FBI Investigating Racist Graffiti

"One of the main benefits of the RC&D program is the promotion of local economies through the leveraging of federal dollars," Cardin wrote.

Accreditation Hearing

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron (R) announced last week that a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. will be in the county beginning Saturday to examine all aspects of the St. Mary's Sheriff's Office policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

The visit is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation from the organization.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and residents will have a chance to offer comments at a public information session from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, 44219 Airport Rd., California. Anyone interested in speaking should sign in between 6:30 and 7 p.m. in Room 135.

Comments also may be made by telephone. Those unable to attend the meeting may call 240-298-3759 between 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The Sheriff's Office has to comply with 446 standards to gain accreditation, Cameron said in a statement. A copy of the standards is available in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office, 23150 Leonard Hall Dr., Leonardtown.

Mail comments to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, 10306 Easton Pl., Suite 320, Fairfax, Va. 22030.

Patuxent Park Makes Cut

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) announced last week that the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $200,000 grant for the Patuxent Park area wastewater collection system in St. Mary's County.

The board -- whose members are O'Malley, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) -- must approve major state construction and procurement expenditures.

The proposed project involves rehabilitation of a substantial portion of the Patuxent Park area wastewater collection system in Lexington Park. The work will include repairing and/or replacing defective sewer lines and manholes.

"I am pleased that the Maryland Department of the Environment has assisted the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission with funding for the Patuxent Park sewer improvement project," commission director Steven L. King said. "By eliminating a severe inflow and infiltration problem, the leaching of untreated sewage directly into the groundwater will be curtailed."

Chamber to Honor Women

Vicki Lucas will be the keynote speaker at the Charles County Chamber of Commerce's 38th Annual Working Woman's Appreciation Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center.

An expert on women's health, Lucas runs a health-care consulting company and has published many articles.

Reservations are required. Registration costs $35 for chamber members, $45 for others.

To make reservations or for information, call 301-932-6500 or 301-870-3089.