Calvert briefs

County approves sign initiative

The Calvert County Commissioners recently approved a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and aesthetics of our community by eliminating unpermitted signage that does not conform to the signage regulations. These unpermitted signs pose a hindrance to motorists by obstructing views at intersections and they contribute to excessive clutter along our roadways.

As of April 1, unpermitted signs will be removed by the Department of Public Works staff. The signs will be stored for two weeks at the Appeal Landfill located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby, and may be retrieved by the owner for a fee of $6 per sign. Any signs remaining after two weeks will be discarded.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online. Go to www.calvertcountymd.gov/.

County announces tree coupon program

The Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning announces the reopening of its “Spread Your Leaves” tree coupon program to help residents expand forested areas in Calvert County by planting native trees on their property. Now through Nov. 20, residents may obtain a coupon to purchase native trees at a discount from participating nurseries.

Residents can use the printed or digital coupon at participating nurseries for a discount up to $50 per tree for up to six trees. At checkout, residents will register their name, address and tree species. The tree coupon can be obtained through the planning and zoning website at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. There, residents will also find a list of participating nurseries, view an interactive map of trees planted through the program, and find information on selecting native tree varieties based on the planting area and environmental benefits.

Volunteers needed for mediation center

The Community Mediation Center of Calvert County is actively seeking volunteers to join their team of community mediators. This presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals interested in acquiring basic mediation skills and assisting in conflict resolution within the community. Orientation sessions are planned in April and May.

For more information and to access the application form, go to www.calvert-mediation.org./basic-mediation-training-2024. Questions can also be directed to Sheri via email at calvertmediation@gmail.com or by calling 443-295-7456.

County to hold household hazardous waste collection

The Calvert Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host a free household hazardous waste collection event for county residents Saturday, April 20. The event will be held at Mt. Hope Convenience Center located at 96 Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. For a full listing of accepted hazardous waste materials and for more information call the solid waste division at 410-326-0210 or go to www.CalvertCountymd.gov/.

Board provides election info

As the Maryland primary election approaches, it is essential for Calvert County residents to be informed about important voting information. The primary election will take place on Tuesday, May 14, and it is crucial for all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote.

The last day to register in advance to vote or to change your voter information is April 23. Same-day voter registration will also be available at any voting location during early voting and on primary election day. For more information about voter registration, go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov or call the board office at 410-535-2214. The election board office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Town named Tree City USA

North Beach was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management.

North Beach achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

To learn more go to arborday.org.

Envirothon scheduled for April 23

Calvert County students from Huntingtown, Patuxent and Northern highs will test their knowledge in the fields of wildlife management, soil conservation, forestry management and aquatic resources at the 32nd Annual Calvert County Envirothon. The event will be held on April 23 at King’s Landing Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Envirothon is an annual competition in which students work with environmental professionals throughout the year to gain expertise in a variety of natural resource management fields. Students met with the natural resource specialists for three days during the school year to acquire knowledge of each specific subject area. The winning team will advance to the state competition to be held at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg June 12 to 13. For more information contact the CHESPAX office at 443-550-8079.

Kari’s Law mandates inspections

The Calvert County Commissioners remind residents and business owners to ensure their multi-line telephone systems provide direct access to 911, without requiring the caller to dial any numbers first for an “outside line,” as required by state and federal law. Multi-line telephone systems are typically found in hotels and office buildings.

Kari’s Law is named in honor of Kari Hunt, who was killed by her estranged husband in a Texas motel room in December 2013. Hunt’s young daughter attempted to contact 911 multiple times but was unable to reach emergency services as she was unaware the phone required her to dial “9” to reach an outside line to connect the call. Kari’s Law was enacted in Maryland in 2015 and became a federal law in 2018 and went into full effect on Feb. 16, 2020. Federal Communications Commission rules require any new system to be pre-configured to support direct dialing of 911 in compliance with Kari’s Law. However, these rules apply only to system models that were manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, or installed after Feb. 16, 2020.

To schedule a test of your phone system, contact the Department of Public Safety, Emergency Communications Division, at 410-535-3491. For questions or additional information, contact Emergency Communications Chief Stanley Harris at 410-535-1600, ext. 8626. To learn more about Kari’s Law, go to www.calvertcountymd.gov.