PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf

PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD

Thursday, June 21, 2007 • St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Established 2006 • Volume 2 • Issue 25 • FREE

Remembering One Of St. Mary’s BCI Overcomes City’s Most Entrepreneurial Citizens Heavy Load with Small Staff

See St. Mary’s Citizen page A-

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer One of the top supervisors in the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation says his staff of nine detectives is really too small to do what it does with a county increasing in size towards 100,000 residents and crime rising to match.

But with a 95 percent closure rate when it comes to investigating all major crimes in St. Mary’s, Sgt. William Rosado, a state trooper, said that BCI detectives are getting excellent results despite long hours, stressful schedules and little time with their families.

The national average for closing major cases according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation was just 45 percent, less than half of the success rate of the BCI detectives, Rosado said.

“Could we use more detectives?

Sure,” Rosado said. “But we manage our time the best we can; the closure rate says it all.”

Lt. Rick Burris, commander of BCI, said funding made it difficult to hire more investigators.

Rosado used to have 10 detectives, but that has since dropped by one staff member.

“We try and try to get more money but it’s just budgetary issues” Burris said.

See Heavy Load page A-

Index

By Adam Ross Staff Writer

patrol cars is over thanks to a partnership between the sheriff’s office and the U.S. Navy.

The sheriff’s office took possession of a new mobile command center last week that was custom made for them by technicians and specialists from the Special

St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ students are in large part more proficient in math and reading than they were last year, outpacing state averages in grades 3 through 7 on the Maryland State Assessment, but ongoing deficiencies continue to stick out.

Spring Ridge Middle School has failed to make the state’s adequate yearly progress benchmarks for four straight years and is on corrective action, but the school’s 2007 testing results only rose significantly in grade 6 reading while decreasing in grade 7 and 8 math and grade 7 reading.

The MSA test is used to track individual student achievement and ensure that school systems are on pace with federal and state achievement standards. Under No Child Left Behind requirements, all students must score at the proficient level or higher in reading and math by 2014 or the school system could face consequences that include replacing school staff or serious reorganization from an independent contractor.

Four out of five elementary and middle schools had at least one grade score lower on this year’s test, but with other gains the drops were offset, according to results released Wednesday by the Maryland State Department of Education.

“We are doing some very exciting and focused work in St. Mary’s County Public Schools and this has translated into very positive results for our students,” Superintendent Michael J. Martirano in a written release. “We are addressing our challenges and we are implementing programs to address our concerns and to enhance our learning environment for all children.”

While certain deficiencies remain, namely in grade 7 where scores in the county fell by approximately 1 percent, Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 all saw increases in reading over last year.

The county has addressed the middle school math deficiency by adding an additional period of math for all students, a new math supervisor, two additional math teachers at each school and new textbooks. The changes came as recommendations from a Middle School Task Force.

Grades 4, 5, 6 and 8 experienced math increases over last year as well, while grades 3 and 7 dropped.

See Command Center page A-

See MSA Testing page A-

Photo by Guy Leonard

Henry Miller, director of research at Historic St. Mary’s City survey’s the reconstruction of Garrett Van Sweringen’s meeting house and lodge that catered to the colony’s elite back in the 17th century. Van Sweringen was one of St. Mary’s City’s most prominent citizens.

Hospital Shock: Health Officials Slash Services

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Mary’s County Health Department is experiencing an unprecedented shock trauma as its budget deficit widens and its expenditures spiral deeper into a refractory state.

While the health department did receive a slight increase of one to two percent for fiscal 2008, its expenditures rose nearly six percent in the face of employee cost of living adjustments (COLAs).

“The 2008 projected budget deficit is no longer projected,” said St. Mary’s County Deputy Health Officer Tracy L. Kubinec.

According to Kubinec, the COLA and retirement increases mandated by the state are not backed by adequate funding, prompting health officials to cut a number of public health activities. The department also plans to raise its environmental health fees by six percent, the first time a fee increase has been proposed in 10 years.

“Welcome to the world of health departments,” Kubinec said, “it’s great to give COLAs except we have to pay for it.”

The cuts included emergency preparedness and poison prevention for children, transportation initiatives and nursing services to public and private schools.

“Fewer people are getting transportation to their medical appointments,” Kubinec added, “and if they are, they have to spend longer in transit.”

Additionally, Kubinec confirmed that all the county’s public and private schools lost their nursing support services. The board of education has since transferred the cost of 24 nurses onto its payroll.

“This is unfortunate,” said board member Daniel H. Raley. “I mean, one nurse took care of 16 [private] schools.”

The health department will continue to do vision and hearing screening mandated by the state.

See Hospital Shock page A-

Yankees B-1

Sheriff’s Office Gets New Mobile Command Center

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Carriage Ride B-4

The days of sheriff’s deputies handling difficult and dangerous situations, such as barricades, from their

Suspicious House Fire In Golden Beach Under Investigation

Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 7 Police ............Page B - 5 Classifieds.....Page B - 7

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather Friday Partly Cloudy 87°

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Saturday Partly Cloudy 84° Sunday T-Storms 89°

Public Schools Improve Test Scores

Photo by Guy Leonard

Sgt. Ted Belleavoine, of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department talks with Del. John Wood (D-Dist.29A) on board the sheriff’s department’s new mobile command center, built by the Special Communications Requirements Division of NAVAIR.

Officials with the State Fire Marshal’s office say that a early Monday morning blaze that destroyed a house in Golden Beach was set on purpose.

“It was an incendiary fire,” said Faron Taylor, spokesman for the Fire Marshal’s office Tuesday. “That means they set it deliberately.”

See Arson page A-

The County Times

Section A -

School Board Approves Record Increase But Wishes For More

By Adam Ross Staff Writer

Thursday, June 21, 2007

County Funds Enhancement for Police Cruisers

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a measure June 12 to take nearly $52,000 of unspent money from last year’s budget and invest it in new tracking software for police cruiser computers.

The automatic vehicle location (AVL) software is a computer based tracking system that will greatly enhance the mapping capabilities of police cruiser computers, according to Bob Kelly, director of Information Technology and Public Safety.

In May, public safety successfully installed 80 mobile data terminals, and followed with a training day, Kelly said.

“About 12 days after we rolled out the first mobile data

terminal, a deputy pulled over a vehicle, got a hit and was able to make an arrest for someone who was wanted in Calvert County,” Kelly said. “Twelve days prior, we wouldn’t have been able to do that.”

In addition to the increased communication benefits of mobile data terminals, the AVL software can act as a vehicle location device, greatly enhancing the dispatching capabilities of emergency service personnel. AVL technology can track the actual realtime position of a vehicle.

“It’s a small amount of money to invest for a good piece of technology,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown) a seasoned volunteer firefighter and proponent of the system.

The cost of upgrading all 80 police cruiser computers is

$57,600, or $720 per vehicle, according to George Erichsen, director of Public Works and Transportation.

“We should try and get this done,” Mattingly said, “so we can get it to the fire and rescue services next.”

Commissioner Daniel H. Raley expressed concerns about the future budgetary impact the system could have.

The commissioners are in the middle of a countywide vehicle replacement strategy, and Raley wanted to know the ramifications of installing the system into vehicles that will likely be replaced.

However, because the software is downloaded directly into the cruiser’s mobile data unit, it can be taken out and reinstalled into a new vehicle at no added expense.

“The only fiscal cost is the expansion and maintenance

of the software,” Kelly said.

“The AVL software transfers with the computer.”

On June 12, the commissioners approved the transferring $23,077 of unused exempt financing proceeds from other county government departs to the sheriff’s 2007 vehicles project, increasing the fund to nearly $52,000.

However, because the project is part of exempt financing, the commissioners could have used the excess funds to pay down debt.

Mattingly made the motion to approve the transfer and purchase of as many AVL systems the $52,000 would buy.

cycle.

Martirano absorbed the blow largely by pulling a pay Twenty three versions of increase to paraeducators, controlled chaos later, the St. something he hopes to reMary’s Board of Education visit in next year’s budget, but approved its operating budget promised their incremental June 11 with a record increase step in salary. in funding.

Chief Financial Officer The moment appeared Dan Carney also maneuvered bittersweet for board members monies in a last ditch attempt and Superintendent Michael to comply with the commisJ. Martirano, who basked in sioners’ refusal to grant these the accomplishment of fund- additional funds, even financing several new programs, ing a million dollars of techbut wrestled with what could nology equipment the board have been after the commis- previously planned on paying sioners refused an additional for up front. $193,000 increase just a few But overall, the school weeks before the finish line. board held off the temptation “I’m pleased with what to decimate a program or sucthe county commissioners cumb to political wrangling have done overall, and looking just to make a point. at what they have committed “We did not compromise and funded for us, they sup- the overall integrity of the port education in St. Mary’s budget… there is a tendency County,” said board of educa- in other counties to [do that],” tion vice-chair William Mat- Martirano said. tingly. “But I would still like But not all was gloomy to have that $193,000 back. for county schools’, who saw That’s another argument for the largest annual budgetary another day.” increase in county history of The commissioners criti- $8.3 million from the county cized the school board and su- and a $10.1 million boost from perintendent during a budget the state, bringing the total work session in May for not budget to $169.9 million. supplying adequate informa“To tell our story and toot tion about $200,000 budgeted our own horn,” Carney said for employee hires and pay of the funding victory, “it raises for full-time teachers fully funds [our share of] the and substitutes while simul- charter school, enables [scitaneously slashing money for ence, technology, engineering educational materials. and mathematics academies] “We are not the board of to go forward, fully funds education, but we hear all the negotiated agreements, adtime that students don’t have dresses the achievement gap instructional materials,” said and increases the daily rates Commissioner Thomas A. for substitutes and textbook Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonard- expenditures.” town) at the May 22 budget County substitute teachwork session. “I look at those ers have endured 10 years of things and wonder why they substandard pay without a are doing that.” raise, and will still make less No representative from than substitutes in Calvert the school board or St. Mary’s and Charles, according to County Public Schools’ cen- Martirano.

Photo by Lindsay Notter tral administration was presThat fact, and others, is Deputy David Cowan tinkers with his new Mobile Data Terminal, which will soon feature new mapping and vehicle location software. ent that day to explain. Con- all a part of the “living breathsequently, the commissioners ing process,” characterized by refused the $193,000 alloca- Martirano as the budget. tion. This was on top of $2.5 “We have and will continoperating budget, which now “We can’t just tread wa- to move forward if we ex- market place.” million in additional funds ue to be brutally honest with ter,” board member Cathy pect our children to be able to The board of education awaits approval from the the commissioners refused to our facts, data and informa- Allen said. “We really have compete in the 21st century unanimously approved the county commissioners June 26. grant earlier in the budget tion,” he added.

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State Funds Won’t Cover All Displaced Mobile Home Residents

By Adam Ross Staff Writer While it may seem to some like a penny in the jar, the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners supported a grant application during

their June 12 meeting that calls for $360,000 in relief for the soon-to-be displaced residents of White Oak and National Mobile Home Parks.

However, because the state controls the money, it is recommending the lion’s

share go towards moving the disabled and elderly residents, according to Dennis Nicholson, executive director of the county’s Housing Authority.

The cost of moving a mobile home has been a topSee Mobile Homes page A-

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The County Times

Thursday, June 21, 2007

St. Mary’s Citizen Continued from page A-

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Conference centers and hotels like the J.T. Daugherty Center and Fairfield Inn may be among the most recognizable in St. Mary’s County, but the honor of building the first one goes all the way back to 1678, to Garrett Van Sweringen, a Dutch immigrant who was one of the original movers and shakers in Maryland’s first capital.

A group of his descendents from across the country is coming to celebrate his life, and the historical reconstruction of some of his businesses, in St. Mary’s City June 23.

Henry Miller, head of research at St. Mary’s City, said despite personal hardships and material disasters, Van Sweringen kept coming back to prominence in early colonial life.

“He’s just an incredible guy in so many ways,” Miller said of Van Sweringen, who comes to St. Mary’s City in 1667. “He’s on the ground floor of really getting St. Mary’s City going as an urban place; he becomes one of the city’s most prominent developers until [the capital] moves to Annapolis in 1695.”

Carpenters at St. Mary’s City are currently reconstructing perhaps the most prominent of Van Sweringen’s enterprises, his meeting house and private lodging establishment that catered to the colony’s elite and earned him much fame and fortune.

The site should be open

by October, Miller said.

“It was the place [to be in St. Mary’s City],” Miller said.

“He was a very forward thinking guy and very innovative. “[The reconstruction] will allow us to tell his story in a way we’ve never been able to before.”

The meeting house is a simulation of the original, Miller said, built using historical records and archeological evidence, but the two supporting buildings, the kitchen and cold storage cellar adjacent to it, all have portions of their remaining brick foundations left.

Carpenters are busy now, finishing ceilings and the expansive fire place that Miller believes would have been a key part in entertaining and feeding the elite that lodged there.

Van Sweringen got his start in the New World by originally navigating a ship across the Atlantic to Fire Island in what would eventually become New York in 1657.

He’s shipwrecked there, loses most of his possessions, and makes his way to the Dutch colony of New Amstel in Delaware. He serves there as a representative of the City of Amsterdam, but is eventually thrown out by invading British along with his other countrymen and again loses everything he owned.

After a brief and unsuccessful stint at farming in Talbot County, he makes his way to St. Mary’s to begin a new life in business in 1667, and he is also appointed as an alderman of the city council

by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore.

Miller said Van Sweringen found success an innkeeper, working in the tobacco trade and importing wines and cheeses.

He eventually adds a beer brewery and private lodging establishment — like a higher-class hotel — to his business holdings and continues to prosper. He even started a coffee house that also sold wine and other beverages.

But he suffers a personal loss when his first wife, Barbara, dies. He remarries a 17-year-old English woman named Mary Smith and more children.

Van Sweringen fathered 10 children between the two women according to historical documents.

By 1677 Van Sweringen was able to acquire the building that the Governor’s Coun-

cil had been using to hold their meetings and turns it into what could be termed as a small conference hall that catered to the colony’s elite with the finest food and drink.

But while under construction, Van Sweringen suffered another setback when the inn that he still owned, but had leased to another colonist, burned down.

Despite the heavy financial loss, Van Sweringen came back.

According to accounts from his descendants regarding family history, Van Sweringen was the root of what has become an estimated tens of thousands of other Sweringens’ across the nation. No other immigrant is primarily responsible for the spreading of that name, they said.

His descendants say he was as resilient as he was successful in business and family life.

“He just kept coming back,” said Mark Swearingen, a state auditor from Washing-

Section A -

ton, Penn. who has made studying his ancestor a serious interest.

“How could you not be interested in this stuff?” Swearingen said.

He counts Van Sweringens’ arrival in the New World in 1657 as the beginning of his family’s long and distinguished history.

“By my count that makes this the 350th anniversary of the family,” he said of this year’s celebration.”

By 1695 the capital was moved to Annapolis and Van Sweringen followed with his business trying to make a profit, but died just three years later in 1698.

Miller said that Photo by Guy Leonard Van Sweringen, of Henry Miller, research director at St. Mary’s City, looks over the construction process of Van Sweringen’s meeting house with whom no accurate carpenter Peter Rivers. portraits or likebacks,” Miller said. “How that helped found Maryland. nesses exist, said his “He’s just so success- many people suffer like that story typified the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work ful after having all these set- and still succeed?”

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The County Times

Section A -

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Editorial & Opinion Celebrating 50 Years Protecting Our Community St. Mary’s County enjoys the service of 1,000’s of volunteers throughout our community. Volunteers provide thousands of service hours to help meet the needs of our growing community. It is impossible to recognize all the groups and individuals who provide service to our community without inadvertently missing someone.

All volunteer work is critical to our county, not the least of which is the service performed by the 1000’s of men and women who we rely upon as first responders in times of emergency.

On June 30th the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary will be celebrating their 50th

anniversary. While Hollywood is not the oldest department operating in St. Mary’s, 50 years is a milestone the entire county should pause to celebrate.

With the growth in Southern Maryland over the past 50 years, the volunteer emergency services have seen the demand for service increase dramatically.

Currently seven fire departments, seven rescue squads, and one advanced life support unit serve St. Mary’s County. Many of our volunteer fire departments respond to over 500 calls for emergency service per year.

Many of our volunteer rescue squads respond to over 1,500 calls for service each year,

with the volunteers from the Advanced Life Support Unit responding to over 3,000 calls per year for emergency life support service.

Providing emergency service at this level, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by professionally trained volunteers is a benefit we all enjoy at a cost substantially less than if the service were provided by paid professionals.

Counties just to the north of St. Mary’s, including Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County use paid service, while Charles County has begun to transform it’s Advanced Life Support Unit to a paid service. While those counties are spending more taxpayer

dollars to provide these must have services, there is no evidence that their service level is any better than that provided by our dedicated volunteers.

As a community it is important that we constantly show our gratitude and support of these volunteers and their various departments.

There are many times when these men and women answer the communities needs at 2 o’clock in the morning even while knowing they will need to be at work earning a living for their own family at 6 o’clock that morning. They need to know how much we appreciate what they do.

The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and

Ladies Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary celebration is one of many opportunities to show our appreciation. It also provides a great opportunity for families to enjoy a great day together right here in our community.

The activities for the day are planned to start with a grand parade beginning at 3:30 Saturday afternoon. The parade will be on Mervell Dean Road in Hollywood, starting at Joy Chapel Road and proceeding north. There is plenty of room along the parade route for you and your family to enjoy the show.

After the parade the festivities will continue at the Hollywood Fire House with food, refreshments, and mu-

sic. Come out and enjoy the sounds of “Great Train Robbery”. Then at dusk the skies around the firehouse will be sparkling with a grand display of fireworks for all to enjoy.

We encourage the community to be there if you can, if not maybe you can take a moment out of your day to thank a volunteer.

Letters to the Editor If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please include your name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. We will only publish your name and city of residence. We can withhold your name by request if circumstances merit it. We must receive all letters by Monday morning for publication in the next issue. Any letter received later than Monday will be held for the following issue.

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent...............adamross@countytimes.net Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent....... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636

Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net

News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125

Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net

Hospital Shock Continued from page A- While services have been scaled back, board members were left wondering why a bio-terrorism program - something that may never come to fruition - was funded before the county schools nursing program.

“The opportunity to provide these [school] services are a higher priority than a bio-terrorism effort that may or may not ever happen,” board member Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. said.

County Health Officer William B. Icenhower agreed with Mattingly’s premise, and acknowledged the bureaucratic nature of funding, something the health board has unknowingly contributed to.

By pouring more money into administration and competing agencies, including the hiring of an addictions coordinator at $74,000 a year to oversee Walden Sierra and

Marcey House, the county has taken away funds from key services; something Mattingly and Raley are fed up with.

“I’m not complaining about the health department,” Raley said. “We voted on something and didn’t understand the ramifications.”

Icenhower said having an addictions coordinator was “ a sound way of doing business monitoring the person delivering the services.”

“I disagree with what you’re doing here,” Mattingly said in response to Icenhower’s justification for the coordinator’s hiring. “They were getting all their funds before we changed, and they never had an accountability issue.

Now we have done a bureaucratic change and we did it unknowingly.”

It was the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners acting in their role as

Arson

“We’ve been down here all day trying to gather what we could gather,” said James Shirley, Jr. “We saved a couple of paintings and that’s all.”

Both men, who are also 30-year residents of Golden Beach, say they had renovated the house so that their father, James Shirley, Sr. could live close by to them.

He lived there for about a year-and-a-half, Charles Shirley said, before he died in May. “I was afraid this would happen, it being vacant,” Charles Shirley said, adding that he and his brother watched Monday morning as the small house they made extensive renovations to go up in flames.

“It broke my heart… to see everything my brother and I did to be destroyed in 20 or 30 minutes,” he said. “My brother and I renovated it so [their father] could live with us.

Continued from page A- Taylor said the fire is still under investigation and that his office is not revealing any suspects or making any speculation as to why the house was set alight.

“At this point it would be premature to speculate on what the motive is,” Taylor said.

What is known is that the fire was set around 2:30 a.m.

Monday and took about 50 firefighters to extinguish.

Taylor said estimates the damage to the house, which is now only a charred skeleton, to be $300,000.

The owners of the home, brothers Charles and James Shirley, Jr. were on the site of the gutted cottage on Holmes Road the day after the fire and had been trying to salvage anything of value.

the St. Mary’s County Board of Health who approved the coordinator’s hiring.

The health department balanced its budget without firing any employees, but did reduce the number of full time employees through attrition and vacancies.

The county increased funding to the health department by $13,000 this year, and the state followed suit with an increase of $50,000.

The health department’s total budget is approximately $10 million, with an allocation of 10 percent county, 15 percent state, 62 percent grants and 12 percent billing.

“Somehow we don’t have a good handle on this,” Raley said. “The administrative costs on all this stuff are affecting the delivery of services.

County Administrator John Savich called for more discussion and oversight to funding mechanisms so that money is appropriated directly to services.

“Everything in there was new I mean everything; the whole nine yards.”

Many of the possessions that the Shirley brother’s father and uncle had from their World War II service were destroyed save some medals and a bible that belonged to their uncle, killed while serving in France.

They were able to salvage a uniform cap from their grandfather’s World War I uniform as well.

They were grateful for what they could retrieve from the ashes but were more depressed at the apparent crime than angry.

“We were more sick than upset,” Charles Shirley said.

Anyone with information regarding the house fire can call the Deputy State Fire Marshal for Southern Maryland Jeff Frye at 443-550-6832.

Mobile Homes Continued from page A- ic of debate in past months, but depending on the size of the trailer it can range from $5,000 to $12,000. One resident even said she received an estimate of $18,000 to move a doublewide trailer.

If the county receives the grant, Nicholson estimates 74 of the 160 households can be helped.

“As each month goes by that number will change,” Nicholson said. “One mobile home park is having more success in finding housing for those renting and going on to another renting situation, but those who own, that investment is more difficult.”

Richard Eshelman, property manager of the White Oak Mobile Home Park in Lexington Park offered $3,100 in assistance to residents who agree to remove their homes and vacate the lot.

Residents have argued that Eshelman’s assistance is not enough, and finding a

suitable and safe replacement community in St. Mary’s County is nearly impossible.

Now, some trailer owners might not even get financial support from the state, which has classified the focus of the money’s allocation into four categories: elderly and disabled first; economically disabled, $50,000 or less, second; elderly disabled renters third and other renters fourth.

According to Nicholson, it will be at least 60 days before the grant agreement can be finalized and funds tapped.

“I would publicly like to thank Dennis and the housing authority in their efforts and with doing a fantastic job,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown). “You’re the experts, and members of the Housing Authority are truly committed to helping these folks and making sure their transition to new neighborhoods is as painless and easy as possible.”

Even if the state grant is approved and the park’s residents have their moves fully funded, relocation itself is problematic. Trailer parks are no longer allowed to be built in St. Mary’s and individual trailers are only allowed with five acres of land in the rural preservation district.

Such relocation would cost an owner hundreds of thousands of dollars in land acquisition costs.

Meanwhile, many White Oak and National residents consider St. Clement’s Crossing, a trailer park on Great Mills Road, as crime ridden and dirty.

The commissioners have discussed proposing new legislation to the state in aiding the addition of new trailer park homes in the future.

Residents of White Oak must vacate their land by April of 2008.

Thomas Builders in Leonardtown purchased the White Oak property for $3.9 million.

Photo by Andrew Knowlton

The home owned by Charles and James Shirley, Jr. located in Golden Beach, was destroyed by a fire that investigators say was set deliberately. The damage is estimated to be about $300,000 according to fire investigators.

The County Times

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Ramblings of a Country Girl Photo by Adam Ross

Look Ma, A Terrapin Terri Bartz Bowles Previously in Ramblings, I wrote about terrapin activity in my yard, specifically terrapins in the front flower bed and the compost pile. Well, I’m pleased to report that terrapin activity has increased in my little corner of the world.

As a matter of fact, the hard-

shelled critters caused me to be a bit late for work this past Friday.

My hubby did a little research about terrapins and found lots of interesting things. Apparently, ‘terrapin’ is a North American Indian word for turtle. Turtles generally do water and tortoises are strictly land-based. Our local

Command Center Continued from page A- Communications Requirements Division of NAVAIR, which is housed at the Patuxent River’s Webster Field annex in St. Inigoes.

Sheriff Tim Cameron said the new command center would allow sheriff’s deputies to take charge of dangerous and protracted situations like barricades or hostage situations quickly.

“We’ve been working these problems out of the trunks of police cars,” Cameron said. “It’s a long awaited piece of equipment.”

The mobile command center resembles a truckdrawn trailer without windows and has a Spartan interior with its own heating and cooling system.

The inner bay of the command center has workstations that are compatible with computers, including the office’s new Sony Toughbooks, which have reinforced bodies built to military specifications.

Sheriff’s deputies on-duty in the command center will also have a fax machine to send and receive information as well a radio and recharging system. There is also equipment on board that can enable radios used by police in other jurisdictions to function on the same frequencies as those of St. Mary’s deputies if needed, providing what is known as communications interoperability.

Plasma screen televisions on board the command center hooked to exterior cameras

also allow deputies to view the tactical situation right outside their door.

Amenities on board the mobile command center are few; there’s only a microwave and coffeemaker with no restroom available.

The entire command center was purchased with a homeland security grant the office received in 2004.

Cameron said having no restroom was important to avoid deputies or other personnel from continually coming and going and disrupting command operations.

Lt. Rick Burris, commander of St. Mary’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations, said the command center was designed with a strictly business mentality in mind.

Too much equipment on board the command center could actually make the deputies’ job more difficult.

“We wanted it bare-bones so it would do just what we wanted it to do,” Burris said.

Adm. Steve Eastburg, commander of the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, said that the command center was a symbol of the growing partnership between the county and the U.S. Navy.

“This is the first time in our memory that NAVAIR was able to deliver to the county something of this sort,” Eastburg said.

Local police have said the kinds of situations in which

MSA Testing Continued from page A- Overall, the county outpaced the state averages, which also experienced gains over last year.

Linda Dudderar, schools’ chief academic officer, told The County Times that SMCPS is achieving steady increases from year-to-year and expects to be completely proficient by 2014.

“These test scores are testimony to the hard work on the part of our students,” said Martirano, “the support of our parents and the outstanding work of our entire staff.”

But the success is also helped in large part by the state, which hands SMCPS a curriculum completely aligned with the assessment.

That way, SMCPS doesn’t

have to teach to the test, as is often the complaint in other states around the country.

Meanwhile, the county added its own seven to ten “incremental assessments,” which boasts a similar format and question type to the MSA. “There whole body relaxes,” Dudderar said of the students testing comfort level towards the end of the year, “because it’s like what they do normally.”

Lexington Park Elementary School and Green Holly Elementary School, the two other schools that have failed in recent years to meet the AYP benchmarks achieved substantial gains in math and reading in nearly every grade

terrapins are actually Eastern Box Turtles, but terrapin is what we locals like to call them. Their general life span is 20-50 years, but there have been reports of senior citizens up to 100 years old. They spend their lives in the same general area; depending on what you read it’s anywhere from the size of a football

the new mobile command center could be used are on the rise.

A recent example occurred June 10, when members of the sheriff’s Emergency Services Team became involved in a barricade situation in Mechanicsville in which the suspect George Robert Farrell, 33, killed himself to end a six-hour standoff started by a domestic dispute with his wife.

A high- ranking member of the sheriff’s office said there was another brief barricade situation that same day, but that the suspect surrendered before tactical officers had to be called.

Last month, deputies had a standoff with another Mechanicsville man who had allegedly assaulted a woman he brought to his home on Baptist Church Road. According to police reports, the woman jumped out of a first story window after being badly beaten.

Cameron praised the NAVAIR team for giving the sheriff’s office another edge in quelling dangerous situations.

“This mobile command center will give us succinct, concise and clear command and control,” Cameron said.

“It’s [a symbol of a] real partnership between us and NAVAIR. “We have tomorrow’s technology in that vehicle today.”

level.

Lexington Park Elementary School’s has not met AYP in two years, and Green Holly in one year.

Dudderar said those schools should meet AYP benchmarks this year, but that information will be released by the state after July 4.

“Student improvement on the MSA can be attributed to many efforts in the school system,” Dudderar said.

“None of this would be possible without focus, top notch leaders, and the outstanding highly qualified workforce in our school system.”

Among its overall positive testing results, SMCPS continued to close the achievement gap between African American, special education and economically disadvantaged student groups in both reading and math.

The Maryland State De-

field to about a square mile.

They don’t wander, migrate or retire to Florida. As long as their habitat stays intact, so do they. They’re disrupted, of course, by development (grrrr) destroying their habitat. The main problem in the terrapin world is loss of habitat and being plucked from the wild for pets. They sort

Section A - of have little GPS systems built in – they have a homing instinct and endeavor to get back to their home place if they’ve been moved. So if your kids see a terrapin when you’re away from home, don’t let them bring him back with them. He’ll spend the rest of his life trying to get back to his home and the process will more than likely kill him.

They like a water source, open space mixed with a wooded area and they particularly enjoy slugs and wild strawberries. Well, let me tell you, our place is ideal for terrapins! It’s terrapin utopia!

We’re happy because it’s neat to watch them and my hostas are happy because the more terrapins we have, the fewer slugs there will be chewing on their leaves. Note for the terrapins - invite your friends, expand the family, start a terrapin commune; all are welcome. As a bonus, we have a really neat compost pile that’s a veritable terrapin buffet.

So, last Friday my husband sees a terrapin right at the bottom of the back door steps. We’re watching him and here comes a second terrapin trundling out. Magic!

They were wandering through the mint and eventually, all we could see was the movement of the leaves and stems as they ambled along. Then, the same leaves and stems kept shaking for quite a while, no forward movement. They were either

mating or making a nest for the eggs. Either way, how cool is that? Then one pops out (probably him) and proceeds to suck up a slug. Then she pops out and promptly clams her shell shut. Terrapins have the unique ability to not only withdraw their appendages, but to completely shut their shell. So now we wait and see if we have babies. Only we probably won’t know for three to five years. They’re smaller than a quarter when hatched and they stay hidden for several years for protection.

Watching these fellas motivate is endlessly fascinating.

They are strong and sturdy; my analogy would be they are the Sherman tanks of the animal world. Their legs are a lot longer than you think and so they are able to go over, instead of around, a lot of obstacles. We had a small pile of bricks, maybe twenty just tossed into a pile, and we watched a terrapin march right over top of it. It was amazing and he wasn’t as slow as the old jokes go – but maybe tortoises are slower than terrapins. At any rate, if you have one around, you’re blessed for sure. Enjoy nature’s wonder and one of Maryland’s especially dear critters.

County Boys Will Take Their Passion For Racing To National Competition

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Jay Warnick of Drayden and Tommy Keating of Mechanicsville, both just 10 years old, will compete with hundreds of other youth from around the country at the All American Soap Box Derby in Akron Ohio after winning first place in their respective divisions at the local competition in Leonardtown.

Both boys said they were excited and nervous to go, but that they wanted to pursue their love of Soap Box speed and the wind in their face on a national stage.

Both boys will journey to Akron July 16 to compete for scholarships and other prizes.

For Warnick it was his second time racing, but his victory this year at the Leonardown event held June 9 was a complete turnaround from his first run.

“Last year I came in eighth place, which is last place,” Warnick said. But with this year’s first place trophy he was confidant in saying “I’m a very good driver.”

Warnick took top honors in the stock division, which requires lighter cars that must be kept relatively nondescript.

But Keating won the top slot in the super stock division, which is a heavier car and can be painted to the contestant’s desires.

Keating started his racing career in the Soap Box Derby last year where he came in fourth place. He, too had a quick rise to victory this year and credits his victory with covering the basics of racing in his gravity powered vehicle.

“I was able to get lower this year,” Keating said. “I like going fast and you have to get down lower so you can go faster.”

Keating was ready to give up that steamy weekend day partment of Education also reported upgrades in performance across racial categories and special services.

Overall state wide, elementary MSA reading scores have risen 19 points since 2003, while elementary mathematics scores have jumped 21 points. Middle school reading

when he lost his first race and had to wait for the next one in the losers bracket instead of gearing up immediately.

“I got bored,” Keating said, who said he was glad later that he stuck with it.

“It’s a good lesson in teaching kids never to give up,” said his mother Roxanne Keating. “You never know what might happen.”

Keating got his start in racing by watching others the past several years, including his older sister, Taylor Keating, 16, who had raced for about three years until she was 14 years old.

Warnick got his start in Soap Box Derby racing from being in the Cub Scouts where one of his activities was to design a small car out of block of wood and race it down a ramp in competition.

Even as a baby he received a motorized, drivable toy car from a relative and from thereon he was hooked on all kinds of driving.

“He did that before he could walk,” his mother Colette Warnick said. “He drove really young.”

Her son’s enthusiasm for racing sometimes overflows into his home life, she said.

When her son has to change his wheels out at the races and swap them with

those of a competitor to race to ensure everyone’s wheels are the same, his mother said, the retaining pins always seems to wind up in the strangest places.

“I find them in the wash whenever they come home from racing,” Colette Warnick said.

Warnick said he loved to drive and since he got his motorized toy he’s “been driving ever since.”

He credits his most recent victory June 9 to getting help from God. “I prayed between every race,” Warnick, an active member at Patuxent Baptist Church, said.

He plans to forge ahead at Akron despite his nerves.

“I don’t know how good any of the stock racers are,” Warnick said.

When asked if he has high hopes of winning, a quiet Keating says “yes,” but that answer quickly changes to “no” when he thinks of his actual chances facing all those other competitors next month.

But he still plans to push ahead like Warnick and do his best.

“I’m nervous,” Keating said. “But [racing] is exciting and fun.”

Photo by Guy Leonard

Tommy Keating, 10, of Mechanicsville will travel to Akron, Ohio to race in the All American Soap Box Derby after winning first place in the super stock division at the Soap Box Derby Race in Leonardtown June 9.

proficiency has increased 12 points since 2003, while middle school math proficiency has risen 23.5 points.

“Maryland schools have had great success working under the principle that with proper and focused instruction, all children can learn,” State Superintendent of Schools

Nancy S. Grasmick said in a written statement. “Clear goals articulated through the Voluntary State Curriculum have helped schools design strong instructional programs.

Everyone can take pride in these scores.”

The County Times

Section A -

In Your Community Carnival Time

Bracelets will be available nightly and you can ride all The Mechanicsville Volnight. Single tickets will also unteer Fire Department will be available. Come join us for be holding our annual carnival June 14-17 and June 21-24. an exciting evening of games, Rides will be provided by M bingo, pizza, hamburgers, & M Amusements and will hot dogs, french fries, sodas, run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., popcorn, cotton candy, canThursday through Saturday dy apples, and funnel cakes. nights. On Sundays June 17 Raffle tickets for nightly and and June 24, the carnival will last night prizes will be availbe open 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. able at $1.00 each or six for $5.00. Need to be present to

win nightly and/or last night prizes. Last night of carnival will be a cash raffle for $1,000, $500, $300 and $200. Do not have to be present to win cash money ONLY. For more information call 301-884-8602.

New Downtown Tunes Concert Leonardtown will rock and roll Saturday, June 23,

with guitar wizard Chris Everett, playing an eclectic mix of Jordan, Charlie Hugg, Chris Everett and Robin Guyther, who cover songs from bands like John Prine, Lynard Skywhen The Blue Crabs head- nard, the Rolling Stones and line an early evening show in the Eagles. Those planning the Town Square in Leonard- to attend should bring chairs town. Admission is free to the or blankets for seating. Local show, which begins at 4 p.m. restaurants will be open for and will end around 8 p.m. business during the shows.

The Blue Crabs are local veteran musicians, Jim Daulton, Gary Rue, Fred Musengo and HVFD Parade The Hollywood Volunteer Rick Humprhies. They play a Fire Department is hosting its mix of mostly original tunes 50th Anniversary Parade June featuring blues and rock and 30 at 3:30 p.m. Parade, music roll. The concert will open

Thursday, June 21, 2007 and fireworks are all apart of the vent, which can be registered for at Dean Lumber Company Warehouse “C” on Mervell Dean Road. Parade line-up will be on Mervell Dean Road starting at Joy Chapel Road. Parade route will be Mervell Dean Road (northbound). There will be a NOISE ZONE for use of sirens and air horns. Music at the firehouse after the parade

by The Kings of Classic Rock.

Fireworks at dusk on the Fire Department grounds. Food and refreshments will be available throughout activities.

Golf Tournament The Bay District Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its 11th annual golf tournament Monday July 9 at the Wicomico Shores Golf Course. Shotgun starts at 9 a.m., in scramble – captain’s choice format. Cost is $65.00 per player, which includes fees, cart, lunch, beverages and prizes. Open to the general public. For more information call Joe Cooper at 301-863-5362.

C&L Calendar of Events The Color and Light Society, Southern Maryland artists will be exhibiting original art works for show and sale at the Solomon’s Island River Walk Pavilion on June 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dog Rescue Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland will meet on Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m. at the Lexington Park Library. The newly formed rescue group serves Charles, Calvert and St. Mary‚s counties. Dog lovers who can provide temporary, loving homes to golden retrievers in need and talented fundraisers are especially invited to join the group. For more information go to www.goldenretrieverrescueofsouthernmaryland. org or call 301.994.0132.

USDA Select T-Bone or Porterhouse Steaks

$5.77 per lb The Shops at Breton Bay Leonardtown, MD 20650

301-997-1828 Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

301-884-5636 Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619

301-866-5702 Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636

Hatfield Sausage Links & Bratwurst 18oz, Asst. Varieties $2.99 Fresh Boneless & Skinless Chicken Breasts 4-5lb Bag $1.87 per lb USDA Inspected Raw Gulf Shrimp 10-15 Count $6.99 per lb

301-475-2531 Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-862-7702

Prices Effective Friday, June 22nd - Thursday, July 5, 2007

Second Annual Community Fun Day Second Annual Community Fun Day begins with a three-on-three basketball tournament hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland at 11:00 a.m.

Evening program starts at 5 p.m. with Mr. Magic, Moonbounce, face painting, pony rides, dunking booth, puppet shows and a movie under the stars at dusk. Bring your own blanket and chairs. Hosted by the Lexington Park H.E.A.T. Team. Rain date June 25th.

For tournament info contact 410.326.2200 for evening activities contact 301.880.2867.

Color and Light Society Solomon’s Boardwalk Gazebo Art Show and Sale The Color and Light Society will exhibit original art works at the Solomon’s boardwalk gazebo on 23 JUN from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The local artists will be on hand to answer your questions, provide art related information and also demonstrate oil paint and watercolor techniques.

Call 301-872-5438 for additional information.

Singles Wine and Comedy Night Southern MD Singles Social (www.smdsinglessocial. com) is hosting a singles Wine and Comedy night at bin 1700 Wine Bar June 23, around 6:00 p.m. Add some elegance to your weekend by heading to the hippest spot in town for the best food, finest wine, and now, the freshest and funniest comedy here, there, or anywhere. We will meet for drinks at 6:00 p.m. and the Comedy Nonsense will start around 7:30 p.m. Stop on by, let loose, enjoy a drink and a laugh or two. The cost is just a $1 for a 1-ounce sample. Or, be bold and go for the 12 tickets for $10 special.

The County Times

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Obituaries Willard Jay “Boomer” Beach, 63 W i l lard Jay ” Boome r ” Beach, 63, of Colton’s Point, Md., and formerly of Charles Cou nt y, Md., died June 14, 2007 in St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born Nov. 9, 1943 in Lenior, N.C. he was the son of the late Thomas Jefferson and Zenobie O. Williams Beach.

He was the loving husband of Hilda Fay Beach whom he married in Charles County, Md. on Dec. 6, 1965. He is survived by his children Linda L. Pope of Hendersonville, N.C., Thomas Jeff Beach and Debbie S. Keenan both of Colton’s Point, Md. He is also survived by his siblings Thomas Alvin Beach, Sr of Hollywood, Md., DeeDee Dickerson and Bruce Woods both of Calvert County, Md., Herbie Beach of Fla., Brenda Baker of Shelby, N.E., Allen Beach, Darlene and Jeannie, and two granddaughters Emma Lynn Pope and Alyssa Dawn Keenan as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister Naomie Pingleton and his brother Clarence Beach.

Mr. Beach attended LaPlata High School and moved to St. Mary’s County in 1980 from Charles County.

He was employed for 20 years as a heavy equipment operator for the Driggs Corporation, retiring in 1995. He loved camping and spoiling his two granddaughters.

The family received friends on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home where prayers were said at 7 p.m. A funeral Service was held on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 10 a.m. in All Faith Episcopal Church, Mechanicsville, Md., with Rev. Harry Harper officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were David Raley, Sr., Michael Bowles, David Mace, Kenny Jenkins, Roger Norris and Earl Byers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Francis Raley, Sr., Frankie Raley, Jay Beach, Joey Bowles and Kenny Staley. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

George Robert “Georgie” Farrell, 33 George Rober t “Georgie” Farrell, 33, of Mechanicsville, MD and for merly of Charlotte Hall, Md., died June 10, 2007 at his residence.

Born July 8, 1973 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of George Archie and Janice Gail Farrell of Charlotte Hall, Md. He was the loving husband of Mishelle Lea Farrell whom he married on January 13, 1999 in Leonardtown, Md. He is survived by his children; James Martin Farrell and Christine Marie Farrell Mangel, both of Mechanicville, Md. He is also survived by his siblings; Brenda Lee Lacey and her husband Dale Michael Lacey Sr. of Charlotte Hall, Md., his niece Brittney Marie Lacey and nephew Dale Michael Lacey Jr., both of Charlotte Hall, Md. and one future grandchild. A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Georgie enjoyed Drag Racing and was employed as a concrete former with Love Concrete as well as a carpenter with Cameron Construction.

The family received friends on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. with prayers being said at

7 p.m. A funeral service was held on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10 a.m. in All Faith Episcopal Church, Mechanicsville, Md. with Rev. Jim Hunter officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Pallbearers were Michael Rodney Buckler, David Wayne Shotwell Jr., Dan Albertson, Dale Michael Lacey, Sr., Joseph Leo Bean, Sr. and Phillip Allen Buckler.

Honorary pallbearers were David Lee Gates, Jr., David Dean Jr., and James Carroll Lumpkins, Jr. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Pa.

Mary Louise June, 95 Mary Louise June, 95, of Waldorf, Md. died June 13, 2007 at her residence.

Bor n September 7, 1911 in Manning, S.C., she was the daughter of the late James Thomas and Mary (McBride) Thomas.

She enjoyed cooking and gardening.

Mary is survived by five daughters, Thelma Holt of Mechanicsville, Md., Rosemary McNeal of Riverview, FL, Edyth June of Chester, Md., Shirley Curtis of Mechanicsville, Md. and Elaine Young of Waldorf, Md., four sons, James June of Severn, Md., Sylvester June of Mechanicsville Md., Gary June of Mechanicsville Md. and Joseph June of Waldorf, Md., two sisters, Gladys Chapman of Richmond, Va. and Lilly Wilson of Wilmington, N.C., 54 grandchildren, 50 greatgrandchildren and hosts of relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth K. Weathers and two sons, Robert Lee June and David Leroy June.

The family received friends on Monday, June 18, 2007, from 9:30-11 a.m. in First Missionary Baptist Church, Lexington Park, Md. with a Funeral Service conducted at 11 a.m. Reverend Roderick McClanahan conducted the service. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Pa. in Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Ruth Evangeline “Dickie” Lewis, 94 Ruth Evangeline “Dickie” Lewis, 94 of Martinsburg, W.Va., and formerly of Cumberland, Md., died June 16, 2007 at Solomons Nursing Center.

Born August 2, 1912 in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Blaine A. and Mary E. McCullough. She was the loving wife of Robert K. Lewis, a railroader, whom she married on March 17, 1934 in Cumberland, Md., sharing 32 years of marriage together.

She is survived by her children; Juanita Lewis Kelly of Austin, Tex. and Mary Anne Leddy of Lusby, Md., eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Helen Diane Beckner as well as her siblings; Blaine McCullough, Sylvester McCullough, Beatrice Jenkins and Madeline Unger.

A graduate of Berkeley Springs High School, Class of 1929, she attended Potomac State College for three years, majoring in Elementary Education. She moved to Martinsburg, W.Va. in 1968 from Cumberland, Md., and was a homemaker. Ruth traveled to California frequently. Her travels also took her to Hawaii,

Nova Scotia and to the Holy Land. She was very proud of her Irish heritage, although she did not get to visit Ireland.

Ruth belonged to the Fidelity Class at Otterbein UMC and the Homemakers Organization. She loved children and enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening and watching game shows.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md. from 5-8 p.m. where a Funeral Service is being held at 7 p.m. with Rev. Sheldon Reese officiating. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 22, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Queen’s Meadow Point Cemetery, Keyser, W.Va. with Rev. Ken Fizer officiating. Pallbearers will be Chris Schaefer, Adam Schaefer, Mike Black and John Phelps.

Contributions may be made to King’s Daughters Court, 116 E. King Street, Martinsburg, W.Va., 25401. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Charles Leroy Neill, Sr., 69 Charles Leroy Neill, Sr., 69, of Hollywood, Md., died June 18, 2007 at his residence.

Bor n Feb. 10, 1938 in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Joseph Howard Neill, Sr. and Lily Margaret (Weeks) Neill.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Agnes Neill of Hollywood, Md., six children, Lotti Bell and her husband, Mark of Leonardtown, Md., Charles Neill, Jr. of Washington, DC, Lily Neill and Margaret Neill, both of Hollywood, Md., Joanne Hall and her husband, Jeff of Chester, Md., and Barbara Jones of Hollywood, Md., siblings, Howard Neill, Jr. of Hollywood, Md,, Edward “Eddie” Neill and Dorothy Spencer, both of Mechanicsville, Md., Laverne Huggins and Mickey Neill, both of Hollywood, Md., three grandchildren, Stephen Abell and Hope Jones, both of Hollywood, Md., and Bradley Bell of Leonardtown, Md. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, William Irving Neill and sister, Patricia Elizabeth Neill.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Joy Chapel Cemetery, Hollywood, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be his sons-in-law, Mark Bell and Jeff Hall, grandson, Stephen Abell, family friends, James Abell, David Abell, and David Ack. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his best friend for over 60 years, Bobby Lloyd, brothers, Howard Neill, Eddie Neill, and Mickey Neill, brother-in-law, Phil Spencer, nephew, Mark Fulton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

Joseph Aloysius Nelson, 73 Jos e p h Aloysius Nelson, 73, of M e cha n icsville, M d . , d i e d June 17, 2007 in Bayside Care Center, Lexington Park, Md. Born May 19, 1934 in Morganza, Md., he was the son of the late Benjamin and Rosalie (Short) Nelson.

He was raised in Morganza and attended St. Joseph’s Old School.

He married his sweetheart, Sara Regina in 1953. From their blessed union eight children were born. Joe worked wonders with his hands. He worked for Head Construction for 12 years, Bechtel Construction for 20 years and George Herman Construction for 8 years.

He was a member of the Local Union 456.

Joe will be missed and remembered for his dancing. He could dance like no other man could.

He also enjoyed playing cards, watching the ball games and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Joseph Leroy Nelson of Lexington Park, Md., Mary Cecelia “Sissy” Nelson of Callaway, Md., James Lanelle (Judy) Nelson of Mechanicsville, Md., Agnes Regina (Alan) Courtney of Mechanicsville, Md., William Irvin (Linda) Nelson of Lexington Park, Md. and Paul Ignatius Nelson of Oakville, Md., brothers, Ernest Armstrong of Bushwood, Md., Charles (Tom) Nelson of Lexington Park, Md., Francis (Moe) Nelson of Oakville, Md., Bernard Nelson of Mechanicsville, Md., and James Nelson of Clinton, Md., sisters, Catherine Somerville of Lexington Park, Md., and Martha Nelson of Baltimore, Md., 13 grandchildren, John Briscoe, Robert Short, Jr., James Nelson, Jr., Sandra Briscoe, Cheryl Nelson, Linda Short, Sonnia Courtney, Alan Courtney, Michael Nelson, Jennifer (Nelson) Swann, LaTosha Nelson, Kita Nelson, and Bernard Nelson, Jr., 29 great-grandchildren, Jonesse, Shaun, Giani, John, Jr., Kyla, Amaya, Jawon, Jasmine, Brian, Gianni, Jaylen, Tracy, Jr., Keishauna, Carlisa, Litiona, Iyonna, Marketta, Nikia, Davonna, Deja, Tyshana, Tyresha, Tyreke, Dashawn, Marquess, Michael, Jr., Milia, Christopher, and Jakiyah.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Sara Regina, daughter, Joyce Marie Nelson, son, Bernard Edward Nelson, brothers, Paul Thomas, and Clarence Nelson, sister, Theresa Holt, grandson, Christopher Nelson, and great-granddaughter, Joneaka Briscoe.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 23, 2007 from 9-10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, Md.; with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Father Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be John Briscoe, Walter Mason, Jr., Clifton Greene, Robert Short, Sr., Alan Courtney, Sr., and Dwayne Young.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Jack Alvey, Jimmy Gray, Jackie Murphy, Shine Dickerson, Walter Mason, Sr., and Wayne Gray.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

Stacey Michelle Reintzell, 32 Stacey Michelle Reintzell Lynch, 32, of Lexington Park, Md. died June 4, 2007 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born July 19, 1974 in Leonardtown, Md., she was the daughter of the late William Bernard Reintzell, Sr. and Mary Yvonne Reintzell of Lexington Park, MD. She was the loving mother of Jessica M. Reintzell and Danielle S. Lynch, both of Lexington Park, Md. She was the granddaughter of Charles H. and Agnes L. Clements, both of California, Md. and the sister of William B. Reintzell, Jr. of Arlington, Va., and Jason M. Reintzell and his wife Angie Porter Reintzell of Lexington Park, Md. Stacey is also survived by her nieces Alyssa and Katlyn and nephew Jason, Jr. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 3 p.m. in The Living Community Church of God, Chancellors Run Road, Lexington Park, Md. with Rev. Curtis

Section A - Shields officiating. Contributions may be to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Arrangements provided

by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Pa.

Jerold Clair Parish, 65 Jerold Clair Parish, 65, of Leona r d t ow n , Md. died June 11, 2007 at his residence.

Born March 5, 1942 in Toledo, OH, he was the son of the late Clair Allen Parish and Helen (Kroetz) Parish.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Steven) Black of Semmes, AL and Elizabeth (Eric) Dorr of Leonardtown, Md., son, Derrick Harris, sister, Judith (Robert) Debo of Swanton, OH, granddaughters, Naomi Parish, Rachel and Emily Dorr, Stevie and Leah Black, grandson-inlaw, Robert Osborne, greatgrandson, Tyler Osborne.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kristin Jo Parish.

Funeral services were held in Maumee, OH on Saturday, June 16, 2007. A Memorial Service will be held locally at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

Alfred Murvin Purdy, Jr., 76 A l f r e d Murvin Purdy, Jr., 76, of St. M a r y ’s City, Md. died June 11, 2007 at his residence.

Born July 17, 1930 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Alfred Murvin Purdy, Sr. and Carrie Alice (Pumphrey) Purdy.

Mr. Purdy was a retired Carpenter Contractor, avid fisherman and waterman. He was also a member of The Whiskey Drinkers of Washington, DC Fishing Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Lynda L. Purdy, son, Bernard A. Purdy and his wife, Patricia, all of St. Mary’s City, Md., granddaughters, Amanda, Teresa and Cara, great-granddaughter, Mercedes “Mert” Forrest, brother, Robert H. Purdy of St Mary’s City, Md. and sister, Sandra Ordile of Shallotte, N.C., a host of nieces and nephews and a beloved pet named Willie T. Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty T. Purdy and brother, George Dow Purdy.

The family received friends for a Memorial Service on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s City, Md. Internment was private.

Serving as honorary pallbearers were Les Gooding, Bob Johnson, Eric Cook, Melvin Cook, Marvin Ranta, Robert D. Purdy, and John Alekna.

Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 and/ or Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, St. Mary’s City, Md. 20686.

Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

Robert Newton Ray, 88 Robert Newton Ray, 88, of Hollywood, Md. died June 13, 2007 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born March 3, 1919 in Chevy Chase, Md., he was the son of the late John Henry Ray and Laura (Collison) Ray. He worked as a field engineer

for AT&T for over 40 years.

Mr. Ray is survived by his wife, Betty Dayton Ray of Hollywood, Md. and numerous nieces and nephews.

All services are private.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Pa. in Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Nancy Olive Wagener, 81 Nancy Olive Wa ge n er, 81, of Great Mills, Md., died June 17, 2007 in Solomon’s Nursing Center, Solomons, Md. Born Nov. 25, 1925 in Kingsville, Tex., she was the daughter of the late Herbert L. Caldwell and Margaret (McManus) Caldwell.

Nancy came to St. Mary’s County in 1959 when her husband, Hub, was transferred to Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Nancy was very passionate about people and helping others whether it was cooking a homemade meal or baking her famous devil’s food cake or just being a compassionate listener. She was patient, gentle and understanding and would always find time to be there when she was needed.

She loved to sew, watch and feed the birds, play games and share a good laugh. Before joining the wonderful Solomon’s Nursing Center Family, she lived very happily at Cedar Lane Senior Apartments. Nancy made friends wherever she went and never met a stranger. She enjoyed spending time with her loving grandchildren. She will be missed by all.

She is survived by her four daughters and sons-inlaw, Karon & Ronald Strickland of Great Mills, Md., Barbara & Johnny Rowell of Hollywood, Md., Jo-Ann & Steve Gelrud of Lexington Park, Md., and Jan Hayden of Hollywood, Md., sister, Pauline Meyers of San Antonio, Tex., 11 grandchildren, Tammy Whipple, Kathy Cendana, Ronald Strickland Jr., Jennifer Strickland-Biddinger, Nikki Wilson, Jason and Justin Gelrud, Donna Thompson, Cristy Johnson, Christine Conroy and Annette Rowell and 18 great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Hubert Charles “Hub” Wagener and her son, Skipper Wagener.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 22, 2007 from 10- 11 a.m. at Lexington Park United Methodist Church, Lexington Park, Md., with a Funeral Service conducted at 11 a.m. Reverend Ken Walker will conduct the service. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery, in Great Mills, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be Ronald Strickland, Ronald Strickland, Jr., Steve, Jason and Justin Gelrud and Kim Davidson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Rowell and George Owens.

Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 or HOSPICE of Calvert County, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, Md. 20678.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

To Place A Memorial Anniversary Notice Call 301-373-4125

The County Times

Section A -

Heavy Load Continued from page A- Last year Rosado’s nine detectives, a mix of sheriff’s deputies and state troopers, handled 762 cases, completed 127 search warrants and are on their way for a repeat performance this year with 383 cases assigned to detectives as of June 15.

BCI handles crimes such as homicides, rapes, armed robberies, burglaries and arsons, Rosado said and his detectives are kept busy with little time to rest.

Rosado has come into the BCI work area on several occasions and found detectives sleeping while taking a break from tracking down leads, even though they could go home for the day.

“With the work they’re doing, most units would have twice as many detectives,”

Rosado said. “I’ve actually had to tell some of them to go home; they don’t want to stop working their cases.”

Detective Steven “Chip” Koch, also a state trooper, said the job never had a slow day. Even if there were no new big cases to investigate, there were always leads to follow up.

And the work has expanded even more for detectives since Sheriff Tim Cameron instituted a summer task force to gauge the level of threat gangs pose to residents.

“It’s extremely demanding, but on the other hand it’s extremely rewarding,” Koch said.

When a big case comes down, such as a homicide, of which Koch has helped close several, the call goes out and

all the investigators drop just about everything.

“You might be out there 30 hours at a time and you’re working for those 30 hours,” Koch said.

He recounted the homicide back in 2005 of a manager at the Lone Star Steakhouse, Janet Reginato on Route 235, who suffered a fatal gun shot wound from one Richard Russell Moore with the aid of Gary Dean Hosterman and the court trials that found them guilty of her death.

“It’s all worth it when you hear the judge say the words ‘guilty,’ Koch said. “Everybody back here is a team player; when something comes up, they treat it like it was their own case.”

Julie Yingling, a sheriff’s deputy and detective in BCI , pulls standard eight and nine hour days as well, and even though that sounds like an average day on the job, she also has to deal with being two

Thursday, June 21, 2007

months from delivering her baby.

Her husband was also a BCI detective as well as a deputy so she said she had no illusions about the workload there.

She specializes in domestic violence cases and often works weekends because that’s the best time, she said, to find victims and talk to them about their case.

“Everyone’s overwhelmed with cases,” Yingling said, still smiling. “And I know all the niceness will be gone [once she’s given birth] and I’ll have to pull the same weight as everyone else.”

Each detective, Rosado said, will likely have to continue to make sacrifices that often put their family in the back seat to ensure that BCI continues its high closure rate of cases.

“You really have to like what you’re doing to do this,” Rosado said. “I see a lot of

Photo by Guy Leonard

Det. Steven “Chip” Koch, a state trooper attached to the county’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, works leads in a recent case over the phone. Koch is just one of nine detectives that have achieved a 95 percent case closure rate for BCI.

these guys more than their families do.”

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation was created in 2003 as a joint effort between Maryland State Police and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to combat crime in the county.

While their respective

associations may wear different uniforms, Rosado said distinctions between the two disappear once they come to work for BCI. “There’s no [different] badge,” Rosado said. “We’re all BCI back here.”

St. Mary’s Beating National Home Foreclosure Trend

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Local realtors say that St. Mary’s County’s housing market remains strong with few foreclosures compared to the trends in Southern Maryland, the state and across the nation.

The home foreclosure issue grabbed national attention last week when a report from nationally known real estate information group Realty Trac showed that home foreclosures had jumped 90 percent from May of 2006 to the same time this year across the nation.

Chris Guldi, a realtor with Keller Williams of Southern Maryland, said that the economy of St. Mary’s, driven by the U.S. Navy and high paying jobs, ensured that most people who bought homes on the market could keep them. “[Foreclosures in St. Mary’s] are well below the

national average and well below the average in Maryland,” Guldi said.

Realty Trac’s latest statistics show that home foreclosures here are indeed currently lower than in Charles and Calvert counties.

According to their figures there are 179 such properties for sale in St. Mary’s but there are 470 in Calvert and 544 in Charles.

There are currently about 6,000 homes up for foreclosure in the state, according to Realy Trac findings.

Realty Trac’s report showed that there were a total of 176,137 foreclosure filings nationwide with Nevada, Colorado and California posting the highest numbers of foreclosures.

Realty Trac’s chief executive officer, James J. Saccacio said that the 90 percent increase in a 12-month time span could be a harbinger of even more foreclosures in the

near future.

“Such strong activity in the midst of the typical spring buying season could foreshadow even higher foreclosure levels later in the year,” Saccacio said in a statement.

“Certainly not every community nationwide is seeing an increase in foreclosures, but foreclosed properties are becoming commonplace and adding to the downward pressure on home prices in many areas.”

Guldi said that homeowners who have to put their house up for sale could expect to get a much lower sale price than what they paid originally because of the housing boom that is now slowing down.

“You’re getting into a buyer’s market,” Guldi said.

“Now if you’re a homeowner not making payments you’ve got to sell your house with eight-and-a-half months of inventory.”

Guldi explained that it

would take eight-and-a-half months to sell all the homes in the county, using his reckoning, if no other homes came on the market; a virtual impossibility.

Those who are most at risk of foreclosure, Guldi said, are those who recently bought homes using sub-prime interest rate loans without the requisite financial means to cover the loan.

Jan Barnes, a county realtor with Century 21-New Millennium, agreed and said that people who had little money or

were not educated on the real estate market suffered, but educated people with money to spend also fell into trouble because they borrowed more money than they could cover.

“People got into housing that was over their head and that was a personal decision,” Barnes said. “But it hit both sets of people.”

But those who can hold on to their homes here in the county can expect to see strong gains in the value of their homes since housing prices here have grown 10

percent from May of 2006 to May of 2007.

“The housing market is still doing well [in St. Mary’s},” Guldi said. “People are getting their money’s worth.”

Barnes said that all the foreclosures meant that some homes could be sold for more reasonable prices after three to four years of exorbitant rates.

“They [housing prices] were inflated before and now they’re getting back on track,” Barnes said.

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