The Southern Maryland Agricultural Resource Fair will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at The Barns at New Market, 29133 Thompson Corner Rd., Mechanicsville. The event brings together resources serving Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties and offers opportunities to network, learn about available programs and connect with regional partners. The event is free to attend; registration is requested at: Registration Form
The fair is organized by the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Charles County Economic Development Department and St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development. Questions may be directed to info@choosecalvert.com
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains an ongoing threat to both commercial and backyard poultry operations in Maryland and nationwide. Since January 2025, multiple commercial broiler flocks on the Delmarva Peninsula have tested positive for H5 avian influenza, with the most recent Maryland detection occurring in December 2025. The virus also continues to be detected in migrating wild birds, including snow geese and black vultures, underscoring the persistent risk of transmission to domestic poultry.As of Jan. 8, 2026, HPAI has been confirmed in more than 2,000 flocks across all 50 states, affecting both commercial operations and backyard flocks. In response, the Maryland Department of Agriculture strongly recommends that all poultry producers move birds indoors and maintain confinement until the risk associated with outdoor access can be reassessed. Producers observing black vultures or wild waterfowl near their flocks should take immediate precautions and keep birds indoors.All poultry producers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity practices, closely monitor flock health, and promptly report any unexplained illness or mortality to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810, available 24/7. Sightings of sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or USDA Wildlife Services.Visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's webpage, High Path Avian Influenza: What You Need to Know for the latest updates and resources. Additional guidance and prevention tips are available on the University of Maryland Extension’s HPAI resource page.
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has unveiled a new mental health awareness initiative to support the well-being of the region’s agricultural community. As part of this effort, free stickers featuring the national crisis line 988 will be produced for display in tractor cabs, farm offices, and other highly visible areas, with the message that it’s okay to not be okay and that help is always available.
Stickers are free and available to anyone who would like to distribute or display them. For more information or to request stickers, Southern Maryland residents can contact info@smadc.com.
The campaign complements broader national efforts to address farm stress. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind initiative provides resources to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and connect farmers and ranchers with mental health support. Learn more at www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers confidential support for people in distress, emotional trouble, or who are considering self-harm. Caring counselors are available to help, and you are not alone.
Farming is a demanding occupation with elevated risks of anxiety and depression due to long hours, isolation, weather extremes, financial pressures, market volatility, labor shortages, and other stressors. Studies indicate higher suicide risk among farming communities. Addressing stigma and expanding access to support are critical to safeguarding producers and their communities. Barriers in rural areas include stigma, concerns about anonymity in small towns, and limited access to mental health providers. National and regional efforts emphasize outreach, education, and improving access to care.
Ways you can help:
Buy local: Support farmers by purchasing food directly from them.
Meet your farmers: Get to know local producers through farmers’ markets or county farm bureaus.
Advocate for resources: Support mental health services in rural communities; explore telehealth options and work to improve connectivity and access.
Keep talking about mental health: Normalize conversations to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for the Lifeline. For immediate help, call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
For more information, contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission at info@smadc.com.
Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation facilities and Calvert County Convenience Centers announce early closures Sunday, Feb. 22, due to inclement weather. Parks & Recreation facility closures will begin at 3 p.m. and include:
Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center
All community centers
All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park.
Flag Ponds Nature Park
Kings Landing Park
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and trails
Calvert County Convenience Centers will close at 5 p.m. and include:
The Appeal Convenience Center and Solid Waste Facility in Lusby
Barstow Convenience Center in Barstow
Mt. Hope Convenience Center in Sunderland
County government officials will monitor conditions and determine if additional closures will extend beyond Feb. 22.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared in the event of an emergency by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BeAwarePrepare and signing up for Calvert County ALERT to receive timely information about various emergency and non-emergency situations in the county.
The Calvert County Department of Public Works began a sidewalk reconstruction project in Solomons Tuesday, Feb. 17. The project will enhance pedestrian safety and improve walkability along Charles Street.
Weather-dependent construction will occur along eastbound Charles Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., between Charles Street and the traffic circle at Farren Avenue. Work will include the removal of trees located between the sidewalk and curb, demolition of sidewalk sections displaced by tree roots and the installation of new concrete sidewalks.
The Department of Public Works thanks residents and visitors for their patience during this improvement project. The work is part of Calvert County’s ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure and enhance walkability in town centers.
The Calvert County Board of Elections approved changes to polling locations and precinct boundaries as part of the 2026 election plan.
At its Nov.19 meeting, the board approved combining Precincts 3-6 and 3-7 into a single precinct, which will be designated as Precinct 3-6. Voters who previously voted at Northern High School, 2950 Chaneyville Rd., Owings, during the 2024 election will now vote at Ward Farm Park, 10455 Ward Rd., Dunkirk.
A permanent building is currently under construction at Ward Farm Park and is scheduled to be completed before June, when the June 23 primary election takes place. Voters in the Dunkirk area affected by this change should look for a new voter notification card in the mail.
The candidate filing deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Election Board will be open until 9 p.m. that day for local candidates to file. The Calvert County Election Board is located at 30 Duke St., in Prince Frederick. For more information, contact the Election Board at 410-535-2214.
The Calvert County Department of Communications & Media Relations announces the launch of the new Calvert County TV app, now live and available to stream on multiple platforms.
The Calvert County TV app features live streaming, video on demand and important county information residents rely on to stay informed. Viewers can watch public meetings, special events, announcements and other county programming anytime and anywhere. The new platform makes it easier than ever for residents to connect with county government and stay up to date on what’s happening in Calvert County.
“Providing clear and accessible information to residents is a top priority,” said Eryn Lowe, director of Communications & Media Relations. “These new streaming options give the community more ways to stay engaged with county government.”
In addition, captioning is now available on live meetings broadcast on Comcast and Calvert County TV, expanding accessibility for viewers across the county.
To watch, viewers can:
Download the free app by searching “Calvert County TV” on Android and Apple devices
Stream on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV and www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CalvertBroadcast
The Calvert County Department of Community Resources is collecting new toiletry items for individuals in need in advance of its upcoming Community Resource Fair on March 27.
Donations for men, women and children are being accepted. Requested items include diapers and pull-ups, diaper wipes, body wash and soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
All donated items must be new and unopened. Donations will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 27. Donations may be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:
Communications & Media Relations Office, 150 Main St., Suite 264, Prince Frederick
Community Resources Building, 30 Duke St., Suite 102, Prince Frederick
Calvert County Emergency Communications has been recognized by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as a Tri-Accredited Center for Excellence (ACE) for police, fire and emergency medical services dispatching. Calvert County Emergency Communications is the 31st Tri-ACE in the world.
IAED is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch services worldwide. Accreditation and reaccreditation from the IAED represent the highest distinction awarded to emergency communication centers, certifying that a center performs at or above established industry standards. Centers that earn ACE status are the embodiment of dispatching done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality assurance processes and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement.
Calvert County Emergency Communications is a team of more than 40 public safety professionals who answer and dispatch emergency services for Calvert County. In 2025, the department answered 32,607 emergency calls and dispatched 135,075 calls for police, fire and EMS.
During this time, staff were credited with saving 19 lives, and the successful delivery of a baby.
“These numbers reflect the dedication, professionalism and life-saving impact that Emergency Communications staff make every day,” said Dave McDowell, director of Calvert County Public Safety. “Becoming a Tri-Accredited Center for Excellence highlights the professionalism, dedication and care our staff bring to every call. Our community depends on us during its most critical moments, and this achievement affirms our commitment to delivering accurate, timely and life-saving instructions when it matters most,” he said.
“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement,” said Christof Chwojka, accreditation board chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers and leadership team at Calvert County Emergency Communications for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first responders to do an outstanding job.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which all standards must be upheld. Emergency communication centers can earn multiple accreditations, one for each emergency discipline they service. More than 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and maintained by the IAED. The protocol-based system, known as the Priority Dispatch System, is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch, and is used in 46 countries.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day. In addition:
The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county convenience centers will be open Monday, Feb. 16, with normal operating hours.
The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Monday, Feb. 16, with normal operating hours.
The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Monday, Feb. 16.
Calvert County senior centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is scheduled to resume Tuesday, Feb. 17. An additional meal for home-delivered meal recipients was provided in advance of the holiday.
There will be no county bus service Monday, Feb. 16; service will resume Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Calvert Library locations will be closed Monday, Feb. 16. Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at calvertlibrary.info/.
The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will be closed Monday, Feb. 16. Animal control officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.
The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours Monday, Feb. 16.
All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal hours Monday, Feb. 16.
In the fall of 2025, the Calvert County departments of Technology Services and Planning & Zoning collaborated extensively on a major update to the county’s Land Management System. This system is used by several county departments to process and track permits and inspections.
Key enhancements to the system included:
Integrating architectural review into the permit review workflow
Incorporating the Board of Appeals processes directly into the system
Updating components of the permitting, site plan and subdivision review processes to reduce manual staff intervention as applications moved through approval stages
Revising development review workflows to align with the updated zoning ordinance adopted in 2025
“The updated system went live in November 2025, and has significantly streamlined Planning & Zoning operations,” said Jason Brinkley, director of Planning & Zoning. “These improvements enhanced customer interaction through the county’s online Encompass Portal for permit submittals and reduced the need for manual overrides by staff, creating a more efficient and streamlined process from application through approval.”
New Start: Boss Up & Build starts in February 2026, offering a free 8-week course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs gain tools and confidence needed to start and manage a successful business. Spots are limited, so act fast. To learn more or secure your place, email MGrove@tccsmd.org or call 301-844-6404.
The Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC), a service offered by the Maryland Department of Labor's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, is offering free virtual workshops for former federal workers and contractors every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. If you’ve recently lost your federal job or contract, join an expert-led virtual workshop designed to help you successfully transition to private or state employment. To join, email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov for your Google Meet invite. Also, please register on the Maryland Workforce Exchange at https://mwejobs.maryland.gov.
Calvert County Department of Economic Development recently hosted an AI workshop at Calvert Library, offering local businesses valuable insights into how artificial intelligence can drive growth and innovation. The session introduced generative AI, technology that creates new content such as text, images, video, sound and code by using advanced pattern recognition rather than mysterious algorithms.
Participants learned how AI can serve as a creative partner and productivity tool, helping streamline workflows rather than replacing human expertise. The workshop also addressed why AI matters in today’s business landscape and the skills needed to stay competitive in a technology-driven future.
Upgrades to existing amenities and addition of new amenities like well-lit paved walking paths, natural surface trails, synthetic turf, upgrading the baseball/softball fields, improving signage, skatepark, among others.
Funded through the Calvert County Youth Recreational Opportunities Fund, Ward Farm will feature programmable indoor space, unenclosed outdoor area and restrooms.
Calvert County has partnered with Soil Conservation District and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to control the shoreline erosion at Flag Ponds Nature Park.
Come enjoy a day at the beach in Calvert County! Take a walk along the shore, collect some sharks’ teeth or take a dip at one of Calvert County’s beaches.