Southern Maryland News Net

Maryland Department of Health Launches Program to Reduce Suicides Among Maryland Service Members and Veterans

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) fully launched the Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program, a new initiative to reduce suicides and increase lethal-means safety for service members and veterans. Developed by the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families, this training is free to all Maryland-based primary care staff. The initiative was first launched as a pilot program in 10 Maryland primary care practices. “Maryland’s service members and veterans benefit from specially...
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Prince George’s County Police Warn About Blue Pills Containing Fentanyl Which is Suspected in the Deaths of Three Students

The Prince George’s County Police Department is issuing a warning to residents about fentanyl-laced pills, in particular these blue-toned pills with a distinct “M” emblem. Police have recently begun recovering these pills, several of which have now been tested and contain fentanyl. Many users believe these pills are prescription painkillers. These pills are linked to multiple suspected overdoses, to include multiple fatal overdoses. Toxicology tests are still pending on those cases but at this time, it is suspected that...
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UPDATE: 71-Year-Old Newburg Man Killed After Head-on Collision Involving Semi Truck in Faulkner

UPDATE: On Monday, December 5, 2022, at approximately 3:54 p.m., Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 234 (Budds Creek Road) in the area of Edgewater Drive for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP CRASH Team indicates a 2016 Ford Edge operated...
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Maryland Attorney General Frosh Files Complaint Against MetCom Following 58 Sewage Overflows

BALTIMORE, MD (December 1, 2022) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment, today filed a civil complaint in the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County against the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) to request civil penalties and an injunction ordering MetCom to cease sewage overflows from its sanitary sewer system and to perform necessary corrective action. MetCom owns and operates sanitary sewer systems located throughout St. Mary’s County. MetCom’s...
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Some Southern Maryland Hospitals Operating with Near Full Capacity, CalvertHealth Reporting Long Wait Times

On Monday, December 5, 2022, CalvertHealth released the following. “CalvertHealth is experiencing longer than normal wait times at our Emergency Room. At this time, we are seeing wait times of more than six hours. We are encouraging patients with non-emergent issues to utilize Urgent Care or their primary care physician whenever possible. Of course, we will see all patients who turn to us for care, but we will prioritize those with emergency needs.” Many hospitals in our region (including...
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Homeowner Flown to Burn Center and Two Firefighters Transported with Non-Life-Threatening Injuries After Devastating House Fire in Leonardtown

On Sunday, December 4, 2022, at approximately 12:35 p.m., firefighters from Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Solomons, Valley Lee, and Seventh District responded to 43175 North Megan Lane in Leonardtown, for the house on fire with subjects possibly trapped. While firefighters responded to the scene, Leonardtown Fire Chief 1 requested a tanker task force due to the location being a water supply challenge. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find smoke and fire showing from the first...
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UPDATE: 39 Year-Old Lexington Park Man Killed in Motor Vehicle Collision on Great Mills Road

UPDATE 12/4/2022: On December 2, 2022, at 5:13 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 21600 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation. Preliminary investigation determined a 1994 Ford Ranger operated by Walter Tyrone Waul, age 55 of Callaway, was traveling east on Great Mills Road, and...
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Naval Air Station Patuxent River Holding Job Fair for Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Dispatchers and Public Safety Officers on Thursday, December 15, 2022

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland – Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NASPR) will host a job fair for job seekers 18-and-over interested in the field of law enforcement and public safety. NASPR is recruiting police officers, firefighters, and dispatchers. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the recruitment team and members of the NASPR security and public safety personnel to gain a better understanding of the job duties and the offered benefits. On Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 10:00 a.m., to...
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Sheriff Cameron Bids Agency Staff and St. Mary’s Farewell After 42 Years of Service

Friends, family and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office convened Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, as Sheriff Tim Cameron received his Final Salute on his last day after more than 42 years of service to St. Mary’s County. Sheriff Tim Cameron joined the Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy under Sheriff Joseph Lee Somerville Sr. on July 3, 1980. Cameron was elected as St. Mary’s County Sheriff in 2006 and served for four consecutive terms, which was unprecedented in county history....
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Vacant Trailer and Shed Destroyed by Fire in Waldorf, State Fire Marshal Investigating

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, at approximately 3:06 p.m., firefighters from Waldorf and surrounding departments responded to 2690 Old Washington Road in Waldorf, for the reported trailer on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a vacant house trailer fully engulfed in flames with extensions to a nearby shed and wooded area. The owner is identified as Thomas Haynie, the estimated loss of contents and structure is valued at $10,000.00 Over 50 firefighters responded and controlled the fire...
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NO ACTIVE THREAT: Police Investigating Reports of Subject with Gun Near Green Holly Elementary School in Lexington Park

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, at approximately 4:00 p.m., police responded to Green Holly Elementary School located at 46060 Millstone Landing Rd, Lexington Park, for the reported subject with a firearm. 911 callers reported children on the playground stated they observed a man near the fence line holding a firearm. Troopers from the Maryland State Police Barrack and Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene and made contact with the children and 911 callers and...
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Minor Injuries Reported After Motor Vehicle Collision in Lexington Park

On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at approximately 5:50 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to Hermanville Road and Sewell Road in Lexington Park, for the motor vehicle collision reported serious with one trapped. Bay District Volunteer Fire Department responded with 9 personnel on Rescue Squad 3, Engine 31, Chief 3, Chief 9B, and Safety 3. Firefighters arrived on the scene in under 6 minutes and located two vehicles involved in T-bone style collision with the operator of the...
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Charles County Middle School Investigating Staff Member Using Racial Slur Towards Student

A Statement from Brenda Tillotson, Principal at General Smallwood Middle School, dated November 29, 2022, can be seen below. Dear Parents and Guardians: I am very saddened to have to share with you information about an incident that happened Monday afternoon at General Smallwood Middle School. An instructional assistant in one of our math classes was reportedly overheard using inappropriate language in front of students. The incident was reported to administrators by a Smallwood staff member yesterday afternoon. Last...
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Senate Passes Bill to Protect Same-Sex and Interracial Marriage, Sen. Van Hollen Releases Statement

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote to pass the Respect for Marriage Act: “No American should face discrimination – no matter who they love or where they live. The Respect for Marriage Act promises every legally married couple that their union will be given equal recognition and protection across the United States. It provides loving couples with the peace of mind that no court, state legislature, or local government can interfere...
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Police in St. Mary’s County Arrest Leonardtown Man and Virginia Man Wanted for Murder and Arson in Virginia

Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: On Monday, November 28, 2022 at approximately 12:21 a.m., Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a structure fire at a residence on Crystal Lane in Cabin Point Subdivision, located in Montross, VA. Upon arrival of sheriff’s office deputies and volunteer fire personnel, the remains of one individual and three animals were discovered inside the residence. An ensuing investigation by the sheriff’s office indicated that a homicide had occurred. The victim was later...
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St. Mary’s County Public Schools Increasing Security Measures for After-School Events

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the implementation of increased security measures for after-school events. In a continuing effort to improve security and provide a safer experience for students, parents, staff, and community members, St. Mary’s County Public Schools is implementing increased security measures for after-school events. Beginning with the high school...
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Charles County Public Schools 2022 Winter Break Operating Schedule

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) administrative offices are closed Friday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day. Schools are closed Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 2, for winter break. Schools, offices and buildings reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, as noted in the Parent...
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UPDATE: First Responders Locate Missing 81-Year-Old Safe and Unharmed After Nearly 7 Hour Search

Update @ 2:00 a.m., Hood was located safe, albeit cold, he was conscious and talking to First Responders. We thank all who shared or assisted in the search. An update including which jurisdictions and agencies who responded will be provided later this week. Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack coordinated search efforts and had Troopers, Search...
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Waldorf Resident Considers Buying House After Winning $100,000 Lottery Prize

Purchased lucky $100,000 Crossword game at suggestion of employee A construction worker from Waldorf enjoys playing scratch-offs and has won prizes up to $500. When he convinced his boss to buy an instant ticket, the supervisor hit for $100,000! The two told their tale last week when they visited Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Congratulates Corrections Graduates Session 68

Sheriff Steve Hall and the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office welcome and congratulate the graduates of Corrections Entrance Level Training Program Session 68. Their graduation ceremony was held on Friday evening at Chopticon High School. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office welcomes five new Corrections Officers: Andrea Barrow, Tyler...
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Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Congratulates Corrections Graduates Session 68 – 11 New Graduates

Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans, Major Reece, and Capt. Cross are proud to announce the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) celebrated the graduation of 11 new correctional officers – one of which will be assigned to the Calvert County Detention Center. The graduates received a final inspection from the Corrections Entrance Level Training...
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Hughesville Woman Wins $30,000 Christmas Bonus After Buying Scratch-off Treat in Charlotte Hall

Our Holiday scratch-off games are bringing lots of happy winners into Lottery headquarters these days and a Charles County woman was among the joyful crowd. She won a $30,000 top prize on the popular Peppermint Payout game. The lucky 20-year-old and a friend who visited the Winner’s Circle last week were both all smiles...
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Waldorf Military Vet Wins $50,015 Bonus Match 5!

Charles County Lottery fan claims game’s top prize An avid Lottery player and biker enthusiast from Charles County is riding into the sunset after claiming a $50,015 top Bonus Match 5 prize this week. The military veteran picked up the winning ticket on his way home Tuesday after a medical appointment in Baltimore. “Kaos,”...
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Maryland Delegation Members Urge State to Apply for Grant to Expand Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, Anthony G. Brown, Kweisi Mfume, Dutch Ruppersberger, and John Sarbanes (all D-Md) wrote Maryland Secretary of Health Dennis Schrader urging the Maryland Department of Health to apply for a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) planning grant...
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North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Past President Robert “Bobby” Allen

On Friday, December 2, 2022, North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Past President Robert “Bobby” Allen passed on to eternity at his home in North Beach. Allen was a pillar of the NBVFD family, with an unbroken line of service from 1983 to 2017. He was an excellent firefighter and emergency medical clinician, regularly responding...
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Townhouse Fire in Great Mills Under Investigation – Police Issue Traffic Citations to Driver Who Damaged Firehose

On Sunday, December 4, 2022, at approximately 8:24 a.m., firefighters from Bay District Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to 22060 St. Elizabeths Court in Great Mills, for a residential fire alarm. Police responded to the residence to assist firefighters due to previously responding to the residence multiple times for domestic incidents in the past...
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Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Involving Pedestrian Who Was Struck by Three Different Vehicles

December 4, 2022 (LAUREL, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash that occurred this morning in Prince George’s County. Sunday, December 4, 2022, shortly after 9:50 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack responded to the area of southbound I-95 and the Intercounty Connector for a...
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La Plata Police Department Announce Operation Prevent Porch Piracy

A staggering 11 million homeowners have had a package stolen in 2020, according to August Home and a study produced by research firm Edelman Intelligence. In the same report, it was also revealed that 74% of packages are stolen from homes during the day when homeowners are at work and that the average value...
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16th Annual Calvert Shop with a Cop is Another Huge Success!

On Saturday, Dec. 3, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputies, along with Troopers from the Maryland State Police (MSP), Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Maryland State Fire Marshalls participated in the 16th Annual Calvert Shop with a Cop event. The Shop with a Cop program sponsored by...
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Police Offering Reward, Seeking Information in Murder of 19-Year-Old That Occurred in November 2022

Detectives with the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit have assumed the investigation into a stabbing that occurred in November in the city of Hyattsville. The victim is 19-year-old Therry Buhdeng of Bladensburg. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case....
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North Beach Pat Carpenter Holiday Parade, Santa on The Beach and Christmas Market Cancelled Due to Weather

Due to inclement weather conditions predicted for tomorrow, December 3, 2022, the Pat Carpenter Holiday Parade has been canceled. The National Weather Service predicts rain and wind gusts that could reach 31 mph. Although the parade coordinators and the Town of North Beach staff have worked hard to prepare for this holiday tradition, the...
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December 2022 Events: CSM Celebrates the Season with Concerts, Reflection, and Giving Back

Connections Literary Magazine Publication Reading. Dec. 2. 7 – 9 p.m. La Plata Campus, Community Education (CE) Building, Room 101 and Online via Zoom. Contributors to the Fall 2022 Connections Literary Magazine will read and discuss their published works. Connections Literary Magazine is a regional literary journal published twice a year that features poems, stories,...
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