The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are pleased to announce a new public safety initiative to improve access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) parks and facilities. The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services has partnered with Recreation & Parks, Aging & Human Services, and Public Works &...
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As the autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn, Little Flower School invites you to raise a stein and celebrate the season at its first annual Beer, Brats, and Bingo event on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This adults-only evening blends the cozy charm of fall with the lively spirit of Oktoberfest—complete...
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During their regular October meeting, the St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees approved a new state-mandated Immigration Enforcement Policy. The Board also heard a report from President Rhonda Phillips on her first 100 days at the College, during which she engaged in a “listening tour” that saw her meet with hundreds of students, faculty,...
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Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman announced today the launch of a modernized unclaimed property website and system that will make it easier for residents to reclaim their lost assets. The upgraded platform replaces a mainframe system that had been in use for decades with a contemporary cloud-based solution, allowing Marylanders to submit claims online...
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The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and the University of Maryland School of Public Health are proud to announce a new academic health department partnership aimed at improving public health outcomes, strengthening the local public health workforce, and advancing learning opportunities in the region. The Academic Health Department model serves as a bridge between...
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2025 juvenile striped bass survey recorded a young-of-year index of 4.0. This is an improvement over recent years, but still well below the long-term survey average of 11. This marks the seventh consecutive year of low spawning success for striped bass. The annual survey tracks the reproductive...
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SMNEWSNET.COM filed a Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request with the Maryland Department of Health seeking all food inspection reports from the past 12 months for Szechuan Garden, located at 11149 Mall Circle in Waldorf. Those records reveal a long pattern of violations and state enforcement actions culminating in an emergency suspension of the...
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State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Crosby Dawson, 42, of Leonardtown, Maryland, was sentenced to 65 years in prison with 35 years of active incarceration, ordered to lifetime sexual offender supervision, and required to register as a sex offender for life, for the sexual abuse and rape of a child. Following a multi-day jury...
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized James L. Frazetti Jr. of Crownsville with a state record for a 7-pound, 8-ounce pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis) and also as recipient of a FishMaryland Master Angler Award. Frazetti is a saltwater and offshore fishing specialist who says fishing the blue water offshore is his...
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Jerome Anthony Warren, 64, of Waldorf, is currently facing criminal charges in four separate cases in Charles County District Court. The charges span from September 2024 through September 2025 and include multiple counts of assault, fraud, drug possession, trespassing, and theft. Charging documents reveal a pattern of alleged confrontations with law enforcement, correctional staff,...
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Glenn Rodney Battle, 39, of Lexington Park, has been charged with indecent exposure and malicious destruction of property after a reported incident on October 11, 2025, on Lawrence Avenue in Leonardtown, according to charging documents filed by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Rachael Roszell responded to the 22000 block of Lawrence Avenue...
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On October 10, 2025, Daniel Joseph Bliss, 42, of Waldorf, pleaded guilty in Calvert County Circuit Court to 3 counts of second degree rape and 1 count of sexual abuse of a minor. Judge Mark S. Chandlee sentenced Mr. Bliss to 65 years of active incarceration, followed by probation with the requirement of lifetime...
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The Calvert County Department of Community Resources announces the opening of the Calvert County Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) grant application process. The fund supports local initiatives that address the opioid crisis through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery and public safety strategies. Funding for this program is made possible through statewide opioid restitution settlements and...
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other small game seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Some of these species offer generous seasons and bag limits and are abundant throughout Maryland. “Although many hunters turn their attention to deer during this time of year, small game...
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The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host free paper shredding events for county residents and businesses. Shredding documents helps prevent identity theft by destroying confidential or sensitive information. The following shred events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at...
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Thomas Emanuel Gross, 39, of Lexington Park, was ordered held without bond following his arrest on felony and misdemeanor drug charges stemming from a search warrant executed earlier this year, according to court documents filed in the District Court for St. Mary’s County. Gross faces four charges: one felony count of possession with intent...
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UPDATE: Prior to publishing our recent article on transparency, SMNEWSNET.COM filed two formal complaints with the Maryland Office of the Public Access Ombudsman against the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for withholding public information. The Ombudsman reviewed our complaints and found them valid for mediation — a process designed to resolve disputes through open...
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Calvert County will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southern Community Center, located at 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby, and the Northeast Community Center, located at 4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave. in Chesapeake Beach. Residents are encouraged to safely dispose of unused...
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NBC4 Washington/WRC-TV, Telemundo 44 Washington/WZDC, and Comcast NBCUniversal announced $227,272 in unrestricted funds were awarded to six local nonprofit organizations through the 2025 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants. Among this year’s recipients is New Hope Community Outreach Services, a Waldorf-based Non-profit, which received $25,000, and Upward Thrive Academy, Inc, a Charles County non-profit which received...
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NAS Patuxent River is well known for its groundbreaking work in the field of naval aviation. But not far from the airfield and hangars, Pax River’s Child and Youth Programs (CYP) has made history as well, hiring the Navy’s first CYP registered nurse. The new position is a part of a two-year pilot program...
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You’re on a walkway in a park. You can see trees, a road, a marsh and a coastline against a vibrant blue sky all around you. Then, you hear the toll of a bell. The marsh expands, the water edges up the grass. Another bell and the water creeps up to the base of...
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The Prince George’s County Police family is mourning the loss of Police Officer First Class Alex Belcher #4204. He passed away on October 8, 2025, after a hard-fought medical battle. POFC Belcher was a seven-year veteran of the agency. He spent his entire career serving as a patrol officer in District I – Hyattsville...
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The Bay District Volunteer Fire Department (BDVFD) is proud to announce the official premiere of its new recruitment film, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the life and dedication of a volunteer firefighter. The film will debut on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at R/C Lexington Exchange Movies 12 in California, Maryland. This...
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On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Leonardtown, Seventh District, Hughesville, and Waldorf responded to the 38000 block of New Market Turner Road in Mechanicsville, for the structure on fire. 911 callers reported a garage was fully engulfed and threatening other structures. Crews quickly arrived on the scene...
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On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at approximately 6:25 p.m., firefighters from Bryans Road and surrounding fire departments responded to the 2600 block of Cannon Court in Bryans Road, for the reported garage on fire. 911 callers reported a fire started in the garage with the house being evacuated. Crews arrived on the scene to...
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