Community

SMADC Opens Search for Host Venue of the 2026 Buy Local Challenge Celebration

SMADC Opens Search for Host Venue of the 2026 Buy Local Challenge Celebration

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is officially seeking a premier location to host the 2026 Buy Local Challenge (BLC) Celebration. Farms, wineries, and established agritourism venues throughout Southern Maryland are invited to submit applications to showcase their property as the backdrop for this...
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April 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

April 2026 Events at the Calvert Marine Museum

A special fossil egg hunt, spring break adventures, the Otter Trot 5K, and a special Maritime Performance Series concert, Music of the American Revolution, headline a packed April schedule at the Calvert Marine Museum. For the full calendar of April events, visit calvertmarinemuseum.com. Wednesday, April 1 – Spring Break Program: Birds of the Marsh | 10...
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Charles County Commissioners Advance Inspector General Legislation, Housing Initiatives, and Zoning Updates

Charles County Commissioners Advance Inspector General Legislation, Housing Initiatives, and Zoning Updates

The Charles County Commissioners reviewed and advanced several legislative and planning initiatives during their recent meeting, including the creation of an independent Inspector General office, housing development updates, and zoning changes aimed at supporting retail and residential growth. Independent Office of the Inspector General Proposed County Attorney Wes Adams presented legislation to formally establish...
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Vendors Sought for Calvert County Farmers Markets

Vendors Sought for Calvert County Farmers Markets

Buying local is easy with an abundance of fresh food from Calvert County’s farmers, agribusinesses and watermen. Patrons can find local produce, meat, bedding plants (vegetables and herbs) and a cornucopia of other offerings. The Calvert County Farmers Market Association is seeking vendors for its Prince Frederick and Dunkirk markets this season. These are...
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A Week of Hands-On Spring Break Activities at Historic Sotterley!

A Week of Hands-On Spring Break Activities at Historic Sotterley!

Historic Sotterley, the Southern Maryland Folklife Center, St. Mary’s County Public Library, and local author Nocola Williams are teaming up to offer a full week of low-cost, family friendly Spring Break programs designed to keep children active, curious, and learning while school’s out. From March 30 through April 3, families can enjoy a different...
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St. Mary’s County to be Honored as the Birthplace of Stuffed Ham with Historic Marker Unveiling at St. Clement’s Island Museum

St. Mary’s County to be Honored as the Birthplace of Stuffed Ham with Historic Marker Unveiling at St. Clement’s Island Museum

St. Mary’s County has been designated as the official birthplace of stuffed ham, and a historic marker will be erected and dedicated to this honor by the St. Mary’s County Museum Division with a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation. On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the marker will be installed on the grounds of the...
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Donations Pour In for Humane Society of Charles County Following Urgent Plea for Help

Donations Pour In for Humane Society of Charles County Following Urgent Plea for Help

Last week, the Humane Society of Charles County (HSCC), the county’s only no-kill animal shelter, issued an urgent plea for help as the organization faced the possibility of closing its doors after more than 50 years of serving the community. After issuing the public plea earlier this week, the shelter originally sought to raise $125,000...
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Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

In response to continued community interest and the deep need for support after the loss of a beloved pet, Chesapeake Life Center is pleased to bring back its popular Pet Loss Workshop, offering comfort, connection and healthy coping strategies for grieving adults. The free workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m....
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Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

The public is invited to participate in a regional Southern Maryland Forum: Growing Our Own Workforce on Thursday, Mar. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building (Bldg. 3), 44219 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619. This interactive and action-oriented event, part of Leadership Southern...
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14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers recently earned National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The 14 educators who earned the designation have shown they are effective and accomplished teachers. The following CCPS teachers achieved National Board Certification in December 2025. Teachers are listed by certification area, position...
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Greenbelt Man Hopes to Put $50,000 Lottery Prize to Good Use

Greenbelt Man Hopes to Put $50,000 Lottery Prize to Good Use

A longtime Maryland Lottery player from Greenbelt is celebrating a big win after scratching his way to a $50,000 prize. The winner visited Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore on March 3 to claim his prize and share the story behind his win. The winner has been playing Lottery games for about 10 years and...
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The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

Knees were bouncing with anxious jitters and hearts were racing as students waited for their turn to approach the microphone in the middle of Piccowaxen Middle School’s gym Wednesday evening for the 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee. The top spellers from eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle schools were represented by a team...
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2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the 2025-2026 operating calendar adjustments made by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 4, 2026, as follows: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) will be a school day due to an inclement weather make-up day The calendar for the Chesapeake Public Charter School...
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Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

On January 19,  a break in a 72-inch sewer main known as the Potomac Interceptor caused an overflow into the Potomac River. The release of sewage from aging federal infrastructure was an emergency and people were understandably worried about both short-term and long-term effects. Maryland state and local authorities immediately closed off areas that...
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St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award, recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the community. Both awards will be presented during the Chamber’s annual gala scheduled for May 14, 2026....
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

A drive-thru car wash fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 8, beginning at 12 p.m., to 2:00 p.m., at 28165 Hills Club Road in Mechanicsville. The event is donation-only, with no set price, allowing visitors to give what they can while supporting local volunteers. Each vehicle will receive a full hand wash, with...
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Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Ahead of their single game tickets going on sale on March 6th, The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced today a special community partnership with the Humane Society of Charles County to support the non-profit animal shelter, who is facing potential closure due to financial issues. The Humane Society of Charles County, which has served...
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Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. Working in close coordination with local health officials,...
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Southern Maryland Counties Celebrate the Power of Engineering with CSM during National Engineers Week

Southern Maryland Counties Celebrate the Power of Engineering with CSM during National Engineers Week

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) engineering students joined local leaders as Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties recognized National Engineers Week to raise awareness for an industry working behind the scenes to build a better world. National Engineers Week, or EWeek, is observed Feb. 22 – 28, 2026. Its purpose is to highlight the...
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Cricchi Named New NAVAIR Deputy Commander

Cricchi Named New NAVAIR Deputy Commander

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, MD: Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), has announced Steve Cricchi will take the role as deputy commander, NAVAIR, effective Feb. 26. Cricchi replaces NAVAIR Deputy Commander Tom Rudowsky, who will officially retire March 2. Cricchi transitions into the role after serving...
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UPDATE: Detectives Charge Waldorf Man for 2025 October Place Murder of 47-Year-Old David Raley

UPDATE: Detectives Charge Waldorf Man for 2025 October Place Murder of 47-Year-Old David Raley

UPDATE 3/4/2026: On March 4, detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested Shawn Lamont Wade, Jr., age 32, of Waldorf in connection with the shooting death of David Leroy Raley, age 47. The shooting occurred on July 3, 2025, in the 3000 block of October Place. Wade was indicted...
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School-Based Health Centers Now Offering Rapid Respiratory Testing

School-Based Health Centers Now Offering Rapid Respiratory Testing

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now offering rapid respiratory testing at its School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), giving families faster answers during cold and flu season. The SBHCs have added a new testing platform that can detect more than 14 common respiratory viruses and bacteria, with results available in about 15 minutes....
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GoFundMe Added: Humane Society of Charles County Facing Closure, Urgently Seeks Community Support

GoFundMe Added: Humane Society of Charles County Facing Closure, Urgently Seeks Community Support

UPDATE 3/5/2026: “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support and funds raised so far! Your contributions mean the world to us. As many of you requested, we’ve created a GoFundMe page to make it easier for everyone to contribute. Together, we can achieve amazing things!” Click here to donate today. If you cannot...
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UPDATE: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling Testifies on Jamari’s Law to Strengthen Penalties for Manslaughter by Vehicle, Here’s How You Can Help

UPDATE: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling Testifies on Jamari’s Law to Strengthen Penalties for Manslaughter by Vehicle, Here’s How You Can Help

UPDATE 3/1/2026: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling is set to testify in support of House Bill 0873 — known as “Jamari’s Law” — before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 4 at 1 p.m. The proposed legislation would double the maximum penalty for vehicular manslaughter in Maryland, increasing it from 10 years to 20...
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St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Youth Basketball Players Recognized with Will Smith Leadership Awards

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Youth Basketball Players Recognized with Will Smith Leadership Awards

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Will Smith Leadership Awards. These awards recognize 8th grade players in the R&P Youth Basketball League who participate from 6th–8th grade and demonstrate sportsmanship, passion for the game, and leadership both on and off the court. Nearly 30...
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