland News Net, On behalf of my fellow Hogettes, “The Washington Redskins Biggest Fans”, I want to thank you for your generous support of this year’s fundraiser held in Lusby. Because of folks like you, we raised more than $22,000 for organizations that help those less fortunate than ourselves. Of this amount,...
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Thanksgiving is the one holiday that brings together all Marylanders and all Americans like no other Holiday. Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in American history as people coming together to celebrate the bounty of a great harvest while enjoying the company of family, friends and community. Over the years, new traditions have added to this...
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by Lee Moon, Iona Moon - president and founder of Iona Moon, a California, MD-based defense management consulting firm with over 300 clients nationwide; and by Larry Groves, GCC Associates - a retired Marine Colonel and president of GCC Associates, a Vienna, VA-based defense acquisition consulting firm. The impending ‘fiscal cliff’ has the potential to...
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Dear Editor: It was another successful “Step By Step” 5K Fun Run/Walk for the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) on November 3rd. With over 110 participants, everyone enjoyed a great day for a race around Solomons Island – a little chilly but the sun was shining bright! This year marked the 12th...
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Friends, Yesterday I made a call to Representative Steny Hoyer and congratulated him on his victory in our contest for the US House of Representatives from Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. The Congressman was gracious in acceptance of the call. It was a hard fought race but the citizens have spoken, and I accept and...
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Dear Editor: The day after the election, I want to congratulate the voters of Calvert County. We had five candidates for election to the Board of Education all of whom care a lot about our students and our schools. Congratulations!! to Joe Chenelly, Tracy Maguire, and Kelly McConkey who will serve on the Board...
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To the Editor: The safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance, as they are traveling to and from school and when they are on school property. This is especially true during inclement weather. When making decisions on whether to delay or open schools, we take many things into consideration. Our county...
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Dear Friends, Good afternoon. I hope this note finds you safe and secure having weathered Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. As we watch the news, we see the destruction caused by this unique weather pattern. Floods, power outages, and downed trees throughout our community. Please continue to heed the advice of your local authorities. They are doing...
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I am writing in support of the candidacy of Dr. Valerie Beaudin for Chesapeake Beach Town Council. While Chesapeake Beach is a municipality which holds it own elections for Town Council, and I am not a resident of Chesapeake Beach, the election in Chesapeake Beach affects every resident of Calvert County. Why? Because there...
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The Calvert County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 109 has filed a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and for Writ of Mandamus against the Calvert County Government. The complaint was filed in Calvert County Circuit Court on October 10, 2012. The complaint is seeking, for all Deputy Sheriff’s, the annual salary merit step...
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Jean Baptiste Say, a French businessman and economist, popularized the term, entrepreneur some two centuries ago. But to economics students, he is best known for coining “Say’s Law” that states in essence that supply creates its own demand. In other words, what one produces (supply) represents that person’s demand for other goods and services....
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Mid-Atlantic Door Group, Inc. doing business as Overhead Door Company of Washington, DC and located at 6841 Distribution Dr. in Beltsville, Md can claim honors that no other area garage door company can – In 1921, the company’s founder, C.G. Johnson, invented the vertical-opening garage door. Not only that, but five years later introduced...
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The State Board of Elections (SBE) announced today that Marylanders can now register to vote and update address information online. The new way to register to vote is available from SBE’s homepage at www.elections.state.md.us. Voters can also check the status of their registration on the same website. “Online voter registration is another tool to...
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When you have chronic allergies or asthma, excess dust in your home can make the problem much worse. Short of dusting your furniture, washing your bedding and vacuuming every day, there are several other more practical steps you can take to keep the dust at bay. Even if no one in your family suffers...
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“The employment report for the month of July is further evidence of the failure of Washington policy makers to address this economic downturn in an effective manner. The increase in the unemployment rate to 8.3% despite the economy adding 163,000 jobs is unacceptable. Politicians like Steny Hoyer who have spent 31 years in Washington...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER This week, Congress is debating the extension of expiring tax cuts and I’d like your input. If you go to my Facebook page right now, you can answer the following question that I just posted: While you’re viewing my Facebook page, please follow me by clicking...
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Those individuals who suffer from varying degrees of color blindness now have a source dedicated to correcting their vision. Patients need only to visit Azman Color Vision Specialists and set an appointment with Dr. Thomas Azman. Visit Dr. Azman online at http://www.colormax.org to take a colorblind test, and schedule a consultation. Dr. Azman can...
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On day 1 of the Olympics we watched a 38yr-old cyclist come out of retirement and win the gold medal in London. That’s Olympic spirit. But there was Olympic spirit in every other competitor in that race, and in every contest in the 2012 Olympics. Truth be told, every aspiring Olympian has it. At...
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Hoyer Urges Congress to Pass Middle Class Tax Cut Extension, Provide Families and Small Businesses with Certainty With middle class tax cuts set to expire in January, I have been urging Congress to pass legislation that would extend tax cuts for income up to $250,000. This extension would provide certainty to the 98% of...
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Tony O’Donnell, candidate for the US House of Representatives in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District endorsed former United States Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino for U.S. Senate. “Spending at the federal government is out of control and unsustainable,” stated O’Donnell. “Washington policymakers are out of touch and wreaking havoc with the economy and the nation....
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Governor Martin O’Malley recently released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor’s release of preliminary employment data for the month of June: “In Maryland, we are moving forward. Nearly 25,000 more Marylanders are working than were last June. Twenty-two hundred fewer Marylanders have filed new unemployment insurance claims this June compared to...
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The Charles County Board of Commissioners would like to inform citizens that the next public forum will be held on Tuesday, July 31, at 5 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata). Public forums are open to the general public. While offering a public...
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Hoyer Herald: Connect with Me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Participate in Photo Contest Today marks the beginning of the third annual Member Online All-Star Competition, a friendly competition I am hosting that will encourage my Democratic colleagues to continue to engage with their constituents online. With over 50% of adult Americans now active on Facebook,...
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The Calvert County Department of Economic Development announces that nominations are now being accepted for the annual Calvert You Are Beautiful Volunteer Awards. This project recognizes individuals whose volunteer service improves the quality of life for Calvert County citizens and visitors. Nominated volunteers might be a tour guide at a museum or historic landmark,...
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Today, I delivered a major policy speech on the role of manufacturing in building a strong and competitive economy, and introduced a new list of bills as part of the Democrats’ Make It In America jobs plan. Manufacturing has led our economic recovery over the past two years, and I am committed to strengthening the industry...
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On Wednesday the Republicans will hold another repeal vote of Obamacare. Previously 30 floor votes have been taken to repeal, defund, or dismantle the law. Unfortunately the bill is dead on arrival in the Senate. And if it did pass there, it surely would be vetoed by President Obama. Repealing Obamacare before 2013 is...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This decision is a victory for Maryland families and businesses who will continue to benefit from this landmark legislation. I’m pleased that Marylanders are already benefitting from health care reform, and I will work to continue...
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Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act: “President Obama and Congress chose to pass the Affordable Care Act because the status quo was hurting our ability to create jobs, expand opportunity, and protect the health of...
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Reader Submission Summer days are the best times to take our children to the playgrounds to let them run out that energy and just have an enjoyable time but parents need to alarmed. While playgrounds are a great place to take our kids, there are a lot of safety issues a parent should be...
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Calvert County Board of Commissioners President Jerry Clark in recent statements to the press has stated that there will be no pay steps to County employees because of no money being available. This statement does not reveal the whole truth to the public and all County employees based on some recent alleged “conservative spending”...
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Message from Tony O’Donnell, Nominee for Congress Fifth District of Maryland IMMIGRATION POLICY IN THE USA Yesterday the United States Supreme Court released the decision on Arizona v. the United States. I encourage you to read the decision for yourself, particularly be sure to read Justice Scalia’s decision. As you know Arizona passed its law as...
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Message from Tony O’Donnell Candidate for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District The largest tax hike in history will take effect on January 1, 2013 unless Congress takes action. Just how will this affect you? The Heritage Foundation has created a new interactive map to see Tax Increases by State. Heritage research shows that families will...
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Dear Friend, Last week the President and his allies who have ignored border security for years overturned our laws, usurped Congress’s constitutional authority and granted amnesty to nearly one million illegal immigrants who have been living illegally in the United States while other law abiding individuals patiently wait their turn to come to America legally. Thirty-one...
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Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to consider the Paycheck Fairness Act: “It’s unfortunate that some members of the U.S. Senate have chosen politics over our people – preventing America from moving forward, growing jobs, opportunity, and hope for a prosperous future. “Over the last few decades, women’s...
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My name is Thomas Phelps, I am the President of the Calvert Fraternal Order of Police, and as such I represent the Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputies who are members. I was hired as a Calvert County Deputy in 2001, fulfilling a lifelong dream to serve the citizens of the place I am proud to...
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Maryland Congressional candidate Tony O’Donnell today called upon incumbent Congressman Steny Hoyer to end his globetrotting fundraising jaunts and talk about the issues of concern to families in Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. “Hoyer has gone Hollywood on us,” said O’Donnell, “and I don’t mean Hollywood, Maryland. He leads a life...
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As an athlete at The Calverton School I have been invited to participate in the Down Under Sports Tournaments to be held in Australia. I am honored to be an ambassador of not only my school, community and state, but also our country. I will be participating in this international event on the Southeast...
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On Monday Annapolis passed a bill to shift the cost of teacher pensions to local governments giving the legislature another $250 million to spend on other programs. This will force local governments to raise $250 million taxes to cover the pensions the first year, and $1.5 billion over five years –in some cases forcing...
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Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement on the close of the Special Session and the completion of the FY 2013 budget: “I’d like to thank Senate President Miller, House Speaker Busch and the members of the General Assembly for completing work on the State’s FY2013 budget. “With their leadership and willingness to come...
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Wildewood Sew & Vac is a locally owned and operated business providing service, repair and sales of residential and commercial vacuums, sewing and embroidery machines. The Wildewood store joins the company’s two other locations – Waldorf Sew & Vac and Severna Park Sew & Vac. The new Wildewood location opened to provide a higher...
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On Monday Annapolis introduced a bill to increase income taxes on individuals who earn more than $100,000 and couples who earn more than $150,000 – even though the budget was already balanced. With unemployment still high and the economy stalled Annapolis is redefining wealth, while Maryland already has one of the highest combined local...
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They go by many names: grifter, swindler, con artist, charlatan. Whatever the name, the game is still the same: the con. It is the oldest trick in the book, but somehow many still fall for it. Maybe it is because people are desperate for fame and fortune, or caught up in the moment and...
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May 3, 2012 Dear Friend, There are few better ways to celebrate the summer than by enjoying a steaming bucket of Maryland Blue Crabs covered in Old Bay. That’s why I’m so pleased to share that this year, the Maryland Blue Crab population is at a 19-year high! This achievement did not...
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Letter to the Editor May is Small Business Month At least 2,000 – and more likely twice that number – small businesses serve St. Mary’s County each and every day. They employ thousands of countians, pay millions of dollars in tax revenue, and contribute several thousands of their proceeds in community giving. They also...
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Bobby Unkle has been in the excavating business for over 30 years and knows there is nothing in the business he can’t accomplish – so much so, his coworkers and fellow contractors have dubbed him the ‘Slopedoctor.’ Unkle’s company, JBM & Sons Excavating, LLC has seen it all during its time working on road...
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The Calvert County Department of Economic Development announces that nominations are now being accepted for the annual Calvert You Are Beautiful Volunteer Awards. This project recognizes individuals whose volunteer service improves the quality of life for Calvert County citizens and visitors. Nominated volunteers might be a tour guide at a museum or historic landmark,...
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The Calvert County, Md., Department of Economic Development is conducting the 2012 business survey and seeks input from county business owners. The survey helps the department learn more about county businesses, offers insight into business concerns and suggests steps that can be taken to provide assistance. Data collected from the survey will be used...
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Citing the benefits to Maryland families, small businesses, and tourism overall, Comptroller Peter Franchot today called for a statewide policy change to have all school systems in the state begin classes after Labor Day weekend. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and members of the local business community joined the Comptroller at the announcement. “The...
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Message from O’Donnell for Congress: Friends – Thank you for your support! I am humbled by your faith in me to carry your banner forward. Now the second phase of our fight begins. We are going to carry our message to every nook and cranny in the 5th District. The future of our country...
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April 2, 2012 Letter to the Editor Going Forward Four weeks ago I sat in public session before the County Commissioners alongside staff, colleagues, and community partners. We presented 3 important matters of official county business. Each Board member acknowledged us for the yeoman staff work done to advance the Joint Land Use Study...
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Amy Gibson, English teacher at Huntingtown High School, is one of this year’s recipients of The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards. Allie Bolen, one of Ms. Gibson’s former students, nominated her for this prestigious award. In her essay, Ms. Bolen writes, “Ms. Gibson taught me a great deal about English in her class,...
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On March 22, Gazette.Net, an online newspaper endorsed Tony O’Donnell for the 5th District congressional race in the Republican Primary. Gazette.Net said: O’Donnell is minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates. His party is badly outnumbered in Annapolis and it falls to O’Donnell to publicly and forcefully argue the Republican position in a...
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This Friday marks two years since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Since then, millions of Americans have seen the positive impacts of health care reform, and here in Maryland’s Fifth District, families and small businesses are benefitting from new protections and greater freedom and control over their health care choices,...
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March 23rd marks the two-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare”. Prior to its passage, the Congressional Budget Office claimed the bill’s cost would be under $900 Billion over 10 years. However, just last week the Congressional Budget Office revised its estimate to $1.76 Trillion, nearly twice the originally estimated...
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Superintendent James E. Richmond presented his redistricting recommendations today to the Board of Education, which include modifications to two proposals. The school system is in the process of developing new attendance zones for Mary B. Neal Elementary School, William A. Diggs Elementary School and Theodore G. Davis Middle School. Those redistricting efforts also impact...
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Tony O’Donnell, Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates and candidate for the US House of Representatives, wished the Girl Scouts of America a Happy 100thBirthday Sunday, March 11. “Girl Scouts is a great organization,” said Delegate O’Donnell. “Volunteers lead the girls by helping them set life goals and instilling in them a...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER Today, the House passed the “JOBS Act,” a legislative package including six bills that will help small business, four of which have already passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. I voted for the package, but am concerned it does not go far enough to get the millions...
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March 2012 The Local Imperative Bob Schaller Tip O’Neill, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, was correct in saying all politics is local. In fact, all meaningful decisions are made locally. Reason is the agents involved must know each other to some degree – whether in agreement or not – to influence...
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Susan Pearce Ditch, Owner of Chesapeake Pet Resort & Day Spa, enjoys the opportunity to pamper other people’s pets like no one else can. The facility is dedicated to pets of all ages and varieties of cats and dogs, located at 26120 Jones Wharf Rd in Hollywood, Maryland and focuses on helping pets enjoy...
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Tony O’Donnell, candidate for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District seat in the US House of Representatives and the Republican Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates, is calling on Marylanders who value the sanctity of marriage to support a petition placing this critical issue on the November ballot so that Marylanders can decide for themselves....
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Governor Martin O’Malley today, joined by Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and House Speaker Michael E. Busch, signed the Civil Marriage Protection Act of 2012 into law. With the passage of this historic bill, Maryland now becomes the eighth state in the nation to legalize gay marriage....
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As part of its Tuesday, February 28, 2012 meeting agenda, the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners and members of the St. Mary’s County Delegation will hold an open discussion on education funding. The session will focus on the federal, state and local components of education funding. The session will also include talk about...
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Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement on Feb. 23, after the Senate passed the Civil Marriage Protection Act of 2012: “I’d like to thank Senate President Miller for his leadership and our legislators in the Senate for their hard work and their vote today for human dignity. “All children deserve the opportunity to live...
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The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County will host a Public Forum on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the Commissioners meeting room of the Chesapeake Building located at 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, Maryland. Citizens are invited to attend the forum and address the commissioners. The Public Forum...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER “e ought not walk away from our federal employees any more than we ought to walk away from those 160 million people who need this tax cut or walk away from those 2.4 million who need that unemployment insurance.” For weeks, Republicans have been blocking a tax cut...
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Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement on Feb. 17, after the House of Delegates passed the Civil Marriage Protection Act of 2012: “Today, the House of Delegates voted for human dignity. Speaker Busch and his fellow Delegates deserve a lot of credit for their hard work. At its heart, their vote was a vote...
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By Chris Ripley Last week I was talking with the owner of a small IT services company about the poor results he had received from a direct mail piece. He mailed about 1500 postcards to a list of medical offices. He mailed the card and about a week later he followed up with a phone...
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During a press conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Congressman Hoyer expressed his opinion about the federal budget, “The fact is, you don’t need a budget.” Congressional candidate and Maryland House Minority Leader, Tony O’Donnellcalled Steny Hoyer’s budget comments “imbecilic.” As reported by CNSNews.com on February 8, 2012 Hoyer said: “What does the budget do?...
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Monthly DECD Column February 2012 Turning Dirt with Relevance Bob Schaller As February begins amidst 60 degree days, a few farmers have started to till fields. And the Super Bowl is this Sunday! Yes, it’s been a warm (and dry) winter. We still have a few more months of iffy weather, but some entrepreneurial...
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On Jan. 31, the Joint Economic Committee released a new report, which includes a county-by-county breakdown of the additional take-home pay that workers here in Maryland and throughout the country will receive if middle-class tax cuts are extended through the end of 2012. According to the report, a one-year extension would allow the average...
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Which of our Congressional Maryland representatives are fighting to support the Freedom of Religion in the U.S. Constitution? The quick answer is none of them. In a letter to Catholic Priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, Cardinal Wuerl stated the following “On January 20, 2012, the United States Department of Health and Human Services...
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Republican Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates Candidate for Congress (MD-5) The State of the Union Address misses the mark when it comes to helping Maryland families. First, we should be creating good paying jobs for Americans by developing our own energy resources. That is why it is such a terrible mistake to...
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Cast Your Vote for the 2012 Military Spouse of the Year! Kimberly Pepper-Hoctor Southern Maryland is proud to announce California, Maryland resident Kimberly Pepper-Hoctor was been nominated as a Navy branch winner for Military Spouse of the Year. Kimberly is well known for her involvement in the community at Patuxent River. Kimberly works with local...
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The refusal of the President and his allies in Congress to build the Keystone Pipeline is another example of political correctness triumphing over the needs of hardworking American families. This project should have been approved last year. The President and his congressional allies tried to delay a decision on Keystone until after the election....
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Have you ever told yourself you were going to do one thing and later discovered you didn’t accomplish it? In other words, you had a good idea in the beginning, but after a while, you got discouraged, distracted, or disturbed in the process. It’s easy telling others what you’re going to do, however, it’s...
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Governor Martin O’Malley, delivered a keynote address on Jan. 12, 2012 at the Education Week Quality Counts 2012 event, where Maryland’s public schools were once again named the number-one public school system in the nation, now for four years in a row. The Governor released the following statement: “I’d like to thank the students,...
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Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement following Kiplinger’s ranking of five Maryland institutions among the nation’s “Best Values” in Public Colleges 2012: “I’d like to congratulate the University of Maryland, College Park, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Salisbury University, Towson University, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County for being among Kiplinger’s ‘Best Values’...
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Monthly DECD Column January 2012 Year of the Dragon Bob Schaller In the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is the mightiest of the zodiac signs. A creature of myth and legend, oriental cultures regards the dragon as a divine beast, quite the opposite of the monster portrayed by...
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Whenever possible, Southern Maryland News Net interviews a Southern Maryland person of interest. This week’s interview and conversation was with St. Mary’s County Sheriff, Timothy K. Cameron. In the conversation topics related to crime prevention, increased policing efforts and much more were covered. The following is Part 1 of that conversation. Look for Part...
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The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County will host a Public Forum on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad located at 45245 Drayden Road in Valley Lee, Maryland. Citizens are invited to attend the forum and address the members of...
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Message from Congressman Steny H. Hoyer Yesterday, House Republicans stood in the way of bipartisan efforts to prevent a tax hike on 160 million Americans starting January 1. The middle-class payroll tax cut, which expires at the end of the month, should have been extended with wide, bipartisan support for another year. Democrats have...
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A Conversation with … Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent SMCPS Each week, if possible, Southern Maryland News Net holds a discussion with a Southern Maryland notable. This week’s conversation is with St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Michael J. Martirano. The following discussion is Part One of that conversation. Part Two will be...
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On Tuesday, Dec. 14, Maryland Minority Leader in the House, Anthony O’Donnell announced that he was running for Congress in the Fifth Congressional District in the 2012 Elections, putting the long-time Republican State Delegate on a collision course against the incumbent of 31 years, Cong. Steny Hoyer. When asked his decision to run, O’Donnell...
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Letter of Appreciation from Jeanne Pirtle, Education Director and Writer of the Holiday Candlelight Tours 2011 Script To Director, Cast, Crew, Volunteers, and Sotterley Staff of Holiday Candlelight Tours 2011, I have heard nothing but rave reviews from members and visitors who attended Candlelight this season. I wanted to give special thanks to Linda...
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December 2011 Development Past, Present, and Future Seventy years ago today will always be remembered as a day of infamy. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would forever change the country, the world, and Maryland’s First County. The Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics had sought to consolidate aviation test programs in the late 1930s. The...
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Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta Message to Pearl Harbor Survivors “Seventy years ago on a December morning, our nation sustained a cruel and destructive attack at Pearl Harbor. Our enemies thought that by this sudden and deliberate raid, they could weaken America. Instead, they only strengthened it. That day truly awoke a sleeping...
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Memo from Charles County Sheriff Rex Coffey: It is with a great sense of remorse that we share with you the passing of former County Commissioner Robert Fuller. Commissioner Fuller passed away peacefully this morning. . Bob was more than just a wonderful person; he was truly a pillar in our community. He spent...
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This is the second segment of a two-part interview with Calvert County Icon Marie Andrews. Look for a new conversation interview each Monday morning on www.smnewsnet.com. SMNN: On Thursday, (Nov. 17) Calvert County was awarded top 100 status as a place for children for the second year in a row. How is the process...
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Governor Martin O’Malley recently issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor’s release of preliminary employment data for the month of October. The report shows that Maryland employers added 3,100 jobs. Maryland’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 7.2 percent, and is 20 percent below the national rate of 9 percent. “Our...
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Thanksgiving weekend is considered the traditional kick off for the holiday shopping season. Thanksgiving day we enjoy spend time with our loved ones devouring a delicious holiday meal and rest up for the excitement of bargain shopping which begins very early on “Black Friday”. Unfortunately the holiday shopping season is also plagued with dishonest...
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Dear Friend, In two days, families across our State will celebrate Thanksgiving. They’ll enjoy great food and company, rejoice in the Ravens victory over the 49ers and pore over websites for the best deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. But the holidays are about more than that. They’re about coming together as...
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The failure of the Congressional Supercommittee to reach an agreement on deficit reduction is a setback for the country’s efforts to achieve fiscal responsibility while protecting our national security. If Congress fails to act over the next year, the Department of Defense will face devastating, automatic, across-the-board cuts that will tear a seam in...
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Nov. 16, 2011 This morning, I joined Democratic and Republican colleagues from both the House and Senate for a press conference to urge the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to put forward a big, balanced plan to reduce the deficit. I recently joined with more than 100 fellow members of the House in...
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To All, The LHS Band is sponsoring a “Drive One 4 UR School” fundraiser on Saturday, November 19 from 10am to 5pm. Come out and test drive a new Ford vehicle with NO obligation to purchase. The band will earn a minimum of $20 for every car that is test driven up to $5,000. ...
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The Charles County Board of Commissioners would like to inform citizens that the next public forum will be held on Tuesday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata). This will be the last public forum held in calendar year 2011. ...
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In one generation, Calvert’s money crop has all but disappeared. Greg Bowen grew up on a tobacco farm in Calvert County when tobacco was king. He recalls the hard work and life lessons from raising the ‘sot weed,’ some of which he utilized in his work as a county planner. Tobacco barns remain as...
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Capt. Stephen Schmeiser retired from his position as commander of Patuxent River Naval Air Station last week and issued this open letter to the community: What a blessing it has been for me to have served as the 34th Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in this wonderful Southern Maryland community! Thank...
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More Than Meets the Eye at Calvert Marine Museum – A Conversation with Doug Alves, Part 2 The following is another article in Southern Maryland News Net’s Monday morning conversation series. This week we conclude our conversation with the Calvert Marine Museum Director, C. Douglass Alves, Jr. SMNN: Visitors routinely see the facilities as...
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Tomorrow is Veterans Day and falls on the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, occurring at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Tomorrow’s occasion will be the first time in the Day’s history that it will also fall on the 11th...
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The recommended Maryland gas tax and fee increases outlined in the Maryland Transportation Fund Blue Ribbon Commission’s final report on November 1, 2011, coupled with higher gas prices affect family budgets. To evaluate the potential impact of these increases on the cost of driving; two hypothetical comparisons are made here using the AAA’s 2010...
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1. For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous combat operations against those who threaten the security of American and our allies. We turned the tide in the Anbar Province of Iraq and continue to see success today in Southwest Afghanistan. While it has come at a cost, we have much...
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As the world of marketing changes from traditional print and analogue media such as television and terrestrial radio to that of Internet-based media, many unfamiliar with the benefits of Internet marketing and advertising find themselves wondering how effective that type of marketing, advertising and sales can be. Succinctly put; the answer is very effective...
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More Than Meets the Eye at Calvert Marine Museum – A Conversation with Doug Alves The following is another article in Southern Maryland News Net’s Monday morning conversation series. This week we learned more about the Calvert Marine Museum in a ‘Conversation With …’ C. Douglass Alves, Jr. – the museum’s director. SMNN: How...
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Last week we were introduced to the concept of Economic Gardening by a practitioner turned researcher from Colorado. Robin Phelps founded and directs Innovation Economy Partners in Denver and spoke at the annual Charles County Economic Summit in Waldorf. This year’s summit theme, “Harvesting our Own: Cultivating Growth and Job Creation from Within” was...
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UPDATE from St. Mary’s College of Maryland Sea Voyager Move-In Information from Joanne Goldwater Tuesday November 1st, 12:46 P.M. We are delighted to tell you that the U.S. Coast Guard has approved our occupancy of the Sea Voyager. We are now ready for students to move on board. We will start moving students at...
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October, 25, 2011 Dear St. Mary’s College Community: I have been deeply troubled by the prospect of so many Prince George and Caroline Hall residents living off campus, in hotels, as far away as Solomons Island. The arrangement, while healthy from the standpoint of mold remediation, is far from ideal academically or in terms...
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Positive Signs Begin to Stir in St. Mary’s – A Conversation with Bob Schaller As part of Southern Maryland News Net’s series, ‘A Conversation with …” we talked for a while with the Director of St. Mary’s County Dept. of Economic and Community Development, Bob Schaller, Ph.D. Assisting Schaller was Dept. Economic Development Coordinator,...
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The Calvert County, Md., Department of Economic Development is currently compiling information for the 2012 Calvert County Visitors Guide. Museums, dining and shopping destinations, hotels, inns and recreational boating organizations with locations in Calvert County, Md., are welcomed to submit information for possible inclusion in the 2012 guide, free of charge. Forms are available...
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To the Editor, The Lusby Change the World CROP Hunger Walk held on Saturday, Oct. 14 was a huge success! More than $3,633 was contributed by our neighbors and friends to support the hunger-fighting efforts of Church World Service, both here at home and around the world. A portion of the funds will support...
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In the fall of 1775, Americans initiated a privateering campaign against British commerce, and on 13 October the Continental Congress established a small naval force to contest British sea power. According to the Naval History & Heritage Command, the Continental Navy was authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels...
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Letter from Jasper’s American Grille in Prince Frederick October 12, 2011 Dear Guests: It has been our pleasure to serve you over the last four years! The loyalty of our guests has continued to make the restaurant both popular and profitable. We would love to stay and continue to serve our many friends but...
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On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Hogettes and friends gathered at the American Legion Post 274 in Lusby, not only to cheer on the Washington Redskins, but to raise money for sick children and their families at the 18th Annual Children’s Charity Benefit, a great time had by all! The following was submitted to Southern Maryland News...
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Letter sent home to parents/guardians of Lackey High School students: Please Talk to your Kids About Safety When Out Walking October, 6, 2011 Dear Parents/Guardians: … We want to inform you about a suspicious vehicle a student reported seeing near a bus stop in the Fenwick Road area. The student reported that a man...
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Many citizens in Calvert County aren’t aware that the Fire, Rescue and EMS responders are volunteers that donate their time to help out you; the public in your desperate time of need. It is not surprising though that many people, particularly the new residents to the county are unaware that Calvert County is 100%...
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If you grew up here (at least a generation ago), shopping was like most experiences in a rural community: you had to drive a good ways. In our case that was mostly Waldorf, however sometimes you’d go farther. When the regional mall in Waldorf, St. Charles Towne Center, was built in 1990, it boasted...
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The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Calvert County Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing on proposed changes to the county’s floodplain regulations and floodplain maps on Tuesday, Oct. 18, after 7 p.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 205 Main Street, Prince Frederick. Prior to the public hearing, representatives...
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Last week the Chamber hosted the State of the County luncheon and address by the Board of County Commissioners. This week our department briefed the Commissioners on the state of the local economy in preparation for the annual county budget process. Some of the information has already been reported as new information from the...
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In the August 2011 issue of “Taste of the Bay” Magazine, two St. Mary’s County women business owners are included in their list of 20 women to watch. They are Karleen Jaffres of Café des Artistes and Dana Rebarchick of D.B. McMillan’s Pub and Grill, see http://tasteofthebay.com/. Did you know that Maryland ranks the...
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As summer comes to a close, State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard offers Marylanders a valuable fire prevention safety checklist to help stop fires before they occur inside the home. “Let’s work together to help prevent residential fires. All Marylanders deserve the safety and security of a good home fire prevention program.” o Install...
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The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, is hosting a public forum on updates to the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan on Thursday, September 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Courthouse Square, 205 Main Street, Prince Frederick. The forum will detail the plan and allow public comment on the county’s ongoing hazard mitigation program....
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As the nation remembers the ten-year anniversary of the attack on September, 11, 2001 there are many who were too young to understand what happened to American citizens on that day. For some, the life lead by Americans in this century and in this decade has always been and will always be remembered the...
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Republican Women Stand Up for Families & Communities
House Republican Women Stand Up for Safe Families and Safe Communities Today, women legislators of the House Republican Caucus stood together in support of policies and programs that keep Maryland’s children safe. “In the wake of recent tragedies, much of the priority and focus of the conversation has been on firearms,” said House Minority...
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