Local Government News Briefs


FEMA, State Broadcasters and Emergency Managers to Test Emergency Alert System

LEONARDTOWN—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers and state broadcasters' associations, will conduct a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in twenty-two states, two territories, and the District of Columbia on Wednesday, February 24, at 2:20 p.m.

Broadcasters across Maryland will join fellow broadcasters from 21 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the test. The EAS test is being made available to radio, broadcast and cable television systems and is scheduled to last approximately one minute.

The test will verify the delivery and broadcast, and assess the readiness for distribution of a national-level test message. The message of the test will be similar to the regular monthly test message of EAS, normally heard and seen by the public: "This is a national test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test."

The EAS test might also be seen and heard in states and tribes bordering the states participating in the test.

Public safety officials need to be sure that in times of an emergency or disaster they have methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public when needed. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems is a way to assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine what improvements in technologies need to be made.

More information on the Public Alert and Warning System and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is available at www.fema.gov/ipaws or www.ready.gov/alerts.

Charles County Commissioners' March Town Hall Meeting Schedule

LA PLATA—The Charles County Commissioners invite the public to attend the March town hall meetings as scheduled below. The purpose of Commissioner town hall meetings is to take questions from those in attendance and to discuss items of importance to the citizens and the community.

Amanda Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3)
Monday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.
Waldorf West Library, Room A (10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf)

Board of County Commissioners' Quarterly Town Hall Meeting (District 1)
Tuesday, March 29 at 6 p.m.
Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department (15245 Prince Frederick Rd, Hughesville)

Future town hall meeting dates are available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.

Community Services Spring GUIDE Available March 2

LA PLATA—The Charles County Department of Community Services spring edition of The GUIDE will be available March 2 online at www.CharlesCountyParks.com. The GUIDE is a convenient resource listing current activities offered by the Department of Community Services. The GUIDE features classes, trips, camps, programs, and amusement park discount tickets. Read the GUIDE to learn more about fun events, such as the Special Olympics, leisure classes, swim lessons, and sports programs.

Printed copies are available at local community centers, indoor pools, Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, and the Department of Community Services. Online registration for most programs is available.

For more information on other events and opportunities offered by the Dept. of Community Services, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CS or call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.

2016—2017 Technology Handbook Unveiled

LEONARDTOWN—The Department of Economic Development (DED) presented the new Technology Handbook for St. Mary's County to the Commissioners of St. Mary's County. The Handbook is in full-color and features many additions, including a map of NAS Patuxent River, interesting facts about the base and the community, and recognition for those businesses founded in St. Mary's County.

"This year's Technology Handbook shows the incredible depth and versatility of our technology businesses," said Chris Kaselemis, director, St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development. "Most of these companies were founded locally and many are now venturing into commercial and international markets."

Leonardtown High School senior Hannah Wichrowski is the winner of this year's Cover Contest. She received a $1,000 prize for winning the contest sponsored by The Patuxent Partnership. Gene Townsend awarded the cash prize to Ms. Wichrowski on behalf of The Partnership.

Ms. Wichrowski is enrolled in a graphic communications course through the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. She plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and starting a career in graphic design.

"We are so proud to feature Hannah's artwork on this year's cover of the Technology Handbook," stated Commissioner President Randy Guy. "You know the County's future is in good hands when you see talent such as this."

The Technology Handbook is available in a searchable format at ded@stmarysmd.com. The updated version will be available on line by the end of February. Updates to the on line version can be made at any time. Hard copies of the Handbook may be obtained by calling Dana Digregorio, Senior Administrative Coordinator, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1400. For more information about this year's Technology Handbook, contact Robin Finnacom, Economic Development deputy director, at 301-475-4200, ext. *1407.

Register Now for National Weather Service's SKYWARN Tropical Class

LEONARDTOWN—The St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services & Technology is hosting a SKYWARN—Tropical training session on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 6—9 p.m. in the commissioners meeting room inside the Chesapeake Building. The address is 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.

Many Americans feel the effects of severe weather every year. To obtain critical weather information, NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), established SKYWARN with partner organizations. SKYWARN is a volunteer program which trains citizens to become severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

Training in the Tropical class is a good overview of tropical weather threats in our area. It is intended for everyone. The prerequisite for this class is Basics I. The Tropical class includes:

• Types of tropical cyclones

• Ingredients of meteorology necessary for Tropical cyclones

• Hazards from tropical cyclones (storm surge, inland flooding, winds, tornadoes)

• Hurricane climatology (where they form, typical tracks, season)

• Local hurricane history

• How they are observed and forecast

• How to prepare and react?

Registering for a SKYWARN® Class

Pre-registration is required for all classes. This is necessary to control class size and provide the proper amount of handouts. Seating is limited. If you register for a class and are unable to attend, you are asked to notify us so your spot can be made available to someone else. Future classes will be announced on this page. All training classes and SKYWARN® membership are free.

To register for the SKYWARN Tropical class go to http://www.weather.gov/lwx/skywarn

For more information, please call 301-475-4200 Ext. *2124.

Great Mills Swimming Pool to Remain Closed for Repairs

LEONARDTOWN—The Great Mills Pool will remain closed through Monday, February 29, 2016 at the earliest. Emergency repairs to the pool's water heater have forced the closure.

All affected program participants will be contacted with further information for make-ups over the next week as Recreation and Parks determines options. Further details regarding the pool's operating status will be available by Monday if additional closures are necessary.

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