Nighttime Cargo Delivery Will Impact US 301 Traffic Starting Aug. 1
Convoy will travel on US 301 through Charles County; Drivers Should Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays
An overnight hauling operation will take place beginning on Monday, Aug. 1, leaving from the Aqualand Marina in Newburg, to the PSEG Keys Energy Center project site located in Brandywine. The convoy will travel approximately five miles per hour and use both northbound lanes of US 301 from Orlando Park Drive, located just north of the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge, to just north of North Keys Road approximately 1.25 miles east of Brandywine.
On Monday night, Aug. 1, crews will deliver the cargo to the yard at the Panda Energy Brandywine on Mattawoman Drive; on Tuesday night, Aug. 2, the cargo will be delivered to the Keys Energy Center site. Roll-Lift USA is coordinating the haul with the Charles County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) and local emergency responders to ensure the haul is conducted safely and with minimal impacts to the community and traveling public. The operation includes a convoy of nearly two dozen trucks that will move the large cargo to the Keys Energy site that is under construction.
Motorists will not be able to pass the convoy. If traffic delays become significant, the convoy will stop at one of nine pause point locations where police will direct traffic beyond the convoy. Transport is scheduled between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Motorists will encounter delays on northbound US 301 during the hauling operation. SHA and law enforcement suggest that travelers avoid the area. If the roadway remains closed after 5 a.m., notice of the extended closures will be posted on the Charles County website www.CharlesCountyMD.gov; notifications will also be sent via the Citizen Notification System (CNS).
Portable variable message signs will be placed in advance along US 301 to advise motorists to expect delays during the heavy haul convoy.
The large pieces of equipment arrived at Aqualand Marina by ship. From there, it will be placed on specially designed heavy haul vehicles for transport to PSEG Keys Energy Center. For more information on the project, visit www.keysenergycenter.com. For additional information about State-maintained highways in Charles County, customers may contact the SHA District 5 Office in Annapolis at 410-841-1020 or 1-800-331-5603; information on State routes in Prince George's County may be obtained by calling the SHA District 3 Office in Greenbelt at 301-513-7300 or 1-800-749-0737.
County Receives Grant to Support Public Health
On Wednesday, July 27, the Charles County Department of Health, in partnership with the Charles County Department of Emergency Services, Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton, Charles County Commissioners, and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center announced the launch of the Mobile Integrated Health Care Team. The program is supported by a three-year, $400,000 grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, and is expected to serve approximately 60 individuals during the three-year grant.
In attendance at the presentation were: Dr. Howard Haft, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Amber Starn, Charles County Department of Health; Delegate Elizabeth G. "Susie" Proctor; Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton; Joyce Riggs, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center; Mark Luckner, Maryland Community Health Resource Commission; Dr. Dianna E. Abney, M.D., Charles County Department of Health; and John Filer, Department of Emergency Services.
Tri-County Animal Shelter Announces August Promotions
The Tri-County Animal Shelter is pleased to announce the following August monthly promotions and reminders:
BARK IN THE PARK (MONDAY, AUG. 15 AND MONDAY, AUG. 29): Join the shelter at the Bark in the Park event at 7 p.m. at the Regency Furniture Stadium (11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf). Support your local baseball team, and visit the Tri-County Animal Shelter table to meet adoptable pets and ask any animal-related questions.
NATIONAL BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY (WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17): To celebrate this special day, all adoption fees for black cats will be waived. Did you know that black cats are often overlooked in shelters, both by the public and rescue organizations, and tend to be the cats that stay the longest? Consider adopting a fantastic feline at the shelter!
The Tri-County Animal Shelter is located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Shelter staff can be reached at 301-932-1713 or 800-903-1992. Adoption hours are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To view animals available for adoption, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/es/animalshelter/tri-county-animal-shelter or www.petfinder.com/shelters/MD112.html to find your "purrfect" pet. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Shelter Finds Homes for Record Number of Animals during Second Clear the Shelter Event
The Tri-County Animal Shelter participated in the second national Clear the Shelter event on Saturday, July 23. A total of 77 animals were provided forever homes, which is the highest number of adoptions in a single day in the shelter's history. Animals adopted included 35 cats, 38 dogs, 3 rabbits, and 1 chicken. Last year's Clear the Shelter event, which found homes for 67 animals, now holds the record for the second highest number of adoptions in the shelter's history.
During the event, all pet adoption fees were waived. The shelter partnered with Southern Maryland Spay and Neuter Inc., Last Chance Animal Rescue, and Roundtable Haven to ensure all animals found appropriate adoptable homes. Paw Prints and local veterinarians vaccinated and sterilized all animals before the event. Vendors, volunteers, and rescue organizations, such as Calvert Kettle Corn, Rescue Angels, Pet Value, Rita's, Pawtuxent Bed and Biscuit, and Ty's Photography participated in the fun. Many organizations donated door prizes, raffles, or sponsored adoptable animals, including Ty's Photography, Clay Creations, Texas Road House, Ledo Pizza, For the Love of Paws, and Stephanie Clear Tupperware. A special thanks to Jessica's Lemonade Stand for raising funds for the animals. The shelter would like to thank all the volunteers, Facebook friends, organizations, and veterinarians that assisted before and during the event.
Clear the Shelter is a nationwide adoption event sponsored by NBC News. The event works to adopt out animals and promote animal shelters. Visit www.ClearTheShelters.com to learn more about the event.
The Tri-County Animal Shelter is located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Shelter staff can be reached at 301-932-1713 or 800-903-1992. Adoption hours are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To view animals available for adoption, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/es/animalshelter/tri-county-animal-shelter or www.petfinder.com/shelters/MD112.html to find your "purrfect" pet. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Free Fishing Class Available to Youth at Gilbert Run Park in August
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism is hosting additional free fishing classes for youth between the ages of six and 15. The classes will be held at Gilbert Run Park (13140 Charles Street, Charlotte Hall) on Thursday, Aug. 4 and Thursday, Aug. 18 from 9:45 a.m. to noon.
This is a great opportunity for children to learn the basics of fishing and have fun. Prior fishing experience is not needed. Bait and tackle will be provided.
Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. To register, call the Gilbert Run Park office at 301-932-1083. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
State Highway Administration to Hold Public Meeting on Aug. 9 for Bridge Replacement on MD 234
The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) invites interested persons to attend a public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 9, for the bridge replacement on MD 234 (Budds Creek Road) over Gilbert Swamp Run. The bridge is located three miles east of US 301.
Piccowaxen Middle School
Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
12834 Rock Point Road, Newburg
The main objectives of this project are to replace the deteriorating structure; and increase the width of the bridge to provide a safer travel area. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2017.
The informational meeting will acquaint the public with the project and provide attendees an opportunity to discuss project details. Display areas will depict the proposed improvements, and MDOT/SHA representatives will be available to answer project-related questions. There will be no formal presentation. You may arrive at any time during meeting hours and walk through the display area at your own pace.
To learn more about this project visit apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectInformation.aspx?projectno=CH206218 or contact Hilary Gonzales at hgonzales@sha.state.md.us or 410-841-1020.
Aug. 9 Board of Appeals Meeting Canceled
The Charles County Board of Appeals meetings originally scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 9 is canceled.
Board of Appeals meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, unless otherwise noted, in the Commissioners' meeting room at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore St., La Plata). The next regular meeting of the Board of Appeals is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Ms. Carrol Everett, Clerk to the Board of Appeals, at 301-645-0540 or EverettC@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.