Thursday, December 29, 2016

Tree Pick-up/Collection - Click for Info

We hate to see you go.

Tree Pick-up/Collection – Set your tree out with your regular trash

Christmas Trees will be picked up with regular trash collection on:

January 5 and January 6

January 12 and January 13

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Town of Leonardtown Extends Deadline for Year-End Tax Payments

Town of Leonardtown Extends Deadline for Year-End Tax Payments

The Town of Leonardtown is extending the due date for tax payments (due December 31, 2016) to January 3, 2017. Payments may be remitted by mail or walk-in service. 

Payments submitted by mail must be postmarked by January 3, 2017. 

Payments dropped in drop-box must be in by close of business on January 3, 2017. 


The office will be closed all day on January 2, 2017. 

Friday, December 23, 2016

Trash Collection on Normal Schedule December 26 and January 2

For the Town of Leonardtown Residents:

Trash collection is on normal schedule for Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd.

Happy Holidays from the Town Staff

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Kalnasy Concert Series at St. Aloysius - Sunday January 8th

The Kalnasy Concert Series at St. Aloysius presents......SPIRIT AND SONG -  Songs of Joy and Hope for a New Year 

The beginning of a new year is indeed a time of spirit and song!  The St. Aloysius Catholic Church Music Ministry invites individuals and families of all religious denominations to join them on Sunday, January 8, 2016 at 3:00 PM in the Church for a New Year's Choral Festival. This concert is part of the Kalnasy Concert Series.

This celebration of song includes traditional Christmas carols, liturgical hymns, and songs of praise sung by voices from the Cross Generation Middle and High School Choir, and Grateful Hearts Adult Choir.   The Handbell Ensemble, members of the Praise Band and vocal soloists from the choirs will showcase their talents and help us to rejoice in the beginning of a blessed New Year.  
  

The Choral Festival is free, but guests are encouraged to bring canned food items or a small cash donation which will benefit Helping Hands Food Bank.  For more information about the Concert, please call the Church Rectory at 301-475-8064.  You can also visit St. Aloysius Catholic Church on line at http://www.saintaloysiuschurch.org/




Monday, December 12, 2016

CANCELLED - Planning and Zoning Commission for December 19, 2016

As there are no items to be hear, the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2016 has been CANCELLED. 

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 17, 2016.



Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Public Forum - December 6, 2016 - 6:30 p.m. Two New Liquor License Proposals

Public Forum - December 6, 2016 - 6:30 p.m.

Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge St, Leonardtown, MD
Come out and support 2 new liquor license proposals.
POC: Delegate Deb Rey - DebRey.com


Tuesday, October 04, 2016

TOWN HALL CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF COLUMBUS DAY

TOWN HALL CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF  COLUMBUS DAY

The Town Hall will be closed Monday, October 10, 2016, in observance of Columbus Day.  

The regular monthly Town Council meeting
 will be held on Tuesday, October 11th  4:00 p.m. 
at the Town Office located at 22670 Washington Street.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

TODAY at 2:20 p.m. - National Emergency Alert System Test to Take Place Minute-long test will be seen and heard on television and radio stations


2015 Semifinalists of "America's Got Talent" saves Bluegrass for Hospice - 2016!

2015 Semifinalists of "America's Got Talent" saves
Bluegrass for Hospice - 2016!

California, MD September 19, 2016: The annual Bluegrass for Hospice will take place on Saturday October 22, 2016 at the Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, Maryland.  Starting at noon, this family event will feature a full day of fun with music, raffles, silent auction, and door prizes.  Mountain Faith who appeared on Americans Got Talent TV program in 2015 and made it to the semifinalists will headline the event along with Bluegrass greats, The Larry Stephenson Band from Nashville, TN along with other local talent.

Originally scheduled were The Willis Clan from the TLC TV Network and Nashville, Tennessee.  But due to family emergencies, the family and management decided to cancel all of their forth coming shows.  However 2 great groups are lined up to continue a family friendly show.  Presented by Jay & Michelle Armsworthy, Bluegrass for Hospice, in its 8th year, will benefit the Hospice of St. Mary’s, Hospice House.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.bluegrassforhospice.com.

Mountain Faith (MFB) is a family band from Western North Carolina and play Bluegrass/Americana-Roots music.  Since the year 2000, The Mountain Faith Band has performed their unique brand of music to audiences from coast to coast at Fairs, Festivals, Colleges, Universities, Performing Arts Centers, Corporate Events, and Churches. 

What makes them an appropriate fit for Bluegrass For Hospice, is that their humility, kindness and love of community shines through on stage and casual conversation.  Visiting hospitals to bring joy and entertainment to those who could use a lift is something MFB loves to do. When their tour schedule allows, you may find the MFB performing a prepared program to promote literacy and character education at elementary and high schools along their route.  Above all else, MFB is thankful for the opportunities God has provided them through music.

There 2015 highlight was performing for over 3,000 military men and women at Al Udeid AFB, Doha Qatar.  Thus far in 2016 MFB has shared the stage with legends Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, and Loretta Lynn to name a few. On September 16, 2016 THE GRAND OLE OPRY stage lit up with the debut of The Mountain Faith Band. They have performed the National Anthem for the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves, SF 49ers, plus halftime shows for The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.  There latest album, “That Which Matters” debuted #1 on Billboard Americana-Roots Charts. MFB has celebrated multiple #1 songs over their career. 

For 2016, MFB have been nominated “Emerging Artist of the Year”, by the IBMA.  Summer McMahan (Vocalist for MFB) was the 2015 “Momentum Vocalist of the Year” presented by IBMA.  With the support of millions, MFB advanced to the 2015 semifinals of “America’s Got Talent” and has since accumulated over 36,000 Facebook Friends.

The Larry Stephenson Band has roots near Southern Maryland.  From just across the Potomac in King George, VA, now making his home in Nashville, TN is highly regarded as one of bluegrass music's finest high lead and tenor vocalist. 

Larry started playing with his Dad beginning in the mid ‘70s where he started him on the mandolin at age 5.  By the age of 13, Larry had cut this first record.  He credits the rich music scene of Virginia for much of his musical success, having seen and heard the first generation bluegrass performers at festivals, shows, and on the radio.  One of his childhood performances with his Dad’s band was at one of the Take It Easy Ranch music festivals in Callaway, MD that were held in the early 70’s.

After high school graduation, he worked and recorded with Cliff Waldron and Leon Morris while soaking up the Washington, D.C. rich musical scene, which included cutting edge bands like The Country Gentlemen and The Seldom Scene as well as traditional bluegrass and old-time music. In 1979, Larry began touring and recording with Bill Harrell & the Virginians where he stayed over four years. In 1983, he joined the famed Bluegrass Cardinals performing and recording with them for over five years. That band configuration is often referred to as one of the "classic lineups of the Bluegrass Cardinals."

The award-winning Larry Stephenson Band has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years including their numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry, RFD-TV and many more headlining concerts. Larry Stephenson is a “Virginia Country Music Hall of Famer” and 5-Time SPBGMA “Male Vocalist of the Year”.  The band has received critical acclaim for their numerous bluegrass albums over the years and continues that success with their latest album, “Pull Your Savior In”, an all-gospel project and winner of the 2015 SPBGMA Album of the Year Award.  Larry is joined by the talents of Kenny Ingram, Kevin Richardson and Matt Wright.

Other Bluegrass talent will feature local favorites: Recycled Bluegrass, 15 Strings, Bubby Abell & Spoon Creek, and Bluegrass Gospel Express.  There will also be a special “Bottom County Bluegrass” tribute to Charlie Thompson, with this year’s event in his memory as well as longtime patron, Jay RussellTroy Jones will provide sound for the day’s event. 

There’ll be many door prizes given away, 50/50 raffles, silent auctions, and various vendors.  Food will be available for sale by the “3rd District Optimist Kruzin’ Kafe” and will feature some fine Southern Maryland style cooking at affordable prices.  Please bring your lawn chairs and BYOB.  The event will be held inside a handicap accessible arena style barn with outdoor bathroom facilities.  The doors open at 11 am and the festivities begin at noon.

In addition to all of the great entertainment, there will also be a food drive requesting non-perishable food items to support the Helping Hands Food Pantry of Southern Maryland.  Everyone is encouraged to bring, but it’s not required to enter the event.  As always, they are in much demand for contributions.

For out of town guests, accommodations can be provided by the “new” Holiday Inn Express located at 45260 Abell House Lane in California, MD.  Ask for the “Southern Maryland Bluegrass Festival Discount Hotel Rate” to receive a special very low affordable rate.

Tickets for Bluegrass for Hospice-2016 can be purchased in advance for $25.00 and will be $30.00 at the gate.  Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult.  You can purchase tickets by mail by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check made payable to “Hospice of St. Mary’s” and mail to P.O. Box 741, California, MD, 20619.  To order by credit card online from “Brown Paper Tickets” go directly to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2564164.  If you’d like to purchase them in person, they are available at The Trading Post on the corner of MD Rt. 5 and Indian Bridge Rd in Great Mills, MD.

Vender applications are now being accepted for the event.  For more information, to be a sponsor, or to reserve a vendor space, contact Jay Armsworthy at 301-737-3004 and check the website as well, www.bluegrassforhospice.com.


Thursday, August 25, 2016

Upcoming Events in Leonardtown


So Long Summer, Hello Fall!!

This Saturday, August, 27
7:30 AM  Sunrise Yoga at the Wharf
Sunrise Yoga at the Wharf, hosted by Evolve Yoga and Wellness, is an open community yoga practice for all levels. Please bring a dry goods donation for either a food pantry or pet shelter, your mat, a bottle of water and your friends. For more information visit EvolveYogaWellness.com

6 - 9 PM  Downtown Tunes with Wesley Spangler
Join us for Downtown Tunes Country Night with Wesley Spangler - A FREE, all-ages concert from 6-9 PM. Bring chairs and blankets, grab dinner at a local restaurant and make a it a great Saturday night in Leonardtown Square! Presented by the Leonardtown Business Association and financed in part with a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council and Maryland State Arts Council, and series sponsors Quality Built Homes, Winegardner Automotive, Marrick Homes and Big Larry's Eatery. 

Friday, September 2
5 - 8 PM Arts & Entertainment First Friday Art Walk
Live music, demos, vendors and hands on activities
https://www.facebook.com/events/589477107892643/

Sunday, September 18
12:00 noon - 4:30 PM A Taste of St. Mary's
sponsored by St.Mary's County Chamber of Commerce
Purchase tickets to enjoy food samples complete with desserts, wine and beer
https://www.facebook.com/events/1426522680707820/

Saturday, October 1
9 AM St. Vincent DePaul Society
Friends of the Poor Walk
https://www.facebook.com/events/840698042698016/

Friday, October 7
5 - 8 PM Pink Friday to benefit Breast Cancer patients and survivors
https://www.facebook.com/events/1128267173899190/

Sunday, October 9 
1 PM Antique Tractor and Truck Parade
 Sponsored by the Southern Maryland Antique Power Association

https://www.facebook.com/events/553408308177894/

Saturday, October 22
NEW TIME 3-5 PM  Trick or Treat on the Square with face painting, crafts and a pet costume contest
https://www.facebook.com/events/508944379303751/

NEW EVENT!
Saturday, October 29
7 - 10 p.m. The Blues Block Party on the Square
Come meet the performers of the Pax River Air Show - including the Blue Angels - for photos and autographs!  Wear your best glow in the dark attire and accessories and help us light up the night!  Live music, children's activities, souvenir "Pilot's Log" autograph book and more!  Stay tuned for details!




Tuesday, August 09, 2016

Announcement about Property Taxes

Announcement about Property Taxes

Leonardtown property tax invoices were mailed Tuesday August 9th.  Please forward to your mortgage lender if your taxes are paid out of your escrow account.  If not, please note there is a separate remittance address for property tax payments.  It is displayed at the top of each invoice as P.O. Box 1751, Leonardtown, MD  20650.


If you have not received your property tax invoice by Wednesday August 17th, please contact the Town office.

Saturday, August 06, 2016

Beach Party Plan Ahead

BEACH PARTY is TODAY! August 6 from 4 - 9 p.m.
Plan your day
Parking
Please note the parking lots for Knights of Columbus/Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Wine and Design, The Front Porch, and Bank of America are reserved for private functions and businesses.
Parking is available at the old LVFD carnival lot and the public lots on Courthouse Drive and Park Avenue. Additional parking and shuttle service are available at the College of Southern Maryland Campus.
Rain Policy
There is no rain date for Beach Party, so we are forging ahead with plans - come join us!  As in the past, we will set up, pause activities for passing showers and then continue the event. Please be prepared with umbrellas.  If the weather appears dangerous, Organizers will stop the event as needed.


Event Content
Attached are the flyer, map and schedule. Many thanks to our participating Vendors, Entertainers and Sponsors!

Beach Party is ON for Saturday, August 6, 4 - 9 p.m.

BEACH PARTY on the SQUARE IS HAPPENING - RAIN or SHINE -
And That's NO BULL!

So wear your swimsuit and bring your umbrella, and we'll see you on the Square!

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Lexington Park, Rotary Club #5892 and the Leonardtown Rotary for our new friend, pictured here. Running of the Balls is at 7:00 PM Sharp! 

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Trash and Recycling Collection Slides Forward One Day

For Town of Leonardtown Residents
Due to the Fourth of July Holiday
Trash and Recycling Collection will slide forward one day.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Water Quality Report - 2015 Consumer Confident Report (CCR)

2015 Consumer Confident Report (CCR)
Commissioners of Leonardtown


The 2015 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available to Town residents and the public at the town office, 41660 Courthouse Drive. Leonardtown, MD between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and at the Leonardtown Post Office, 22735 Washington Street and is also available online at http://leonardtown.somd.com/government/CCRReport-current.pdf under Town Government, Water Quality Reports.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Planning and Zoning Meeting and Public Hearing on 41655 Park Avenue on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.

The Town of Leonardtown will hold the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. 

4:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING on 41655 Park Avenue - Executive Inn – Rezoning Request Case #25-16 – Recommendation to Town Council to re-zone Map 123, Parcel 423 from Commercial Business (C-B) to Residential Multi-Family (R-MF).



Thursday, June 16, 2016

6/17 US Navy Band Concert - Weather Update

Rain forecasted for tonight and most of tomorrow, with a chance - a slight chance - that the storm will taper off in time for tomorrow night's concert.
So, at this point, plans are moving forward.  If the forecast says the storm will end around 3 or 4 p.m. we will have the concert. Otherwise, it will be too wet for the band to set up. A final decision will be posted by 12 noon tomorrow 6/17. 

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

June Concerts in Leonardtown


This Friday, June 10
Starting @ 6:30 p.m. @ the Leonardtown Wharf Park - FREE Concert withSouthern Maryland Youth Orchestra and Choir - a full 60 piece orchestra and choir of talented youth from the tri-county area. Enjoy an evening of great music and cool breezes off the water.
This Friday, June 10
Starting @ 4 p.m. - Summer kick off outdoor concert at Olde Town Pub -Justin Myles Experience from 4 -7 p.m., Robbie Boothe from 7 - 10 p.m. 21+ $5 cover; Under 21 free admission. Parking is available in PUBLIC lots around Town as well as lot across from the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department on Lawrence Ave.
Next Friday, June 17
Starting at 6 PM - US Navy Band Commodores Jazz Band has graciously agreed to make up the rained out May 21 concert! From 6 – 7:30 PM, the US Navy Commodores Jazz Band will be playing a FREE concert outdoors in historic Leonardtown Square. The 19-piece ensemble, complete with vocalist, will play an eclectic mix of traditional big band music, exciting jazz vocal arrangements as well as fresh new instrumental music written specifically for the Commodores of today. Lawn seating is available. Enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants, then grab a blanket or a chair and join us on the Square - dancing encouraged! The portion of the Square around the Memorials will be closed to parking and traffic.
Saturday, June 25
Starting at 6 PM - Robbie Boothe returns to the Leonardtown Square for Downtown Tunes. Concert is FREE and open to the public. Lawn seating is available. Enjoy dinner at one of our local restaurants, then grab a blanket or a chair and join us on the Square! For event safety, the portion of the Square around the Memorials will be closed to parking and traffic.

Town Council Meeting, Monday, June 13, 2016, 4:00 p.m.


Tuesday, June 07, 2016

Notice of Public Hearing - Rezoning Request 41655 Park Avenue, Leonardtown, MD

Commissioners of Leonardtown
Notice of Public Hearing
Rezoning Request 41655 Park Ave., Leonardtown


The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 20, 2016 at 4:15 p.m. at the Town Office, 41660 Courthouse Drive, regarding Tax Map 133, Parcel 423.  The purpose of the hearing will be to present for public review and receive public comment regarding the request to rezone the parcel located at 41655 Park Ave. from Commercial Business (C-B) to Residential Multi-Family (R-MF). Copies of the documents are available for public review at the Leonardtown Town Office. The public is invited to attend and/or send written comments to the Commissioners of Leonardtown, P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, MD  20650 to be received no later than June 20, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.  Special accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request.

By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator


NOTE: If this request receives a favorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission it will then be sent to the Leonardtown Town Council for their decision. A public hearing would then be held at the next Town Council meeting in July.  See the notice below.

Commissioners of Leonardtown
Notice of Public Hearing
Rezoning Request 41655 Park Ave., Leonardtown

The Commissioners of Leonardtown will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 4:15 p.m. at the Town Office, 41660 Courthouse Drive, regarding Tax Map 133, Parcel 423.  The purpose of the hearing will be to present for public review and receive public comment regarding the request to rezone the parcel located at 41655 Park Ave. from Commercial Business (C-B) to Residential Multi-Family (R-MF). Copies of the documents are available for public review at the Leonardtown Town Office. The public is invited to attend and/or send written comments to the Commissioners of Leonardtown, P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, MD  20650 to be received no later than July 11, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.  Special accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request.


By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator

Friday, June 03, 2016

Where's Crabby First Friday, Tonight, June 3 from 5 - 8 p.m.

What are YOU doing tonight?
Don't let a little rain dampen your Friday Night - come to Leonardtown First Fridays!
Chesapeake Swingband and The House of Dance are braving the weather, from 6 - 8 p.m. so please come out to the Leonardtown Square tonight for some great music and maybe a quick swing dance lesson!
From 5 - 8 p.m. take your cell phones to Yellow Door Art Studios to get the rules and list of businesses participating in our Where's Crabby? Selfie Scavenger Hunt. Grand prize is two (2) 1/2-day kayak rentals fromPatuxent Adventure Center paddle sports.
Need more?
Wine tastings at Quality Street Kitchen and Catering, and Crabby First Friday with Lexie Trader Patio Debut! at Port of Leonardtown Winery; art to see and buy at North End GalleryOPAL Fine ArtYellow Door Art Studios,Caught My Eye, and Dragonfly Designs Jewelry; smoothies at The Good Earth Natural Foods Company, crabby sundaes at Big Larry's Eatery, gelato at Heritage Chocolates, Hawaiian shaved ice with Kona Ice of St. Mary's County and toast-your-own marshmallows at BTB Speakeasy; a book signing at Fenwick Street Used Books & Music...and the list goes on and on!

Friday, May 27, 2016

TRASH AND RECYCLING Holiday Schedule for Memorial Day

TRASH AND RECYCLING Holiday Schedule for Memorial Day

Collection slides forward next (1) day for residential trash and recycling

Monday to Tuesday
Tuesday to Wednesday
Wednesday to Thursday
Thursday to Friday

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

CANCELLED - US Navy Band Concert

Thanks for hoping (and praying) with us, but the storm is not letting up any time soon, so we needed to cancel the concert for tonight. Efforts are being made to try to reschedule. Updates will be posted on Facebook and the Town website, and in the Beacon Newsletter and the County Times.
Enjoy the rest of your day and Happy Armed Services Day to our active duty and retired military and their families!

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Music All Summer Long!

If the weather holds, the season starts this Saturday the 21st with the US Navy Band on the Square at 6 PM. (If it rains, we will have to cancel, so keep hoping that storm moves through fast!) Not shown on this ad are 2 concerts on Friday, June 10: the Southern Maryland Youth Orchestra & Choir Concert at the Leonardtown Wharf at 6:30 p.m. and a Summer Kickoff outdoor concert at the Olde Town Pub with Justin Myles from 4-7 p.m. and Robbie Boothe from 7 - 10 p.m. Can't get enough music? Keep watching our Facebook page - we might be scheduling a few more before Summer '16 is over!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Tonight's Concert Moved Indoors

CALENDAR CHANGE
LHS Jazz Ensemble Spring Concert
Due to inclement weather, tonight's concert has been MOVED INDOORS from the Leonardtown Wharf Park to the LHS CHORUS ROOM (behind the auditorium).
Concert is still set for 6 PM start time.
Please come out and support these talented musicians!

Monday, May 09, 2016

Auxiliary of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Dept Fundraiser - Tastefully Simple

The Auxiliary of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Dept is having a fundraiser through Tastefully Simple!  If you are a fan of great spices and sauces, beer bread, amazing appetizers and desserts, or Freezer Meal Kits, this is your opportunity to stock up while supporting a great cause!  Simply go to www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jreed  and start shopping!  There is a link on that page for our fundraiser - it says Auxiliary of Leonardtown Fire Dept.  Simply click on that link before you shop and your order will go toward the fundraiser.  25% of the product total will be donated to the Auxiliary.  

This is a great opportunity for you to stock up on your favorite products, try some new ones, or get your gift giving taken care of.  Tastefully Simple makes the perfect gift because Everybody Eats!  Father's Day is coming up and we've got great grilling sauces and spices.  A Freezer Meal Kit would make a wonderful wedding gift or baby shower gift.  We have great gift items at every price point.  Orders will be shipped directly to your doorstep in 7-10 days.  If you have any questions about the fundraiser or about specific products, please do not hesitate to contact the consultant, Jamie Reed, at jamieredd@hotmail.com 


Thank you in advance for your support on this fundraiser for the Auxiliary of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Dept.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Leonardtown Election Day - Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Town Office

Election Day for the Town of Leonardtown will be held on
 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 


Election of  one (1) Mayor and two (2) Council Members 

Candidates running are:

Daniel W. Burris for Mayor

Hayden T. Hammett for Council Member

Jay Mattingly for Council Member

Polls open:

Tuesday, May 3, 2016.

Between the hours of 
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Held at the Town Office:

41660 Courthouse Dr.
Leonardtown, Maryland


Voting is only applicable to those residents who are registered to vote and live within the incorporated boundaries of the Town of Leonardtown.


Thursday, April 21, 2016

31st Annual Spring Fling Car Show This Sunday!


300+ vehicles on a beautiful Sunday afternoon 
with live music, raffles, food and children's activities. 
Bring the whole family! 
Roads in and around the Town Square will be closed 
starting at 6 a.m.
The 31st Annual Spring Fling Classic Car Show is sponsored 
by St. Mary's Rod & Classic.  
Proceeds benefit Hospice of St. Mary's County


Monday, April 18, 2016

Police Department Warns Public of Jury Duty Scam

La Plata Police Department Warns Public of Jury Duty Scam

La Plata Police Department Warns Public of Jury Duty Scam



La Plata Police Department has receivLa Plata Police Department Warns Public of Jury Duty Scamed complaints of con-artists calling local citizens and demanding immediate payment for missing federal jury duty and if the payment/personal information is not given over the phone the caller threatens to have the victim arrested.
These con-artists frequently prey upon elderly citizens.
Please share this alert and talk with your senior family members and friends. If you have any questions please give us a call, 301-934-1500.
Below is a message from the FBI reference jury duty scams.
The phone rings, you pick it up, and the caller identifies himself as an officer of the court. He says you failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant is out for your arrest. You say you never received a notice. To clear it up, the caller says he’ll need some information for “verification purposes”—your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number.
This is when you should hang up the phone. It’s a scam.
Jury scams have been around for years, but have seen a resurgence in recent months. Communities in more than a dozen states have issued public warnings about cold calls from people claiming to be court officials seeking personal information. As a rule, court officers never ask for confidential information over the phone; they generally correspond with prospective jurors via mail.
The scam’s bold simplicity may be what makes it so effective. Facing the unexpected threat of arrest, victims are caught off guard and may be quick to part with some information to defuse the situation.
“They get you scared first,” says a special agent in the Minneapolis field office who has heard the complaints. “They get people saying, ‘Oh my gosh! I’m not a criminal. What’s going on?’” That’s when the scammer dangles a solution-a fine, payable by credit card, that will clear up the problem.
With enough information, scammers can assume your identity and empty your bank accounts.