A Reporting Timeline of The Human like figure hanging from a Tree/ Community News (PGC & CC)/ Local Government Meetings
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Months ago, The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission had planned to work with Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles counties to hold a public hearing to address the lynchings that took place during the Reconstruction era.
No one could have anticipated that during November, Calvert County residents would struggle through its citizens hanging a black human-like figure from a tree. I want to offer a reporting timeline of events. I think it’s important for us to understand how this played out in the press.
An unknown Calvert County resident hung a black human-like figure from a tree. This happened sometime after Halloween. First confirmed by The Intersection’s reporting.
On Nov. 9, The Calvert County Sherriff’s office posted a summary of their Nov. 8 investigation on Facebook. The department said it received a tip about the black human-like figure hanging from a tree. They went to the neighborhood to investigate the matter. That Facebook post strongly suggested that the black human-like figure hanging from a tree was a part of the Halloween decoration. The Intersection’s Nov. 12 article showed that wasn’t true. (It was confirmed that the object was hanging across the house from Dr. Andrae Townsel, the first Black Calvert County Public School Superintendent). The residents decided to take down the object.
Per Facebook post: “Detectives made contact with the homeowner where the object was located. The homeowner advised that his family had decorated for Halloween and that the object in question was part of a larger display put up in the spirit of the holiday. Prior to law enforcement arriving on the scene, when a family member realized the negative perception of the object hanging from the tree, they promptly removed it and placed it on the ground.
Other neighbors not directly involved in the incident confirmed that they had seen the object in various locations around the yard for the past two weeks.
The homeowner requested to speak with the concerned neighbors, apologized for the misunderstanding, and extended an open invitation to his home if they wished to discuss the incident further.
Through the investigation and consultation with the Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office, this case was closed and determined to be an unfortunate misunderstanding resulting from a Halloween decoration.”
On Nov. 9, the Calvert County NAACP posts a picture of the black figure hanging from a tree. They then remove the picture from their Facebook feed.
On Nov. 10 Maryland State Delegate Jeffrie Long, Jr. reposts the picture. Long announced his disappointment with some political leaders taking down the photo. He said he wasn’t pleased with the Calvert County Police Department’s investigation.
The Intersection works to corroborate narratives. On Nov. 12, we report our findings. Note: We published our story on Tuesday morning.
On Nov. 13, The Calvert Recorder published a story that corroborated The Intersection’s reporting. Marty reports that the Calvert County Sherriff’s Office spokeswoman, Kristen Leitch, sent a statement to The Recorder. According to Marty, Leitch said:
“…the detective who conducted the initial probe ‘went back to the neighborhood to conduct further interviews with neighbors and to obtain additional written statements. Those additional interviews corroborated the object had been on the ground in various areas of the yard for a couple of weeks.’ Leitch said investigators received “some varied answers as to when the object was ever seen hanging in the tree, with the responses ranging from Nov. 1 to Nov. 6,” which would have been after Halloween.”
Note: This correction that Leitch offered is not reflected in the police department’s Facebook post. The department’s investigators haven’t issued any new official statement regarding this matter. The information officer contacted The Recorder to reveal this information after The Intersection published its story on Tuesday. Additionally, the department’s information officers’ have not, to The Intersection’s knowledge, released a new official statement that reflects what The Recorder reported. These revelations only appear in the press.
The NAACP has said that it is going to release an official statement. That hasn’t happened yet.
On Nov. 16, the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission holds a public hearing about lynching in Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles Counties in Leonardtown, Maryland.
On Nov. 17, The Baynet published an article rehearsing the same talking points at The Recorder. It was written as an editorial.
PGC Legislation Passed
Bill: CB-083-2024 (Vehicle Noise Bill)
Status: Passed
Sponsored: Proposers/Sponsors: Calvin S. Hawkins, Thomas E. Dernoga, Wala Blegay, Ingrid S. Watson, Eric C. Olson, Jolene Ivey, Wanika Fisher, Sydney J. Harrison, Krystal Oriadha
Info: AN ACT CONCERNING VEHICLE LAW - NOISE ABATEMENT MONITORING SYSTEMS - PILOT PROGRAM for the purpose of establishing a pilot program to authorize the use of noise abatement monitoring systems in Prince George’s County, to enforce certain motor vehicle noise requirements; and generally relating to the use of noise abatement monitoring systems.
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Bill: CB-067-2024 (Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Bills)
Status: Passed
Sponsored: Jolene Ivey, Wala Blegay, Sydney J. Harrison, Ingrid S. Watson, Krystal Oriadha, Edward P. Burroughs, Eric C. Olson, Calvin S. Hawkins
Info: AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING - OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE STANDARDS for the purpose of revising and providing certain definitions regarding electric vehicles and electric vehicle parking spaces; requiring a minimum number of electric vehicles parking spaces for newly constructed multifamily, office, and mixed-use developments; minimum required parking spaces with accessible EV charging stations; and generally regarding vehicle parking.
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Bill: CB-084-2024 ( School Zone Stop Sign Cameras Bill)
Status: Passed
Info: AN ACT CONCERNING STOP SIGN MONITORING SYSTEMS - SCHOOL ZONES - AUTHORIZATION For the purpose of authorizing and implementing the use of stop sign monitoring systems on State and local highways located in Prince George’s County in a school zone to record violations of State law requiring obedience to stop signs pursuant to Md. Code Transportation Article Section 21-707, made a part hereof and set forth wholly within this Act; making this Act an emergency bill; providing for the effective date of this Act; providing for the adoption of this Act; and other related provisions to the use and enforcement of stop sign monitoring systems in Prince George’s County.
Sponsored: Thomas E. Dernoga, Krystal Oriadha, Ingrid S. Watson, Wala Blegay, Eric C. Olson, Jolene Ivey, Calvin S. Hawkins, Wanika Fisher, Edward P. Burroughs
Bill: CB-073-2024 (Noise Control)
Status: Passed
Info: AN ACT CONCERNING NOISE CONTROL for the purpose of clarifying the County noise policy; providing for a certain definition; providing for maximum allowable noise levels; repealing waivers and certain regulations and fees for noise level and noise disturbance standards for construction; repealing certain exceptions; providing for certain exemptions; providing for increased penalties; providing for changes for certain civil citation; providing for the issuance of regulations establishing the equipment and techniques used to measure vibrations effective on a certain date; and generally regarding noise control.
Sponsored: Thomas E. Dernoga, Wala Blegay, Ingrid S. Watson, Eric C. Olson, Jolene Ivey, Wanika Fisher, Krystal Oriadha, Calvin S. Hawkins, Edward P. Burroughs
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Bill: CB-030-2024 ( Untraceable Firearms and Minors Bill)
Status: Passed
Info: AN ACT CONCERNING UNTRACEABLE FIREARMS AND MINORS for the purpose of prohibiting the transfer of untraceable firearms to minors; and increasing the maximum penalty for each violation; and other general provisions related to untraceable firearms.
Sponsored: Krystal Oriadha, Calvin S. Hawkins, Wala Blegay, Eric C. Olson, Thomas E. Dernoga, Edward P. Burroughs
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Bill: CB-088-2024
Status: Passed
Info: AN ACT CONCERNING MINIMUM WAGE INDEXING for the purpose of indexing Prince George’s County’s minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index.
Sponsored: Thomas E. Dernoga, Krystal Oriadha, Eric C. Olson, Calvin S. Hawkins, Wala Blegay, Ingrid S. Watson, Wanika Fisher, Sydney J. Harrison, Jolene Ivey, Edward P. Burroughs
You can read the rest of the bills passed here.
Calvert County Government Meetings
Calvert County Board of County Commissions Meeting
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Planning Commission 11-20-2024
Community Meetings:
Life After Release Free Expungement Clinic Every 1st Saturday of the month
Date: First Saturday of the Month
Time: 1 -3 p.m.
Location: Creative Suitland located at 4719 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746
Info: The criminal records expungement clinic is a chance for members of the community to meet with an attorney to have their criminal records expunged. The goal is to have a petition for expungement drawn up after meeting with an attorney.
This event has been successful in the past, and we’re looking forward to this one. It provides the opportunity for people to walk away on the road to having certain criminal charges off their record. The only requirement is that these be Maryland residence, with the tenacity to see the process through. There might be further qualifications to have a record expunged, but that is what the attorneys are there to assist people in determining.
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Prince George’s County Arts & Humanities
Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip
Date: December 15, 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 12:00 – 3 p.m.
Location: Arts'tination 162 Waterfront Street Oxon Hill, MD, 20745
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Thanksgiving Community Brunch
Prince George's Council Council Chair Jolene Ivey, in partnership with Open Heart Restoration Ministries, Smart1 Solutions, and Robert R. Gray Elementary, will host a Thanksgiving Community Brunch, Saturday, November 23 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
LOCATION: Robert R. Gray Elementary School
4949 Addison Road
Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743
Join Council Chair Jolene Ivey for a festive community celebration with food, face painting, crafts, and fun for all ages! Food will be served from 11:00 AM - 2:00- PM. Food basket raffles will be provided by Glenarden Unit 275.
For more information, please contact the District 5 Team via email at CouncilDistrict5@co.pg.md.us
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District 9 Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway
Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Sydney J. Harrison, in partnership with Coalition for Stronger Communities and Project Give Back will host a Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
TIME: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Surrattsville High School
6101 Garden Drive, #2541
Clinton, MD 20735
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the District 9 Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway has been relocated to Surrattsville High School, 6101 Garden Drive, Clinton, MD 20735. Each vehicle receive one box of Thanksgiving meal items, which will be placed in the trunks of vehicles by event volunteers and staff.
*Meal boxes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.*
For more information, please contact the Council District 9 office at (301) 952-3820 or by email at CouncilDistrict9@co.pg.md.us.
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District 7 Ugly Sweater Wonderland Party
Join Prince George's County Council Member Krystal Oriadha and the District 7 Team in celebrating the holiday season with an Ugly Sweater Wonderland Party!
DATE: Monday, December 16, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Hillcrest Heights Community Center
2300 Oxon Run Drive
Hillcrest Heights, Maryland 20748
This is a festive, fun, and lighthearted event with everyone encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters. Think snowflakes, twinkling lights, oversized bows, and whimsical decorations. Council Member Oriadha welcomes all District 7 families and residents to enjoy the holiday season with the District 7 team.
Please complete our event registration form to confirm your attendance. For more information, please contact (301) 952-3690 or email CouncilDistrict7@co.pg.md.us.
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Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Prince George's County Council Member At-Large Hawkins, in partnership with Broad Umbrella Coalition and The Hill Fellowship, will host a Thanksgiving Dinner for the community at large.
DATE: Thursday November 28, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION: The Hill Fellowship
5354 Sheriff Road
Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743
We believe no one should go hungry on Thanksgiving. Council Member At-Large Hawkins, Broad Umbrella Coalition and The Hill Fellowship invite the community to indulge in a hot meal, desserts, music, and good times with family and friends.
This event is free for all! For more information, please contact Toney Bazemore at (240) 405-0360.
News: Local
Updated: Activists Moved Local Municipalities To Pass Resolutions For A Ceasefire In Gaza
Excerpt: Prince George’s County activists have pushed eight North County municipalities – Cheverly, Colmar Manor, College Park, Brentwood, Riverdale, Mt. Rainier, New Carrollton, and Hyattsville – to pass resolutions that call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“We’ve been working diligently with local community members and elected officials across the county, who recognize that genocide is wrong – and embrace their power in standing up against it,” said Raaheela Ahmed, activist, and former county school board council member.
“I believe that local ceasefire resolutions are important as a way regular citizens can make our will and feelings known where we live, where we pay taxes, in our communities, influencing the elected officials who answer most directly to us,” said Juliana Barnet, a Jewish activist that’s participated in several direct action protests.
Chloe Waterman, spokesperson for Prince Georges 4 Palestine, said county “residents care deeply about justice, which includes standing up for the rights and dignity of people of Gaza.”
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Prince George’s County Council Passes Senior Housing Tax Credit
Excerpt: A revised senior property tax credit passed the Prince George’s County Council with an 8-0 vote and two abstentions on Nov. 12.
To qualify for the tax credit, residents must be 65 or older, have lived in their home for 25 years or more, and have a home appraisal of $500,000 or less.
The bill’s main sponsor was County Councilmember Ed Burroughs III (D- District 8), who noted that the goal of the legislation is to help keep seniors in Prince George’s.
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Prince George’s Development Corporation CEO David Iannucci Announces Retirement
Excerpt: David Iannucci, CEO and president of the Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation, announced he is retiring, effective Dec. 31. His replacement will likely be named by the incoming county executive who replaces U.S. Sen.-elect Angela Alsobrooks (D).
“It’s time for me, time for the organization, time for a new generation to take leadership,” said Iannucci in an interview with the Washington Business Journal.
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Attorney General Sues Owners of Heather Hill Apartments
Excerpt: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) announced he is pressing charges against the owners of the Temple Hills apartment complex Heather Hill for using unfair and deceptive marketing practices on Nov. 13.
The complex allegedly operated without a temporary rental housing license from the May 2022 acquisition of the property until May of this year, despite multiple notices from the Prince George’s County’s Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). The first hearing will be next year, on Feb. 10.
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Bowie Police Department uses drones to free up officers' time
Excerpt: The Bowie Police Department hopes to one day follow Montgomery County’s lead by expanding its use of drones as first responders to free up more time for police officers.
“But right now, we’re just trying to supplement, as far as using it as a tool to help officers with everything,” said Cpl. Aaron Saunders, who is also a drone operator with the Bowie Police Department.
Bowie officers use the drones for search and rescue, evidence collection and even at community events where they can share the drone’s capabilities with the public, according to police officials.
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Chesapeake Beach Tragedy: Deputy And Victim Identified In Fatal Police-Involved Collision
Excerpt: The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent, and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputy involved in the fatal police-involved vehicle collision that occurred on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County, Maryland.
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Archaeological Discovery in Calvert County May Shed Light on 17th Century Life
Excerpt: A weeklong archaeology dig conducted in April this year revealed brick fragments, tobacco pipe stems and soil discolorations that indicate human activity. The site’s uniqueness lies in its apparent short period of use, which provides archaeologists with a snapshot of a specific moment in the region’s past. Artifacts recovered from the site place its occupation between approximately 1660 and 1715.
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Chesapeake Beach Enhances Walking Trails with New Markers
Excerpt: The Town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, has taken another step toward promoting outdoor recreation and walkability by enhancing the North Path of the Bay and Blossoms Walking Trails.