april2026_laurel_web

Laurel City Council approves formation of redistricting committee

By JALEN WADE

A boom in housing construction and population growth could lead to political redistricting in the City of Laurel after the City Council approved a new committee to redraw political maps.

During a March 23 council meeting, the plan to establish the committee was approved unani-

mously, paving the way for potential redistricting by 2027. City officials said population growth driven by new housing is prompting Laurel leaders to consider redrawing ward boundaries.

“The City of Laurel is growing tremendously,” said Council Member Kyla Clark (Ward 2). “I think everyone is looking at redistricting, but Maryland is looking at it

History-maker Olivia Crosby rises with girls wrestling

By ANIKA STIKELEATHER

Stuck between the sweat-stained mat and her male opponent for almost all of the Prince George’s County wrestling tournament semifinal match, Olivia Crosby, 17, refused to yield.

After a speeding escape forced Amari Points into a technical violation, Crosby looked up from the mat laughing. It was then that her coaches knew she could make history–not long before winning the championship match against another male opponent, Daemon Powell.

On Feb. 26, Crosby, a Laurel High School junior, became Prince George’s County’s first female wrestling champion; competing and winning against boys in the 106 lbs weight class. The win win also made her the first African American girl to win a county championship in the state facing a male opponent. After sweeping the girls 4A-3A West Regional title in Laurel’s gym the same week, Crosby placed third in the state competition.

“One thing about wrestling, wrestling loves an underdog,” said Crosby who failed to place in the previous season. “I wanted it more and I fought for it the hardest so that’s why I got it…it also came along with who played the smarter game...”

a little differently than the City of Laurel. We basically want to make sure that our boundaries aren’t uneven, and so there’s equal opportunity on both sides when it comes to [residents] votes.”

The city’s population grew by 4,945 residents to more than 30,000 between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Officials believe popu-

lation growth will continue as new housing developments attract more residents.

Since 2022, Ward 2 has added about 500 homes and has a population of 16,446, based on 2020 data. That is about 2,800 more than Ward 1, which has 13,614 residents.

Laurel previously explored redistricting in 2022. At that time,

the committee recommended no changes to ward boundaries based on 2020 census data. That changed in February, after the Department of Economic and Community Development proposed forming a new redistricting committee in response to increased housing development. Population counts are taken

‘No Kings’ rally draws hundreds in Laurel

By ASHANTI NOLLIE

More than 500 people gathered in the City of Laurel on March 28 to join the “No Kings” rally, part of a planned national protest against the Trump administration and its policies.

The event took place at Emancipation Park near the Laurel Branch Library before participants gathered along Route

198 dressed in costumes and toting signs.

Organizers said the rally was an inclusive event, drawing a diverse crowd across age and racial groups, as well as people with disabilities.

“This administration is based on retaliation and seeks to divide Americans,” U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, (D-Md)., said to the crowd. “Trump is using the Oval Office as a cash machine for him and his billionaire

… that sounds like an individual who wants to be king. And do we say no to kings?”

“No!” the crowd shouted in response, many of whom arrived with protest signs.

Van Hollen was joined by U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Dist. 4) during the rally, which was organized by Laurel Resist, a local progressive group formed in 2017 in response to President Donald Trump’s first term.

Amy Knox, president of Laurel Resist, opened the event by telling the crowd that the protest was in response to the growing economic and social strain she sees every day in the community.

A community newspaper chronicling the people and events of Laurel, Maryland. LaurelIndependent.com

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Interim Associate Editor Jalen Wade Jalen@streetcarsuburbs.news

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Agnes Pasco Conaty, Jimmy Rogers

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Treasurer: Joe Murchison

General Counsel: Michael Walls

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Ex Officios: Joshua Garner, Nigel F. Maynard, Sharon O’Malley, Kit Slack

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Former Laurel High guard leaps into college game

By WILL CHASE

Amadou Kaloga was a key piece of Laurel High School’s basketball championship run in March 2025. This past season, he completed his freshman year of college basketball at Bowie State University — one defined less by numbers and more by steady growth.

The Laurel native appeared in 22 games and made four starts for the Bowie State Bulldogs, carving out early minutes in a veteran backcourt while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

His best stretch came early in the season, when he scored 11 points against West Chester University on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from 3-point range, and followed it with nine points, four rebounds and two blocks against GoldeyBeacom College.

His presence on the Bulldogs’ roster has become a point of pride for a community that continues to send its talent to the next level.

Kaloga, 19, describes his hometown as everything — the place where he first learned the game and developed his competitive edge.

“Being from Laurel, I carry that with me every time I step on the court,” he said, adding that staying close to home made Bowie State the right fit. “It’s only 20 minutes down the road and very close to Laurel.”

Long before CIAA arenas and college competition, Kaloga’s foundation was built on basketball courts throughout Laurel. He credits his early introduction

to the game to the Winning In Sports and Education youth league.

“It all started with playing basketball in the Laurel W.I.S.E. league, Boys & Girls

New exhibit explores Laurel’s diverse past and present

By ANIKA STIKELEATHER

The Laurel Historical Society’s new annual exhibit explores how Laurel’s diverse communities understand and celebrate freedom.

“Beyond the 4th: Stories of Laurel’s Freedom Celebrations” examines how residents marked major American anniversaries, including the 1876 centennial, the 1926 sesquicentennial and Laurel’s multiday 1976 bicentennial celebration. Through video footage, photographs and memorabilia, visitors can also learn about the history of Laurel’s Emancipation Day and more recent observances such as Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage Month and Laurel Pride.

“[The exhibit] is a living document of where we are now,” said Kristen Norton, executive director of the Laurel Historical Society. Norton said she hopes attendees learn something new and leave with “a broader understanding of what liberty means to them and to their community.”

Community members can view the exhibit through late December at the Laurel Museum, home of the Laurel Historical Society and its archives.

Since 2023, the historical society has

Club, playing in middle school at Eisenhower, and then going on to Laurel High School and winning a state championship,” Kaloga said.

James Agbai, founder and director of the Winning In Sports and Education (W.I.S.E.) youth league and one of Kaloga’s first coaches, saw that potential early.

“Amadou Kaloga, an alumnus of W.I.S.E., exemplifies the qualities of a stellar youth athlete,” Agbai said. “From day one, he was an exceptional listener with a strong desire to master the game.”

Even as a young player, Kaloga stood out.

“He was a reliable scorer and a tremendous defender,” Agbai added. “Beyond his physical skill, he was a natural leader. He helped teammates understand drills and encouraged them when they struggled, always pushing others to compete at a high level.”

Through his transition to the college game, Kaloga said he wanted a sense of community. Competing at an HBCU like Bowie State, in a familiar environment, allowed him to take the next step without leaving behind the community that helped shape him.

“It just felt right,” he said.

Kaloga knows people back home are watching and hopes he can inspire those who come after him.

“Stay consistent, stay in the gym, and trust the process,” he said.

Still, Kaloga said his freshman season has been about learning, adjusting and earning his place. The box score may not yet tell the full story, but at Bowie State, it reflects a guard growing into his role.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Laurel City Council needs a lesson in basic economics

worked to increase diversity at all levels, including staff, leadership and exhibits, according to its three-year strategic plan.

It is “critical as an organization in Laurel, that represents an increasingly diverse community, that we are reflective of that,” Norton said.

Laurel has been diversifying for decades. The city’s population is more than 85% people of color — including nearly 50% African American, 21% Hispanic and 8.2% Asian — according to U.S. Census data.

While part of the exhibit explores traditional patriotic holidays, other panels highlight the experiences of African Americans, women and Indigenous people during these celebrations.

One panel, dating to the mid-20th century, focuses on the experiences of Black residents living in the Grove, a segregated community where only Black residents could live, during Fourth of July celebrations.

The exhibit also explores Laurel’s Emancipation Day celebration, the city’s oldest community festival, which originated in the Grove.

“The Emancipation Proclamation celebration, [is one of] … Laurel’s longest

The reporting by Kit Slack, “Laurel City Council requires builders to sell homes for less,” (March 2026) provides a clear explanation of the issues involved. The recently updated housing construction rules penalize builders by forcing them to take a 30% loss on set-aside homes, benefit one existing company over potential new competition through a 6% vs. 8% set-aside rate, are riddled with loopholes and interfere with free-market pricing mechanisms.

A shortage of affordable housing should be addressed through less restrictive zoning requirements to increase housing density and promote inventory growth. Instead, the council has chosen to reduce the financial incentive for small developers of projects consisting of 20 or more homes by mandating that they sell at substantially below-market rates.

These price controls are a clear infringement on property and contract rights. A builder acting rationally would likely forgo building in the City of Laurel altogether or limit projects to 19 homes to avoid the requirement.

Roger W. Harrison Laurel, MD

1. For 15 years, she’s worked with us, solving problems for Laurel residents. She started as Joseline’s Chief of Staff, then as Community Liaison for our team, and most recently as Councilmember Tom Dernoga’s Chief of Staff.

2. No one works harder, no one cares more. We hear that again and again from Laurel residents. Michelle is a tireless advocate who goes above and beyond — and puts in the extra hours — to make sure people get the help they need.

3. Like our whole Team, she’s a stand up Democrat. She understands that working families in Laurel are under attack by Trump and his MAGA allies — from our Federal employees and health insurance to American democracy itself. Michelle is the kind of fighter we need in these dangerous times.

Act now to save local Laurel news

By KIT SLACK

Laurel’s mayor, in planning the city’s $45 million budget, has told us he will reduce funding to our local news nonprofit from $50,000 to $20,000 per year starting July 1.

We contract with Laurel to print and mail a city newsletter, written and designed by city staff, that takes up a few pages in the middle of this independent newspaper.

Right now, through our news nonprofit, the city spends about 33 cents per resident per month to get information to every household in town. That’s an amazing, unmatched deal for taxpayers – one that can give all residents better access to city services, events and information about participating in local government. We have been proud to help Laurel deliver that.

However, printing and sending mail from the City of Laurel is not our main mission.

Our mission is to bring you the accurate, locally rooted, independent news and information you will find in this newspaper today, with an emphasis on civic organizations, planning and development, youth, seniors, and yes, independent reporting on city government.

We all have a stake in local news. Local news provides the information that residents need to come together to take

care of each other, protect the environment and support local businesses and the arts. Local news is where we celebrate our communities and what we do together. It is where shared facts about a shared place create the conditions for people to disagree without disconnecting, and to govern ourselves.

Studies show that without local news, people are less connected to their communities, voter turnout declines, governments waste more money, political corruption increases, and corporate and financial misconduct increases too.

Daily and weekly newspapers across the country are failing to make the transition to the digital age, with readers and advertisers looking for free solutions online. Over the past few decades, local news has dwindled and disappeared in the county town-by-town as well as regionally.

So you are independent, but you want city funding... how does that work?

Our local news nonprofit relies on a unique mix of funding that has allowed it to grow and thrive as other news organizations have closed their doors: local advertising, contracts from three local cities, grants, and donations from residents. It

also relies on the work of volunteers, both at the board level and among our writers.

We are responsible to lots of stakeholders in our community.

Our model makes our coverage more fair and complete: to attract donations and grants, we need to be a government watchdog and a force for equity. To maintain advertising and municipal contracts, we need to celebrate good work in the community. To recruit and retain volunteers, we need to be present and active in our cities.

Our model is working.

Over last year, with the help of grant funding we launched a local news website just for Laurel, laurelindependent. com. Our advertising revenue increased 30%, and donations doubled. At the start of this year, we hired Laurel managing editor Joshua Garner, an experienced local and political reporter and a professional in nonprofit communications.

If you are doing so great, what do you need us for?

The Laurel Independent comes to you today because residents in your city have stepped up time after time, through monthly donations and matching pledges, through advertising, through volun-

Stand up for The Laurel Independent

Sign up to speak at the virtual city council meeting on Monday April 13 at 6pm. Voice your support during the public comment period. Register to speak with the city clerk by 2pm that day: clerk@laurel.md.us

Ask your city council representative to support The Laurel Independent at the current funding level, with adjustments for inflation, in a three-year contract.

Give monthly at streetcarsuburbs.news/ donate: set up a monthly donation at an amount you can afford that will help keep independent news coming to you and your neighbors for free.

teering their time on our board and as writers, and through advocating with their elected officials.

If we lose our contract with the city of Laurel we aren’t going away, at least not right away: we will continue to find ways to provide local independent news city residents need. But we worry fewer residents will see it, and that ripple-on effects from not getting to every household will threaten our other sources of revenue. Please act, this April, to support free Laurel local news for everyone.

Kit Slack is the executive director of Streetcar Suburbs Publishing, which publishes The Laurel Independent

The City of Laurel is cutting funding to The Laurel Independent. Please act to support free local news for everyone in Laurel!

STAND UP FOR THE LAUREL INDEPENDENT

Sign up to speak at the virtual city council meeting on Monday April 13 at 6pm. Voice your support during the public comment period. Register to speak with the city clerk by 2:00 p.m. that day: clerk@laurel. md.us

Ask your city council representative to support The Laurel Independent at the current funding level, with adjustments for inflation, in a threeyear contract.

Give monthly at streetcarsuburbs. news/donate. Set up a monthly donation at an amount you can afford that will help keep independent news coming to you and your neighbors for free.

APRIL COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Find more local events all month long in our continuously updated online calendar at streetcarsuburbs.news/events.

Send May events to jalen@ streetcarsuburbs.news by April 20.

Volunteer Fire ghters

The Laurel Volunteer Firefighters are looking for new members. If you are interested in joining their ranks and providing service to others, visit their website at www. LaurelVFD.org and sign up to volunteer today!

EVENTS

April 1,6,8,11,15. Free Tax Preparation service. 4- 7pm. Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center.

April 2. Laurel Woman’s Club Meeting. 7pm Clubhouse, 384 Main St.

April 4. Patuxent River Clean Up. 10am - 12pm Riverfront Park.

April 10. Juanito Pascual Trio. Flamenco with elements of jazz, world music, soul. $25. 8-10pm Montpelier Art Center.

April 11-12. Lemonfest 2026. Lemon-inspired treats, lemonade, live music. 11am5pm Cultural Enrichment Center.

April 14. Chess Club. 6pm Laurel Branch Library.

April 15. Lawyer in the Library: Tenant’s Rights and Housing Clinic. Free one-onone legal services first-come, first-served to those eligible. Laurel Branch Library.

April 17 & 18. e Music of Lennon & McCartney. Meetand-Greet at Oliver’s Old Town Tavern after the show the 17th, and before the show at 6pm with dinner at Olive on Main the 18th. Buy tickets online in advance. Laurel Mill Playhouse.

April 18. Earth Day Clean Up. 10am-12pm Granville Gude Park Lakehouse.

April 18. National Second Chance Month Expungement & Know Your Rights Clinic. 11am - 2pm. Laurel Branch Library.

April 21. Veterans Dinner and Book Group. Active service members and veterans join this monthly small-group reading and discussion dinner series centered around books which relate to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. Ages 18 and up. Free; registration required. 7 to 9pm Montpelier Arts Center.

April 25. Lakefest begins. Games, food, hayrides, moon bounces, face painting, music. Free. 11am- 3pm Granville Gude Park.

April 25 Gwenyth Aggeler, classical guitarist.1-2pm. Montpelier Art Center.

April 25 Wild Bird Meet & Greet: Eastern Screech Owls! 2-2:30pm Patuxent Research Refuge.

April 25. Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts. 10am-5pm Montpelier Art Center.

April 28. Book Discussion. “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: A Novel” by James McBride. 7-8pm Laurel Branch Library.

ART EXHIBITIONS

Amanda Spaid: Locals. 10am-5pm. Detailed drawings of birds. Through May 2. Montpelier Arts Center.

Artists on the Rise: Juried Teen Art exhibition. 10am5pm Montpelier Arts Center.

Chris Kirages: Making the World a Better Plate. Art dinnerware. Through April 12. Montpelier Arts Center.

Linda Bernard:From the Earth. Earth in ceramics. 10am- 5pm Montpelier Art Center. Starts April 18.

e 57th Annual Laurel Art Guild Juried Exhibition. 10am-5pm Montpelier Art Center. Starts April 18.

Hollingsworth Wildlife Art Gallery: 10am-4pm Wed.-Sat. [S]. All ages. April: “Art quilts” featuring wildlife and nature by Barbara Dahlberg. Reception: Apr 4, 1-3 pm. May: “Nature’s Wonders - Let’s Preserve Them!” photos by professor Nishanth Sunny, Ph.D.

KIDS & TEENS

April 4. e Art of Kindness, by Kyle’s Art for Autism World. Celebrate autism awareness and neurodiversity! Families and children of all abilities. 12-2pm Laurel Public Library.

April 4. Love the Skin You’re In Workshop. Racine Smith Williams, local author and former gymnast shares her book, ‘Upside Down Is Right Side Up’. Ages 6-10.10:3011:30am Maryland City at Russet Library.

April 7. Teen Art Club. Hang out, snack, make art. 3-5pm Maryland City Library.

April 11. Youth Financial Literacy: The Importance of Saving Ages 6-9. Laurel Branch Library. 11am-12:30pm

April 13. Game on:Xbox. 3:30-5:30pm Laurel Branch Library.

April 20. Kids Create: Bubblewrap art.4 p.m-5pm Laurel Branch Library.

Kids’ Discovery Center. Crafts, puzzles, games, nature. April: Reptiles/Turtles. Ages 3 to 10, w/adult. Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 12pm (35-minute time slots, onhour). Patuxent Research Refuge.

Library storytimes. Laurel Branch Library: Mondays at 10:30am (ages 2 to 3), Wednesdays at 7pm (ages 3 to 5) and Thursdays at 10:30 and 11:15am (ages 0 to 2). Maryland City at Russet Library: Mondays at 10:30 & Tuesdays at 11:30 (ages 0-5); Tuesdays

VENUE INFORMATION

Event details change! For confirmation, ticket prices, and cancellations, visit websites or call.

Gude Mansion/ e Mansion at Laurel 13910 Laurel Lakes Ave. 301.725.7800 cityoflaurel.org/parks

Laurel Branch Library 507 7th St. 301.776.6790 pgmls.info

Laurel Mill Playhouse 508 Main St. 301.617.9906 laurelmillplayhouse.org

Cultural Enrichment Center 7419 Van Dusen Rd. 240.583.1623

Montpelier Arts Center 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800 pgparks.com

Montpelier Historic Site & Museum (Montpelier Mansion) 9650 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7817 pgparks.com

Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract & National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. 301.497.5772 fws.gov/refuge/patuxent

10:30 to 11am (toddler time).

“Wingspan” Game Days: April 25; May 8. Play the board game; learn more about birds! Use our game or bring yours. Ages 12+. 10am-1pm Patuxent Research Refuge.

StoryTrail: Sunrise to sunset (except Tuesdays, grounds close at 4 pm). Walk the paved outdoor trail and enjoy the storybook display for April/ May: “I Know the River Loves Me; Yo se que el rio me ama,” by Maya Christina Gonzalez. Patuxent Research Refuge.

SENIORS

April 8. Glow Party at the Armory. Wear your best glow in dark attire, dance and dine. $10. 1pm Laurel Armory.

April 9. Kevin Howard, award-winning keyboardist and composer and his band.

Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center 204 Fort Meade Rd. 301.725.7800 mleblanc@laurel.md.us

Maryland City at Russet Library 3501 Russett Common. 410.222.1070

Granville Gude Park Lakehouse 8300 Mulberry St. 301. 490.3530

Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center 7120 Contee Rd. 240.302.9133

Laurel Elks Lodge #2283 8261 Brock Bridge Rd. 301.604.2975

Riverfront Park Avondale St. 301.725.7800

Laurel Armory 422 Montgomery St. Call or text Gail Gibson at 301.452.7700 or email book62worm@hotmail.com

American Legion Post 60 2 Main St. 301. 725.2302

St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church 114 St. Marys Pl. 301.725.3080 https://stmaryslaurel.org/

$15. 12-1pm Montpelier Art Center. For 60 and over.

Chess. All levels are welcome. Thursdays. 2pm LaurelBeltsville Senior Activity Center.

BINGO

Every Tuesday at Laurel Senior Friendship Club, doors open at 11am bingo starts at noon. Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activities Center. Also every Tuesday at Laurel Elks Lodge #2283. Doors open at 5pm, bingo starts at 7pm; every Friday at American Legion Post 60. Doors open at 5pm and bingo starts at 7:30pm

Second Friday Senior Book Club. April 10: “Pineapple Street,” by Jenny Jackson. May 8: “For One More Day,” by Mitch Albom. 2 to 3:30pm Laurel Armory, email book62worm@ hotmail.com.

Laurel Golf Center tees up major renovation under new owner

By JALEN WADE

A new owner is helping a local golf establishment swing in a new direction.

The Laurel Golf Center, a 34-year-old recreational golf facility along Route 198 on the edge of the city, is undergoing a $2 million renovation after being acquired by Kim Cayce, a former professional golfer and entrepreneur specializing in startups and turnarounds.

Cayce took over the facility last year following the death of her father, Kent Cayce, one of the three original founders. Since then, she has introduced new programs aimed at making golf more accessible and affordable.

“The future of the facility was really uncertain,” Cayce said. “I … stepped in after [my father’s] death to help stabilize the business.”

Renovations began in November 2023 as part of a three-year project. Cayce said she opted to complete the work in phases to keep the facility open to the public.

The renovation includes a rebuilt mini golf course, major structural upgrades such as a new roof, windows and walls, and modernized equipment and amenities. Improvements also include new golf balls, mats and targets, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and the planned reconstruction of the facility’s batting cage, with work continuing through December.

The facility will also receive a technology upgrade. Cayce said she licensed Toptracer, a ball-

tracking system used at driving ranges and by the golf entertainment company Topgolf. The technology allows visitors to simulate play on well-known courses such as Pebble Beach.

Cayce said she is financing the renovations through personal investments.

“We’ve invested in technology, improved the facility, and still worked hard to keep entry-level options affordable [for casual players],” Cayce said. “You can come here, hit balls, hang out outdoors … for about the price of a bucket of balls [as low as $8].”

The official reopening of the range is scheduled for April 10 to coincide with the same weekend as the Masters Tournament. Cayce said she plans

DISTRICT 1 DECIDES

HEAR FROM YOUR CANDIDATES

The Laurel Independent and Streetcar Suburbs Publishing invite you to a Prince George’s County Council District 1 Candidate Forum.

Thursday, April 16

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Phelps Center, Laurel Boys and Girls Club 701 Montgomery St., Laurel, MD 20707

to host a celebration where visitors can watch the competition at the facility.

With the renovation, Cayce hopes to buck the decline of golf facilities in the region. Patuxent Greens Country Club, the city’s only full golf course, closed in 2018 after 60 years in business. The closest full course is Gunpowder Golf Course near West Laurel, while the nearest driving range is Rocky Gorge 4 Seasons Golf Fairway in North Laurel.

“There’s been quite a few golf courses and ranges that have been sold to real estate developers in the last few years,” Cayce said. “So there are fewer options and new facilities tend to skew toward the high end.”

The center is not a full golf

course, but Cayce said that makes it more accessible and affordable.

“Technology is making golf take less time than a traditional golf course,” Cayce said. “And so there’s lots of people in Laurel interested in golf, and hopefully we’re helping to fill that void and make it more attainable for people.”

The center is also expanding youth programming.

Cayce is partnering with First Tee, a national nonprofit youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills. Through the partnership, the center offers golf classes for children ages 7 to 18. Lessons cost $100.

Kevin Williams of Laurel has his 12-year-old son enrolled in

“We’ve invested in technology, improved the facility, and still worked hard to keep entrylevel options affordable [for casual players].”

Kim Cayce former professional golfer

and entrepreneur

the program. Williams said the facility and classes provide an opportunity for African American children, like his son, to experience golf.

“This place is like an oasis where young people can develop a love for the game as well as the mechanics of the game,” Williams said. “And they do an excellent job of teaching the fundamentals of the game to our young kids.”

Brent Mitchell, a Laurel resident who has visited the range for 15 years, said he prefers Laurel Golf Center over more entertainment-focused venues.

“Top Golf really isn’t for practicing, it’s for entertainment,” Mitchell said. “I’m a real golfer so I prefer to practice as a real golfer versus just taking friends for entertainment.”

Meet the candidates. Hear their plans. Ask questions that matter to you and your community.

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Crosby skipped the inaugural Prince George’s County girls wrestling tournament this year, instead choosing to compete against boys. Crosby was favored to win the girls championship but opted to compete in the 106-pound boys weight class believing it to be more of a challenge and preparation for regional finals.

Devon Daniel, Laurel High wrestling head coach, said they expected Crosby to place high in the coed county tournament against boys but didn’t expect her to win.

“She’s probably the first person to maybe take me out of my composure in the chair,” said Daniel.

“[In the semifinal] she flipped the switch, she was dialed in.”

Still, Crosby’s championship win was not without criticism. She relied on strategy rather than brute strength–her opponent was maneuvered into technical fouls instead of a dominating pin.

“All the 106 [weight class] boys from that [tournament], they’re coming up to me and they’re like, ‘bruh, it’s a fluke’ and ‘you shouldn’t have won,’” Crosby said.

Daniel said Crosby’s win was decisive, in part because no one believed that a girl could win.

“She proved, ‘hey, I’m here,’”

said Daniel. “She woke everybody up.”

And Crosby is at the forefront of a trend with girls finding success in the sport. Girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing high school sports in the nation, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

“[Crosby] is going to take both the dog she got from wrestling boys and her female perspective and help grow the sport,” said Alexandra Ford, Crosby’s former wrestling captain and Laurel

High School’s first female wrestling state champion, winning twice against girls. Ford now wrestles at Emmanuel University in Georgia.

Though Ford recruited Crosby for the Laurel High team, Crosby began wrestling around the age of 5 in elementary school. Crosby said her brother Kenneth Crosby, 23, a collegiate wrestler at Northern Michigan University and national titlist, inspired her to play for Laurel.

“Who doesn’t want to be like

their big brother,” she said.

For now, Crosby said she’s focused on improving herself and her team. As a captain of Laurel High School’s girls wrestling team next season, Crosby hopes to keep things fun and nurture her teammates’ love for the sport.

“Wrestling has brought me life,” Crosby said. “I want to let everybody know this is what we love to do, wrestling because we love it, not because our dads are forcing us.”

By placing in state finals, Crosby qualified for the Maryland State Wrestling Association’s women’s national team and plans to compete in tournaments with them this spring. After her success this season, Crosby is looking at collegiate wrestling but knows she will be involved with the sport no matter what.

“Wrestling doesn’t only persevere you in the sport, you persevere in life,” Crosby said. “I think that’s what all the girls are searching for.”

LAUREL LEDGE R

OF FICIAL NEWS FROM THE CITY OF LAUREL, MARYLAND

APRIL RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUN TEERS!

Every April, communities across America come together to celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the people who give their time and energy to help others. While the month highlights these efforts, it also serves as a powerful reminder of just how essential volunteering is, not only for those receiving help, but for society as a whole.

Volunteer Laurel is the City’s one-stop shop for all things volunteering. How it works is you fill out the volunteer application online at www.cityoflaurel.org/ volunteering. Once you fill out that form and click submit, it is received and your name is added to the volunteer database, so whenever the City, or a local non -profit organization, has a volunteer need, we send out an email. It is totally up to you as to how often you volunteer, but the more you volunteer the more money you save tax

payers AND the more you help your community!

Volunteering plays a critical role in strengthening communities. Many nonprofits, from food banks and schools to hospitals and environmental groups, rely on volunteers to meet growing needs. Without this support, countless services would be limited or unavailable. Volunteers help bridge gaps, ensuring that vulnerable populations are cared for and that important community programs continue to thrive.

Beyond its impact on communities, volunteering has profound personal benefits. Giving time to help others often creates a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. It can reduce stress, combat feelings of isolation, and improve overall mental well-being. In a time when many people feel disconnected, volunteering offers a meaningful way to engage with others and make a difference.

APRIL 2026

This April the City will hold their annual Volunteer Fair on April 18th, from 10am - 3pm, at the Craig A Moe Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Road. We will have members from the City’s Boards and Commissions, as well local non-profit organizations on hand to tell you what they do to help the Laurel Community, so be sure to join us and start the process of developing valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. It can also open doors to new opportunities and career paths. Volunteering also encourages a culture of giving. When people see others stepping up to help, it often inspires them to do the same. This ripple effect can lead to stronger, more resilient communities where kindness and cooperation become the norm.

As we recognize National Volunteer Month, it is worth noting that even small acts of service can create meaningful change. Volunteering is not just about giving back, it’s about building a more connected world for everyone!

The Department of Public Works has grown! Their new public facing facility is located at 122 Lafayette Avenue and also houses employees from Fire Marshal and Permit Services, with room for growth down the road. So if you have a question for Public Works and want to drop in, make sure you go to 122 Lafayette Avenue and not 305 First Street!

The facility, which was Security Vault Works, was purchased by the City in November 2025 and includes the shed next door at 114 Lafayette Avenue. The facility now houses the new offices for the DPW Director, Assistant Director, Administrative staff, Engineering, and project inspectors. Furthermore, the additional storage space in the large warehouse will make it easier for Public Works to keep a wide r variety of items in stock resulting in less down time and faster response times. Call 301 -725-0088 for details!

What does that mean for the upcoming Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event? Nothing! It will remain at the former facility. So, join us April 18th, from 8am - 12Noon. Residents will enter from First Street, items will be unloaded and you will exit at Rte. 1 NB. It is for entertainment electronics (TVs, computers), paper shredding, Styrofoam recycling, Green Drop Charity donations, paint recycling ($5/can of paint), and compost pick up for anyone who wants compost for their gardens (bring your own containers!). For City residents ONLY! Addresses will be checked at the gate. Look forward to seeing you at our new facility!

It’s Easy B eing Green!

NOW THAT SPRING IS H ERE, HOW CAN YOU BE SUSTAINABLE?

It’s not too late! You have until the end of the first week in April to register for the 4th Annual No Mow April! We still have signs and they are looking for homes in your yards! The City’s No Mow April initiative allows residents to pause mowing their lawns during the month of April to allow flowering plants to help provide food for pollinators. Residents will be able to register on -line at www.cityoflaurel.org/green. Once you’ve registered, pick up your yard sign from the Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road, 9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday. We will also have the signs available for pick up at our first Farmer’s Market on April 2nd, 378 Main Street, from 3pm - 7pm. Contact greenliving@laurel.md.us if you have any questions or need to pick up signs at one of our Community Centers. Registration and yard signs are FREE, but registration and posting a yard sign is REQUIRED to participate.

Thank You! We greatly appreciate those of you that attended our Sustainability Plan Year in Review gathering on March 19th! We received a number of great goal suggestions that will carry us through 2026, but we would have liked to seen more of you! The more that attend these well planned events, the more knowledgeable information and tips we can give you to help you along your sustainability journey. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, @sustainablelaurel, and learn about all things green in the City of Laurel! We are also planning some new sustainable projects, and we ’ll need the help from our neighbors to volunteer and help us get these projects off the ground!

Farmer’s Market News!!! Your suggestion to extend our market dates was heard! We will return a month earlier, on April 2nd, and be at the Laurel Market on Main, 378 Main Street, every Thursday, from 3 - 7pm through October 29th, weather permitting. The Laurel Farmer’s Market is happy to bring back many of your favorite vendors, as well as new vendors and food trucks! Residents can enjoy fresh fruits/vegetables from local farmers; yummy and delectable goods from area bakers, locally sourced meat and poultry, organic handmade skin care products and candles and much more! Music and cooking demonstrations are just a few of th e special activities we have planned for our 2026 market season. We will continue to accept SNAP/EBT benefits and are part of t he Maryland Market Money program, giving our shoppers extra market cash to shop with. Stop by the Welcome Tent to get tokens. Stay up to date on what’s happening at the Market by following us on Facebook, @LaurelMarketOnMain. And stay in the know for all things sustainable by visiting the Green Living web page at www.cityoflaurel.org/green.

¡ABRIL RECONOCE LA IMPORTANCIA DE LOS VOLUNTARIOS!

Cada mes de abril, comunidades de todo Estados Unidos se unen para celebrar el Mes Nacional del Voluntariado, un periodo dedicado a reconocer a las personas que dedican su tiempo y energía a ayudar a los demás. Si bien este mes pone de relieve dichos esfuerzos, también sirve como un poderoso recordatorio de lo esencial que resulta el voluntariado, no solo para quienes reciben ayuda, sino para la sociedad en su conjunto.

«Volunteer Laurel» es el centro integral de la ciudad para todo lo relacionado con el voluntariado. Su funcionamiento es sencillo: contamos con un formulario de solicitud de voluntariado en línea, disponible en www.cityoflaurel.org/volunteering. Una vez que complete dicho formulario y haga clic en «enviar», su solicitud será recibida y su nombre se incorporará a nuestra base de datos de voluntarios; de este modo, cada vez que la ciudad o alguna organización local sin fines de lucro requiera voluntarios, le enviaremos un correo electrónico. La frecuencia con la que usted decida ofrecerse como voluntario depende enteramente de usted; no obstante, ¡cuanto más participe, mayor será el ahorro para los contribuyentes Y mayor será su contribución a la comunidad!

LAUREL POLICE MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2026

List of Laurel Police Crime Reports can be found at www.cityoflaurel.org/1896/LPDCrime-Reports.

You can also read the full monthly Laurel Police Crime Reports in the Laurel Independent!

Legislation

Listed below are recent legislative actions taken, if any, by the Laurel City Council during the past month of Mayor and City Council meetings. For further information on any of these legislative actions, please feel free to contact the Office of the City Clerk at 301-725-5300 x2120 or at clerk@laurel.md.us. For full agendas, visit www.cityoflaurel.org

Adopted Legislation:

 Ordinance No. 2050 (Text Amendment No. 269)to Amend the Unified Land Development Code, Chapter 20, “Land Development and Subdivision Regulations,” Section 20 - 22.73, “Body Art Establishments” and Providing an Effective Date.

 Resolution No. 1-2026 - to establish a City of Laurel Advisory Committee Relating to the Redistricting of City Ward Boundaries.

 Resolution No. 3-2026 - In support of HB 1142 establishing the Task Force to Modernize County and Municipal Revenue Sources.

Appointments/Reappointments:

 Gene Eplee (Appointment) - Senior Residents and Persons with Disabilities - 3/9/26 - 3/9/28

 Melvin E. Lindsley (Appointment) - Public Safety and Transportation - 3/23/26 - 3/23/28

 Gregory Strong (Reappointment) - Clergy Advisory Council - 3/9/26 - 3/9/28

 Emanuel Agorrmeda (Reappointment) - Clergy Advisory Council - 3/9/26 - 3/9/29

 Dove Robison (Reappointment) - Public Safety and Transportation - 3/23/26 - 3/23/28

 Carlos Lancaster (Reappointment) - Community Redevelopment Authority - 3/23/26 - 3/23/29

Government Meetiings

April 2026 Mayor and City Council Meetings

 April 1st - Virtual Mayor and City Council Work Session (6:00pm)

 April 13th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)

 April 27th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting - (6:00pm)

April 2026 Boards and Commissions

 April 14th - Planning Commission (6:00pm)

 April 21st - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)

 April 23rd - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

May 2026 Mayor and City Council Meetings

 May 4th - Virtual Special Work Session (6:00pm)

 May 6th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Budget Work Session (6:00pm)

 May 11th - (If Necessary) Virtual Special Budget Work Session (5:00pm)

 May 11th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)

 May 27th (Wed) - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)

May 2026 Boards and Commissions

 May 12th - Planning Commission (6:00pm)

 May 19th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)

 May 28th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

City Announcements & Events

 Patuxent River Clean Up - April 4th - 10am - Riverfront Park, 22 Avondale St. Community Service Hours. Email laurelvolunteer@laurel.md.us.

 4th of July Yard Sale - April 4th - 8am - 1pm - Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd. Find that treasure you’ve been looking for!

 Electronics Recycling/Paper Shredding Event - April 18th - 8am - Noon, DPW Facility, 305-307 First Street. Visit cityoflaurel.org/dpw for details!

 Volunteer Fair - April 18th - 10am - 2pm, Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Road. Learn what volunteer opportunities are available!

 Earth Day: Lake Clean Up - April 18th - 10am - Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Street. Community Service Hours. Email laurelvolunteer@laurel.md.us.

 Lakefest - April 25th - 11am - 3pm - Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Street.

 Laurel Housing Support Seminar - April 30th - 5:30 - 8pm, Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. RSVP at ecd@laurel.md.us.

 Main Street Festival - May 2nd - 9am - 4pm. Family fun!

 Sip & Stretch Mother's Day Yoga Retreat - May 17th - 1 - 3pm, 13910 Laurel Lakes Avenue, Cost: $25. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks for details.

 To learn more or register for Parks and Recreation Classes/Events and Senior Services events, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks or call 301-776-6168.

Scan the QR Code for the online volunteer application and start to get involved in your community today!

Laurel’s youth service bureau revitalized with new clinical supervisor

REDISTRICTING

FROM PAGE 1

every 10 years by the U.S. Census Bureau. The data is used at the local level to ensure equal representation between political districts — a practice rooted in the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. In Laurel, if there is a significant population shift, ward lines may be redrawn so each ward is roughly equal in population.

Jay Meashey, director of economic and community development for the city, said the 2027 council and mayoral election accelerated the formation of the committee — roughly four years earlier than usual.

“We need to ensure that things are equal, that the two council people from Ward 2 and the two council people from Ward 1 represent roughly the same amount of people,” Meashey said.

At Clark’s request, neighborhood boundaries will be considered when adjusting wards. Public hearings and committee meetings will be recorded and made available, and the committee will operate in a nonpartisan manner.

Redistricting has become a hotbutton issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Missouri, Virginia and other states have moved to redraw congressional districts in an effort to gain seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore has pushed for congressional redistricting, but the effort has largely stalled in the state legislature.

Redistricting can also lead to legal challenges.

In October 2025, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a legal advocacy organization, filed suit against Prince George’s County alleging that its 2021 redistricting

By RACHEL LAWRENCE

More mental health support is on its way to the City of Laurel after its Department of Health and Human Services brought on a new specialist to bolster services for youth and families.

Laurel’s youth and family service bureau, Helping Hands, had been without a clinical supervisor since May 2024, according to Marchelle LeBlanc, who leads the Department of Health and Human Services.

During that time, the bureau went dormant. Helping Hands was revamped in 2025 when LeBlanc hired Dana Hubbard, Ph.D., as the program’s new fulltime clinical supervisor.

“[Hubbard] brings a strong clinical leadership background

plan and current map violates the “one person, one vote” principle by creating districts with unequal populations. The map was upheld following a U.S. District Court decision in February. On March 11, the SPLC filed a proposal with the Prince George’s County Charter Review Commission to strengthen the county’s redistricting process.

Back in Laurel, Councilman Adrian Simmons said he does not anticipate issues with redistricting due to a lack of partisan political influence.

“We do have some advantage at the city level and it’s that we’re not partisan,” he said. “The seats … and the candidates are not affiliated with any particular political party.”

Mayor Keith Sydnor will appoint members to the committee. Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on proposed maps, with two public hearings planned during the committee’s process.

Meashey said the committee’s first meeting is expected to take place in May.

experience, and she has a deep commitment to youth and family well-being,” LeBlanc said.

“Since she’s been on board, the program has been revitalized.”

Hubbard, a 10-year Laurel resident, has worked in mental health care throughout her career. After earning her master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Hubbard entered the United States Air Force for four years, including two years as chief of mental health for a South Dakota air force base. Before joining Helping Hands, she worked with military veterans in Prince George’s County and ran her own practice.

Through Helping Hands, the bureau provides counseling services, referrals and support for youth, families, and adults. Hubbard said she will advise city leadership on how mental health connects to public policy, schools, public safety and economic issues, with a focus on at-risk youth.

“I’m here to protect the underserved, those who do not have voices, and to empower and amplify those voices,” Hubbard said.

One of Hubbard’s goals for Helping Hands is to connect Laurel youth with service opportunities, including assembling care packages and supplies for unhoused people who spend time outside the Laurel Multi-Service Center, where the

Department of Human Services is based.

“I’m starting to come up with some innovative things we can do for that specific population,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard’s efforts to revive the service bureau come as public mental health services continue to shrink throughout the region. Since 2019, the number of youth service bureaus in Maryland has dwindled from 19 to five, according to the Maryland Association of Youth Service Bureaus.

The reduction has not gone unnoticed. Hubbard has joined bureau directors across Prince George’s County in working with state legislators to advocate for the Youth Delinquency Prevention Fund bill, which is currently being considered by the Maryland General Assembly. The bill would provide grants to community organizations that serve children and families in crisis.

“Mental health is not a separate, individualistic issue,” Hubbard said. “It affects public policy … public safety and engagement, which translates to workforce … it’s a necessity.”

LeBlanc said the city supports the bill, adding it would help fund Helping Hands.

“Hubbard and her efforts will just build a healthier community, a more resilient community and especially for our next generation,” LeBlanc said.

THE LAUREL INNER SPACE

Citizen science can strengthen our future

By AGNES CONATY

As the nation focuses on the yearlong celebration of its 250th birthday, the Laurel community is seeking a meaningful contribu-

tion on a local scale. That calls for not only looking at what we learned from the past, but also how that translates to civic life today and in the future.

The month of April, when we celebrate Earth Day and Citi-

By Agnes Pasco Conaty

“Tax day reminder: acorns are non-taxable assets.”

zen Science Month, invites us to consider how each of us can take part in civic engagement through community science, often called citizen science. This allows us to participate in a public effort to contribute to scientific research right now, where we are, in our own small way.

I was fortunate to take part in one community science project through the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange program. This program connects scientists with communities interested in addressing local environmental issues using scientific resources and expertise.

In 2024, I was matched as the Community Science Fellow for a rural project in Willington, South Carolina. My collaboration with Community Leader Rev. Dr. ErNiko Brown led us to recruit Community Scientist Samuel Bamidele, a soil expert who helped address the need for an environmental assessment in an area known to be a food desert.

With technical support from Dr. Bhupinder Singh Farmaha, nutrient management specialist with Clemson University Cooperative Extension, and staff member Hunter Lander, the team conducted soil sampling to better understand land conditions and potential environmental concerns. The samples were tested for nutrient content, and recommendations for nutrient improvements were provided. What was most impressive was the level of interest and commitment among community members, who were eager to understand the science behind the land they live on and care deeply about protecting it for future generations.

While scientists contribute technical methods and analytical tools, community members contribute lived experience and historical knowledge of local landscapes. This collaboration builds both better science and stronger communities.

In Laurel, local environ-

mental concerns could be addressed through a similar approach. Any Laurel resident who is aware of challenges such as flooding along the Patuxent River corridor, watershed pollution, invasive species, stormwater runoff or urban ecological degradation could step forward as a community leader.

Anyone interested may contact me at agnes.conaty@ gmail.com or visit the American Geophysical Union Thriving Earth Exchange website at thrivingearthexchange.org.

As we celebrate America 250, community science offers an opportunity for Americans to contribute to the public good. Whether collecting soil samples, monitoring streams or tracking air quality, communities that work together can help protect America for the next 250 years.

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District 1 candidates vie for County Council seat

By JOSHUA GARNER

The race for Prince George’s County Council District 1 is heating up. Michelle Garcia, Martin Mitchell and Darwin Romero have all filed their candidacies with the county Board of Elections. They are vying to replace Councilmember Tom Dernoga, who is term-limited.

No matter who wins in November, the outcome could be historic. All three candidates identify as people of color. Garcia would be the first Latina elected to the seat. Mitchell would be the first Black or Afro-Caribbean council member to represent the district, and Romero would be the first immigrant elected to the seat. For at least the past 25 years, District 1 voters have elected only white-identifying candidates to fill the seat.

District 1 includes Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, Calverton and parts of College Park.

This year is a gubernatorial election year. Voters will not only elect county candidates, but also statewide offices including governor, seats in the Maryland General Assembly and congressional seats. The primary election will take place June 23, followed by the general election Nov. 3.

Like most of the state, Prince George’s County tends to favor Democratic candidates, meaning primary winners often go on to win the general election.

Locally, all three candidates said their campaigns are focused on quality-of-life issues in the district, including education, development and community engagement.

Michelle Garcia, 50, of Beltsville, currently serves as chief of staff for Dernoga. She said her experience living in the county, combined with her background in local government and policy, would make her an effective council member from day one.

“Those are things that nobody else can bring to the table,” she said. “I am qualified to do this. And I enjoy it.”

Mitchell, 35, of Laurel, is the

community, they need to connect with the community,” he said. “I understand [ the community’s] needs and I understand their struggles, because I have gone through that.”

The Laurel Independent will sponsor the Prince George’s County Council District 1 Candidate

only candidate previously elected to office. He served on the Laurel City Council from 2021 to 2023.

Now working as a public affairs consultant, Mitchell said he sees himself as a grassroots candidate focused on community engagement.

“Grassroots can be successful, even if up against the machine,” he said. “My support comes from the people. I always believe that there are more people than there are politicians.”

Romero, 49, of Montpelier, who works as a contract manager said he is not a career politician but feels current leaders are disconnected from residents. If elected, he said he would be more visible, connected and proactive with constituents.

“If we’re gonna have public servants who represent our

$5.9B budget proposed for Prince George’s County

By JOSHUA GARNER

A balanced budget could be on its way to Prince George’s County after County Executive Aisha Braveboy unveiled a proposed $5.9 billion plan for fiscal year 2027 during a press conference March 12.

The proposed budget represents a 2% increase compared with the fiscal 2026 budget. The proposal also eliminates a $170 million structural deficit that has persisted since fiscal 2025.

“We were actually able to close our budget gap,” Braveboy said, citing increased tax revenues. “So, at this time, there is a zero-budget deficit in Prince George’s County.”

The budget includes $2.97 billion to fund Prince George’s County Public Schools for the next year, a 0.7% increase from the previous year. The proposal includes $84.7 million in pre-K investments, $144.1 million for Prince George’s Community College and $42 million for the Alternative Construction Finance Program, which would build eight new public schools in the county.

Braveboy said the county was able to avoid major cuts at a time when funding changes at the fed-

eral level have continued to impact the regional economy.

“We did not make any major cuts. We did look at overtime. We wanted to make sure we were getting the best use of the overtime dollars that were being spent,” she said.

Still, the county’s budget took a hit in real estate transfer taxes, or home sales, fueled by higher interest rates that slowed sales over the past year.

“Our transfer taxes went down 16.6 percent…home sales went down and reduced our revenue,” said Angela Fair-Baker, acting director of the county’s Office of Management and Budget.

But revenue in other areas of the budget continued to climb over the past year despite an economic slowdown hastened by federal policy changes.

Property taxes increased by more than $100 million — roughly 9% compared with the previous year — while income taxes increased by more than $88 million during the same period. Both categories of revenue were revised upward after being understated in previous fiscal years.

Braveboy cautioned that the

county could still feel the full impact of reductions in the federal workforce, decreases in federal funding and higher costs for goods and services related to inflation and tariffs.

“We are cautious though. We don’t want to overextend our budget at this time because we’re still looking at the impacts of what’s happening at the federal level.”

The proposed budget is now headed to the Prince George’s County Council for review and approval by June 1 and would take effect July 1.

Prince George’s County Councilman Tom Dernoga (District 1) said he is looking forward to reviewing the proposal.

“We’ve only been presented with the budget brief—it looks very positive,” he said. “It’s good to see a budget that we’re not starting with a structural deficit.”

Other highlights from the budget include:

- $1.05 billion for public safety and accountability

- $138.9 million for health and human services

- $204.5 million for the environment, including the Stormwater Management Fund

Forum on April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Laurel Boys and Girls Club. All candidates will be on hand for a community discussion and Q&A session.

The Laurel Independent will also publish longer candidate profiles at laurelindependent.com beginning in April.

NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY

Cutting stems keeps garden edges appealling

By JIMMY ROGERS

Many turn toward native gardening with the hope of reducing their yard work. In my experience, a well-designed wildlife garden eventually eliminates most annual maintenance. After establishment, there is no mulching, no fertilization, no repurchasing of annuals and no raking out the beds. In fact, I think the only maintenance I ever do in my own garden revolves around one practice: cutting stems.

Many of our showiest native plants, especially those that bloom in summer, can grow tall and unmanageable in smaller garden spaces. Asters, in particular, often grow 4 to 5 feet tall. During the growing season, tall plants can flop over into pathways or lean past garden edges. In spring, dead stems can seem like a messy tangle. Let’s go over some techniques to trim stems, living or dead, and improve the look of a native garden.

TRIMMING TOOLS

I always keep my pruning shears close at hand. Any sharp, wellmade pair of pruning shears, either bypass or anvil style, will serve you well. I frequently use ratchet pruners, which can trim

up to 1 inch of woody stems. If you have a lot of stems to trim all at once, a pair of hedge trimmers will save you time. For delicate stems, like those of moss phlox (Phlox subulata), I’ve even used household scissors to neaten edges along the sidewalk.

SPRING CLEANUP

Most of my yard work happens during early spring cleanup. As the weather warms, I begin to

go outside again and consider which dead stems need cutting. I use these guidelines to quickly make decisions:

•Cut stems back to the ground that have fallen into a pathway or the first foot of the garden edge.

•Cut back upright stems within 1 foot of the garden edge to 18 inches tall, or roughly knee height.

•Leave most other stems standing and step lightly in the garden, as this year’s butterflies, moths and fireflies are sheltering in the leaf litter.

These guidelines support the wildlife gardener’s dual responsibility: to make outdoor spaces functional for wildlife and aesthetically pleasing to those who view them. For example, clut-

tered paths are both a tripping hazard and a deterrent to visitors. However, cutting border stems down to 18 inches provides a home for the next generation of stem-nesting bees. As your garden matures, you may also want to consider dethatching some beds. Smaller garden beds can fill up with tall stems in a way that resembles a brush pile. As long as you can see young plants through the gaps, you can leave this material where it is, but, again, for aesthetic reasons, you may want to thin down the thatch to showcase your plants a little better.

MANAGING HEIGHT AND DENSITY

As the season carries on, I keep a close eye on my garden. Last

year’s plants have spread their seeds and anything might come up anywhere. I pay particular attention to my path edges, as I wish the mail carrier to reach my door unmolested.

Just as when I’m designing a garden, I only want plants 1 foot from the edge to grow 1 foot tall, and those 2 feet from the edge to grow 2 feet tall. If a smooth aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) takes up residence by the sidewalk, I can either dig it up or give it a chop.

Chopping back stems to manage height is an old gardener’s trick, often called the Chelsea chop, as many gardeners start chopping around the time of England’s Chelsea Flower Show in May. However, I’ve found that chopping the right plant at the right time requires subtlety and art. If I want that pushy aster to develop into a short, bushy shrub, I may need to chop it three times across weeks or even months. That may sound like a chore, but all I do is sit on my porch, cast my eyes over the garden and, if a few stems need a trim, briefly relinquish my beer for the pruners.

I have overpruned a few times as well. If a plant has started budding, it probably won’t grow new blooms after chopping. Additionally, one year I cut back my wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) too hard and too late in the season. Between that and a drought, there were no blooms at all.

As a general rule, you can prune nonwoody meadow plants down to one-third of their size. The plant will put out two new stems from that point. If you repeat the process over time, those additional branching stems will create a denser plant. This will often delay the plant’s bloom by a few weeks.

A LATE-SEASON TRICK

When your plants have reached their full height and begun to bloom, your chopping days have ended. For plants that continue to lean or fall into your pathways, I have a little trick. Waist-high wire garden fences, which typically come as interlocking panels, can hold up your leggy asters and goldenrods, creating an effect like a bouquet at the top.

VOTE

RON OLIVER

A SHERIFF FOR ALL

A Prince George’s County Public Safety

Professional with 43 years of Law Enforcement and Fire Department service.

Born and raised in Prince George’s County, graduated from Crossland High School.

RON’S VISION

 Transparent Leader who cares for all

 Engage with the entire county to build stronger relationships

 Reestablish the Office of the Sheriff’s core functions with the courts, civil service and warrants

 Arrest domestic violence offenders and empower the victims

 Continue to mentor the youth and assist our seniors

ABOUT RON

Ronald J. Oliver Jr., was appointed and sworn in as Assistant Sheriff for Prince George’s County, Maryland, in 2022 and retired in 2025 as Chief of the Bureau of Administration. In this role, he oversaw multiple divisions, including Budget and Finance, Human Resources, Training, and Special Operations. Ron’s public safety career began even earlier, in 1983, as a volunteer firefighter. He rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief of the Morningside Volunteer Fire Department, where he was on the departments board of directors and remains a life member. He currently serves as District VI Director for the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and was inducted into the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association Hall of Fame, in recognition of his decades of dedicated service. One of his favorite annual community events is the Fire Department’s Toys for Tots bicycle drive; a reminder, he says, that “we can never give back enough to the community that needs us.”

• PG Sheriff’s Lodge 112 • PG Police Lodge 89 • PG Fire IAFF Local 1619 • MD Park Police Lodge 30 • University of MD PD Lodge 23

 Rebuild a broken agency, to deliver the best service to all, while maintaining open, transparent communication Scan to learn more about Ron or visit

MD State FOP Lodge

MCGEO Local 1994

Bowie City PD Lodge 140

The Honorable Cererta

“Great leaders never stop learning”

www.ronoliverforsheriff.com

Couple urges churches to fill foster-care need

By JOE MURCHISON

Maryland has about 3,800 children needing a foster care placement, but not enough foster families to take them, according to state and local officials.

Jason and Jen Float of Laurel have launched a nonprofit to work with churches to help fill that gap.

“Can we, as the church, stand up, open our homes and open our doors” to needy children throughout the state? Jason asks, hoping and believing the answer is “yes.”

The Floats launched their organization, Project Belong, last year as an affiliate of a nonprofit in Virginia of the same name. Both are part of a national Project 127 network of churches, focused on living out the biblical imperative in James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this … that we look after orphans in their distress.”

The Virginia organization has provided the Floats with seed funding.

So far, the Floats have lined up three anchor churches: Grace Community Church in Fulton, where they are members; Christ Fellowship Assembly of God in Silver Spring; and McLean Bible Church’s congregation in Rockville. These churches encourage members to consider foster parenting and provide

wraparound services for foster families, such as parent support groups, babysitting, child mentoring and material donations, Jason explained.

Lillian Price, spokesperson for the state Department of Human Services, said in an email that the department prioritizes placing children who must be removed from parents with relatives, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The second choice is with a family that is not related but has

been certified for foster parenting by a county social services department, which is the focus of Project Belong. In those two categories, the state has 2,043 licensed homes, she said.

“There is always a need for more foster parents in Prince George’s County,” said DeMiya Rowland, a spokesperson for the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services, in an email.

Rowland said 323 children were currently in the foster system, and the county has about 82 licensed foster homes.

Jason Float said the network of churches is growing. On April 22, the organization will hold its first county launch

RALLY

FROM PAGE 1

and bring together representatives of churches in Montgomery County with county social service officials to explore how they can work together. Future launches are planned in Howard, Baltimore, Frederick and Carroll counties.

The Floats took a step of faith when Jason gave up a well-paying job as director of product development for a small health care technology company to start the new venture.

“I felt so at peace with that — that God has a plan here,” he said.

Jason and Jen were high school sweethearts in Towson who later married and moved to Laurel in 2008. Jen became an early childhood intervention specialist with Prince George’s County Public Schools, while Jason worked in health care technology.

The couple had planned to have children of their own before eventually becoming foster parents, but infertility changed those plans.

Eventually, in 2013, with no children of their own, they decided to move forward with fostering.

It took almost a year to complete the licensing process with Prince George’s County Social Services.

Jason vividly remembers the first placement call from a social worker. She told them two siblings — a 5-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl — needed temporary care.

“We said yes, we looked at each other, and then we drove down to Upper Marlboro to pick up the children,” Jason said.

As they drove back to Laurel,

Jason recalled hearing the little girl in the back seat saying repeatedly, “police take Mommy.”

“It was crazy. It was chaos,” he said of those first weeks. “We were new parents, so we were learning everything.”

Although the siblings eventually returned to their parents and later moved to another foster home, the Floats stayed in touch.

Jen recently began weekly phone calls with the girl, now 15, after learning she was going through a difficult period.

“There were definitely some tears as I encouraged her,” Jen said.

Jason said he also remains close with the boy, now 18.

“We talked till 1 in the morning about his life, about his struggles,” Jason said. “It’s such a fun relationship.”

Later, after the Floats had three biological children of their own, they continued taking shortterm placements. In late 2018, they agreed to take in a 14-yearold girl for what was supposed to be two weeks. She ended up staying for five months.

Now 21, she lives on her own in Greenbelt. The Floats helped her move in, attended her baptism and still keep in touch with her regularly.

Through it all, Jason said it has been a rewarding journey as he and his wife continue to advocate for churches to help fill gaps in the foster care system.

“Often the church has been pushed out, and we would love to have the state say, ‘We need you,’” Jason said. “And to see it elevate the role of the church in healing children.”

Neighbors, I’m running for County Council because Prince George’s County can — and must — do better. Families are paying more while getting less: rising property taxes, higher utility bills, and less responsive government. Too many residents — especially those on fixed incomes — are being squeezed while accountability falls short.

WE DESERVE LEADERSHIP THAT DELIVERS —

✔ Better schools ✔ Fair taxes ✔ A County government that truly works for you

ON JUNE 23, 2026

Vote ROMERO for Council

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“I live across from St. Philip’s food pantry [in Laurel] and see the line get longer every month,” Knox said. “People are really struggling.”

The Laurel protest was one of more than 3,000 planned for March 28 across the country as part of the “No Kings” movement, which was launched in 2025 by progressive groups including Indivisible, MoveOn and the American Civil Liberties Union, among others, to protest what organizers described as authoritarian behavior by the president and his administration.

Locally, organizers said they, too, wanted to send a message to the White House after a year of policies that saw thousands of federal workers lose their jobs, anti-immigrant actions and a worsening economy.

“We want the administration and all elected representatives to know that we are watching,” said Christina Yuan of Laurel Resist.

“We want them to do what is in their power to prevent these attempts to take away our rights, our constitutional protections and the rule of law.”

Yuan and city leaders said they wanted the protest to strike a more joyous tone and remain nonviolent while encouraging children and seniors to let their voices be heard.

“Stay involved, stay active in our democracy, and make sure you vote,” said Laurel City Council member James Kole (Ward 1).

“It’s great to see your neighbors who feel the same way you do. We may not all agree, but we can show each other we’re here and we’re civil.”

After opening remarks, attendees lined up near the intersection

of Route 198 and Seventh Street holding signs and wearing costumes ranging from purple hippos to Guy Fawkes masks popularized in the movie “V for Vendetta” and a “Night King” costume from the TV show “Game of Thrones.”

“I’m out here to let my voice be heard and make sure people know that not everybody agrees with Trump,” said Ann Meixner of West Laurel as she stood along the roadway with a message that read, “All of my rage cannot fit on this sign.”

Meixner said she began protesting in high school during the Vietnam War. She said the “No Kings” protests happening nationally are the most she has seen since then and believes they are more than justified.

“Everyone matters, no matter who they are or where they’re from. We are all worth caring about,” she said.

PAST

community traditions,” said Norton. “But the fact that this celebration has evolved into what it is now and Laurel’s population is over 50% African American, it holds even more meaning now.”

Emancipation Day in Laurel continues to evolve and remains a central community tradition. Thirteen years ago, festivities began including a 5K run for diabetes awareness, according to Jacqueline “Jackie” Jones, the run’s coordinator and a member of the Laurel Historical Society’s board of directors.

“The exhibits cover every aspect from past to present,” Jones, who contributed memorabilia to this year’s exhibit, said. “You see the past, and then you see how far we have come and moving on to the future.”

Community members can visit the museum for free Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Why I’m Running

Like many families, I’ve experienced what it means to help care for a loved one while navigating complicated systems and important decisions about the future. The Register of Wills office plays an important role in helping families during some of life’s most difficult transitions. I’m running because I believe families across Prince George’s County deserve clear guidance, accessible information, and an office that helps residents plan, protect, and prepare for the future.

CITY OF LAUREL CRIME REPORTS

3/1 6900 blk Andersons Way 3/2 7800 blk Sandy Spring Rd

3/3 14100 blk West Side Blvd

3/3 7900 blk Laurel Lakes Ct

3/4 6900 blk Andersons Way

3/6 600 blk Main St

3/6 200

2/25

3/1

3/4

3/3

3/9

2/28 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd

Laurel police also reported 19 instances of shoplifting and two DUIs during this period. The Laurel Independent used AI to sort and organize this data.

One-man Beatles tribute comes to Laurel Mill Playhouse

By ASHANTI NOLLIE

The Beatles tribute performer Jon Perry will bring his one-man show, The Music of Lennon & McCartney, back to the Laurel Mill Playhouse this April, bringing decades of iconic songs to a local stage.

For more than two decades, Perry has performed the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney on stages around the world. The show blends live music and storytelling, guiding audiences through songs by the English rock band The Beatles, from their rise in the 1960s to their later years and solo work. Lennon and McCartney were founding members of the band and its primary songwriters.

The upcoming performances will take place at the Laurel Mill Playhouse on Main Street, a small, community-driven theater known for its diverse productions and dedicated volunteer base.

Perry’s performance recreates The Beatles’ sound using background tracks, live vocals, and instrumentals.

“The vocals have to be right,” Perry said. “All of my singing is live. The bass guitar is performed live. The acoustic guitar on the Lennon numbers, and the keyboard on songs like ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,’ ‘Hey Jude,’ and ‘Golden Slumbers,’ are live.”

The Baltimore native said The Beatles’ music has always felt natural to him, both as a musician and a lifelong fan. His connection to music began early in life and was shaped by his upbringing—his mother was a professional dancer and his father a musician.

“I was in diapers when my father set me in front of snare drums. I got my first kit when I was five for Christmas,” he said.

“I was given a guitar when I was 12 because drums were always way too loud.”

He said his career was never about fame.

“It wasn’t about being on television, money, or fame. I’ve just always loved music.”

The focus of the performance is not on Perry as an individual performer, but on recreating the experience of The Beatles’ music.

“I’m just as big a fan. I just get to wear the suit,” Perry said. “I’m not so much selling myself as I am The Beatles’ experience. The brand of the show isn’t me—it’s bigger than me.”

That philosophy fits well with the Laurel Mill Playhouse, a small venue that seats about 65 people and allows audiences to feel closely connected to performers.

“The intimacy of the theater really draws people in,” said Maureen Rogers, co-owner of the Laurel Mill Playhouse. “You’re not at the Kennedy Center 100 rows back with theater glasses.”

Marvin Rogers, Maureen Rogers’ husband and co-owner of the playhouse, said Perry’s show consistently draws a crowd.

“When it gets packed, as it has during Jon’s performances, some people even sit on the stage,” he said.

Laurel resident Jim Cross, 78, who has both attended and performed at the Laurel Mill Playhouse, said tribute shows resonate with audiences on a personal level.

“Jon does a terrific job,” Cross said. “When he’s singing, I’m quietly singing along with him, taking me back to my teenage years.”

Performances like Perry’s often bring new audiences into the theater, Maureen Rogers said.

“It brings in a different crowd of people—Beatles fans from the 1960s as well as younger listeners,” Rogers said.

The Music of Lennon & McCartney will be performed at

the Laurel Mill Playhouse on Friday, April 17, at 8 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet at Oliver’s Old Town Tavern, 531 Main St., and on Saturday, April 18, with dinner at 6 p.m. at Olive on Main and the show at 8 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Laurel Mill Playhouse website.

More information and tickets are available at laurelmillplayhouse.org or by calling 301-6179906.

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