Community

UPDATE: Police Arrest Third Suspect in Lexington Park Shooting

UPDATE: Police Arrest Third Suspect in Lexington Park Shooting

UPDATE: Charles Henry Thompson, 30, of Lexington Park, was arrested and is currently being held at the the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. Thompson faces the following charges, according to court documents: Attempted First-Degree Murder (Felony) Attempted Second-Degree Murder (Felony) First-Degree Assault (Two Counts – Felony) Second-Degree Assault (Two Counts...
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UPDATE: United States Flag and Maryland Flag to be Half-Staff for Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins

UPDATE: United States Flag and Maryland Flag to be Half-Staff for Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins

UPDATE 1/16/2025: Governor Wes Moore has ordered the Maryland Flag lowered to half-staff effective immediately. This action is for Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service who died in the line of duty on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The United States Flag will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise...
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Horrific Conditions Lead Over 150 Animal Cruelty Charges for Charlotte Hall Father and Daughter

Kelvin Shepherd, 51, and Dominique Parrish, 35, both of Charlotte Hall

Kelvin Shepherd, 51, and Dominique Parrish, 35, both of Charlotte Hall, were arrested following a joint investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control. The investigation uncovered what authorities describe as “horrific” conditions for over 17 dogs housed on their property at 30205 Gershwin Road. The arrests came after months of...
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22-Year-Old Port Republic Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase from Calvert to St. Mary’s County

22-Year-Old Port Republic Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase from Calvert to St. Mary’s County

Dylan Michael Barbieri, 22, of Port Republic, was arrested on January 14, 2025, following a high-speed pursuit that spanned parts of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. According to court documents, the incident began when officers in Calvert County observed Barbieri’s vehicle traveling at an estimated 85 mph in a 55 mph zone along Maryland...
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VIDEO: Hollywood Woman Arrested for Impaired Driving, Cocaine Possession in Lexington Park

VIDEO: Hollywood Woman Arrested for Impaired Driving, Cocaine Possession in Lexington Park

Serinity Faith Byrd, 32, of Hollywood, was arrested on January 10, 2025, following a welfare check that revealed impaired driving and the discovery of suspected cocaine in her possession. According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to the Pegg Road Food Mart, located at 22141 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park,...
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Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Releases Statement Following Governor Moore’s $3 Billion Deficit Announcement, Tax Increases, and Budget Cuts

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Releases Statement Following Governor Moore’s $3 Billion Deficit Announcement, Tax Increases, and Budget Cuts

In December 2024 the Department of Legislative Services reported a historic $2.95 billion General Fund projected shortfall for the State’s Fiscal Year 2026 (beginning July 1, 2025)—greater than any shortfall in at least 20 years including during the Great Recession. The $2.95 billion projected shortfall (before any budget actions) represents a projected 11 percent...
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February 2025 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

February 2025 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

Celebrate February at the Calvert Marine Museum with exciting programs and events for all ages! From meeting Poppie the opossum to exploring local history and participating in citizen science, there’s something for everyone this month. Don’t miss the Maritime Performance Series with ASH & ERIC L’ESPERANCE on the 21st. For more information about museum...
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Marylander Hunters and Birders Should Be Vigilant Against Avian Influenza

Marylander Hunters and Birders Should Be Vigilant Against Avian Influenza

In early January, laboratory testing provided preliminary confirmation of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) in seven dead snow geese found in Worcester and Dorchester counties, and subsequently in a Caroline County poultry facility. Avian influenza, often called “bird flu,” is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, and its presence should be considered...
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Mechanicsville Man Faces Fourth DUI After Stealing Lottery Money from Korner Karry Out

Mechanicsville Man Faces Fourth DUI After Stealing Lottery Money from Korner Karry Out

Vance Harrison Deniston, 67, of Mechanicsville, was arrested on January 10, 2025, following an incident involving the theft of cash from a local business and a subsequent investigation that led to multiple driving under the influence (DUI) charges. The arrest, detailed in court documents and statements from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, also...
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Lothian Man Sentenced for Shoplifting Ribeye Steaks from Weis Grocery Store in Lexington Park

Lothian Man Sentenced for Shoplifting Ribeye Steaks from Weis Grocery Store in Lexington Park

On January 13, 2025, Brandon Lee Holdaway, 29, of Lothian, was sentenced in St. Mary’s County District Court after pleading guilty to theft of items valued under $100. The charge stemmed from an incident on October 9, 2024, at a Weis grocery store located at 21600 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. According to...
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Police in Charles County Seize Drugs, Guns, and Stolen Vehicles – Newburg Man Arrested

Police in Charles County Seize Drugs, Guns, and Stolen Vehicles – Newburg Man Arrested

Demetrius Antoine McKinney, 32, of Newburg, was arrested on January 9, 2025, in connection with an ongoing drug trafficking investigation by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Division. The arrest followed a search warrant executed at McKinney’s residence on Oak Ridge Court, where authorities reportedly recovered a substantial amount of illegal drugs, firearms,...
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St. Mary’s County – Free Workshop for Caregivers Announced; First Meeting on January 27, 2025

St. Mary’s County – Free Workshop for Caregivers Announced; First Meeting on January 27, 2025

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services (DAHS) is pleased to announce the Building Better Caregivers workshop, an evidence-based program to equip caregivers with tools and knowledge to enhance their caregiving journey. Through the Building Better Caregivers program, participants will have the opportunity to: Discover practical strategies for self-care and stress...
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Hospice of the Chesapeake Expands Inpatient Care with High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

Hospice of the Chesapeake Expands Inpatient Care with High-Flow Oxygen Therapy

Hospice of the Chesapeake is proud to announce the addition of high-flow oxygen therapy to its inpatient care centers, enhancing the quality of care for patients with complex respiratory needs. This innovative therapy provides critical support to individuals facing serious illness, ensuring they receive the best possible comfort and care. High-flow oxygen therapy is...
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St. Mary’s County EMS Chief Who Admitted to Stealing Fentanyl and Other Drugs Makes Plea Deal

St. Mary’s County EMS Chief Who Admitted to Stealing Fentanyl and Other Drugs Makes Plea Deal

UPDATE 1/9/2024: Thomas Patrick Raley has accepted a plea deal in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court after facing multiple charges. He entered an Alford plea to second-degree burglary, meaning he does not admit guilt but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him. Raley also pled guilty to two counts of rogue and...
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Charles County Department of Health Warns of Increased Rabies Cases Over Past Month

Charles County Department of Health Warns of Increased Rabies Cases Over Past Month

The Charles County Department of Health is alerting all citizens and visitors of an increase in rabies cases over the past month. One raccoon tested positive for rabies on December 22, 2024, in the vicinity of Charles Street/Penns Hill Road. Additionally, a fox tested positive for rabies on January 9, 2025, in the vicinity...
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Student Injured During Altercation Involving Multiple Students at Milton Somers Middle School

Student Injured During Altercation Involving Multiple Students at Milton Somers Middle School

On Friday, January 10, 2025, four students at Milton Somers Middle School were involved in an altercation inside the cafeteria. School staff and a school resource officer intervened and were able to separate the students. One student reported an injury sustained during the altercation and the SRO also sustained a minor injury while intervening....
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Bubby’s Christmas Farewell Brings in Over $320,000, Knott Family Donates All to Our Schools, Organizations and Volunteer Fire Departments

Bubby’s Christmas Farewell Brings in Over $320,000, Knott Family Donates All to Our Schools, Organizations and Volunteer Fire Departments

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Knott family hosted a check presentation for our local nonprofits, organizations and three of our communities completely volunteer Fire/EMS departments. “Thanks to your generosity and the Knott Family’s incredible donation, we’re proud to announce the distribution of funds to these amazing local nonprofits! Each organization plays a vital...
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A Wonderful Addition to Leonardtown Square: Meow Dyer Cat Cafe!

A Wonderful Addition to Leonardtown Square: Meow Dyer Cat Cafe!

Join them for their grand opening celebration from January 10th to 12th, with doors open daily from 12 PM to 7 PM. Owner Shannon Myles Obedoza has partnered with Feral Cat Rescue to create a cozy, welcoming space where rescue cats can thrive while waiting for their forever homes. The cafe offers a calm...
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UPDATE: 19-Year-Old Shot in Hollywood: Ten Weeks Later, No Arrests and No Answers from Police

UPDATE: 19-Year-Old Shot in Hollywood: Ten Weeks Later, No Arrests and No Answers from Police

UPDATE: More than Ten weeks have passed since a 19-year-old man was shot in Hollywood, leading to a high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, yet no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. Although police have identified the shooter in court documents, no charges have been filed, and authorities have not...
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St. Mary’s Ryken High School Sophomore Skyler Graham Selected for Prestigious HOBY Leadership Seminar

St. Mary’s Ryken High School Sophomore Skyler Graham Selected for Prestigious HOBY Leadership Seminar

St. Mary’s Ryken High School (SMR) is proud to announce that sophomore Skyler Graham has been selected as this year’s representative for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar. Skyler expressed gratitude to the SMR School Counseling Team for the nomination, saying, “I am thrilled about this opportunity to obtain more leadership skills and...
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St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles County Weather and Public School Updates for Friday, January 10th, 2025

St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles County Weather and Public School Updates for Friday, January 10th, 2025

ST. MARY’S COUNTY: Due to high winds, blowing snow, and continued freezing, all SMCPS Schools will have a delayed opening of two hours on Friday, January 10, 2025. Code 5 for staff. Ten and eleven-month employees report to work two hours late. Twelve-month employees and food service workers are to report to work on...
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All Southern Maryland Schools are Closed on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

All Southern Maryland Schools are Closed on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

School closings and delays in Maryland for Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The school system declared a “code blue” with liberal leave for employees. Calvert County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All after school and evening activities are canceled,...
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Southern Maryland School Closure Updates for Tuesday, January 7th, 2025

Southern Maryland School Closure Updates for Tuesday, January 7th, 2025

UPDATE 1/7/2025 CALVERT COUNTY – Calvert County Public Schools is closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. All after school and evening activities scheduled for Tuesday, January 7 are canceled. Code Red for employees. CHARLES COUNTY – Due to inclement weather conditions, all Charles County public schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. There...
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UPDATE: NAS Patuxent River Operating Under Restricted Access/Telework Status Due to Weather on Tuesday, January 7, 2025

UPDATE: NAS Patuxent River Operating Under Restricted Access/Telework Status Due to Weather on Tuesday, January 7, 2025

1/7/2025: NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – NAS Patuxent River’s operating status is Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 due to weather conditions. This applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons. Gate 1 will be open 24/7. Gate 2 will be...
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NAS Patuxent River Moves to 100% ID Checks Effective Immediately

NAS Patuxent River Moves to 100% ID Checks Effective Immediately

NAS Patuxent River has suspended Trusted Traveler and has implemented 100% ID checks at all gates effective immediately per direction from U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command. Passengers who do not possess a valid DoD Common Access Card or DBIDs Pass/Credential, must display a valid REAL ID-compliant identification ( www.dhs.gov/real-id ) and comply with escorting requirements in...
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