Community

UPDATE: Former Chopticon High School Safety and Security Assistant Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

UPDATE: Former Chopticon High School Safety and Security Assistant Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

7/24/2024: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that Davon Natrell Stewart, 23, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to prison after he was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor and placed on the sex offender registry for life. Stewart was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor after a two-day bench trial...
Read More »

Charles County Government Announces Purchase of Sears Building to Turn Into Sports and Wellness Complex

Charles County Government Announces Purchase of Sears Building to Turn Into Sports and Wellness Complex

This press release was updated to include the price that the building was purchased for, and provided clarification about the source of funding. On Wednesday, July 24, The Charles County Board of Commissioners was joined by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Charles County Economic Development Department to celebrate...
Read More »

Preserving Harrier History: Retired AV-8B II+ Finds New Home at North Carolina Air Museum

Preserving Harrier History: Retired AV-8B II+ Finds New Home at North Carolina Air Museum

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, MD: A retired and demilitarized AV-8B Harrier II+ was inducted into the Hickory Aviation Museum in the “First in Flight” state of North Carolina on July 15, 2024. This aircraft, BUNO 164560, entered service in 1994 and flew with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231, 542, and 223, logging...
Read More »

Nursing Professors Kathy Parsons and Lisa Gonzalez Excel with Nurse Support Program; Recognized for Leadership

Nursing Professors Kathy Parsons and Lisa Gonzalez Excel with Nurse Support Program; Recognized for Leadership

Ensuring that our region has top-quality nurses starts with ensuring that they’re taught by the best possible professors. College of Southern Maryland (CSM) nursing faculty are continually working to remain at the forefront of nursing education, and CSM nursing educators have recently been recognized by Maryland’s Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) for their...
Read More »

New Contract Award to Help Train Fleet to Counter Electronic Warfare

New Contract Award to Help Train Fleet to Counter Electronic Warfare

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, MD: The U.S. Navy awarded the Phoenix Air Group Inc. a $165 million contract June 28 for Contracted Air Services (CAS) flight hours to simulate a variety of airborne electronic warfare (EW) threats to train, test and evaluate shipboard personnel and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew....
Read More »

Governor Moore Announces More Than $130 Million in Federal Grants to Support Maryland’s Climate Goals and Create Green Jobs

Governor Moore Announces More Than $130 Million in Federal Grants to Support Maryland’s Climate Goals and Create Green Jobs

Governor Wes Moore today announced $130 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will help Maryland become one of the greenest states in the nation and support the creation of thousands of new green jobs. The grants will also support workforce training for local workers on emerging charging...
Read More »

Fire Safety – Matches and Lighters, Curious Kids Set Fires

Fire Safety – Matches and Lighters, Curious Kids Set Fires

By RVFD Vice President / Lieutenant Scot Best: Each year, children start many fires. Many of these fires are started with matches and lighters. Children set fires for many reasons; they may be curious about fire, crying for help, or engaging in delinquent behavior. Children as young as two have been able to operate...
Read More »

Fentanyl Theft Uncovered in St. Mary’s County Paramedic Narcotics Supply – Police Investigating

Fentanyl Theft Uncovered in St. Mary’s County Paramedic Narcotics Supply – Police Investigating

UPDATE – St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Press Release – 7/19/2024 @ 1:00 p.m.: On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the St. Mary’s County Government Department of Emergency Services contacted the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and reported suspected tampering with the security seal on a narcotics box in a local medic unit. Detectives from...
Read More »

2024 National Night Out – St. Mary’s County

2024 National Night Out – St. Mary’s County

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office invites you, your family, and your community to the 2024 Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, for an opportunity to meet and socialize with Sheriff’s Office personnel. National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign encouraging residents to unite and form relationships with local law...
Read More »

NOAA Announces $10 Million Grant for Oyster Sanctuary Reef Construction in Maryland

NOAA Announces $10 Million Grant for Oyster Sanctuary Reef Construction in Maryland

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that it has recommended awarding $10 million to fund new reef construction for a Maryland Department of Natural Resources oyster sanctuary in the Chesapeake Bay. The four-year grant will provide infrastructure funding for building reef bases on about 50 to 75 acres within an existing oyster...
Read More »

NAS Patuxent River Sets Noise Advisory for August 1-16, 2024 for Webster Field, NAS Patuxent River

NAS Patuxent River Sets Noise Advisory for August 1-16, 2024 for Webster Field, NAS Patuxent River

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding Webster Outlying Field Webster and Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised of a scheduled increase in aircraft flight activities associated with the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School training from Aug. 1 to Aug. 16, 2024. As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office Successfully Secures a $586,299 Competitive Grant to Continue Services for Crime Victims

St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office Successfully Secures a $586,299 Competitive Grant to Continue Services for Crime Victims

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling proudly announces the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) awarded the State’s Attorney’s Office for St. Mary’s County a $586,299 Victims of Crime Act grant for fiscal year 2025. The grant funds will supplement the Victim Services Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office by funding eight positions within...
Read More »

Bubby Knott’s Legacy of Giving Lives On

Bubby Knott’s Legacy of Giving Lives On

The Great Mills Trading Post provided the following information from Karen Siebert, CFO: “As we try to move on in the light of our dad’s passing; we have racked our brains in ways to best honor his legacy.  In a few words; what we remember most about our dad is his giving spirit and...
Read More »

How to Stay Cool and Hydrated in the Heat: Essential Tips for Beating the Summer Sun

How to Stay Cool and Hydrated in the Heat: Essential Tips for Beating the Summer Sun

As the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar, staying cool and hydrated becomes crucial for your wellbeing. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities, working in the heat, or simply navigating daily life, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent heat related issues. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to help you stay cool...
Read More »

Help Stop the Spread of Fake News on Social Media

Help Stop the Spread of Fake News on Social Media

In the digital age, social media platforms have become the primary source of news and information for millions of people worldwide. While these platforms offer unprecedented access to information and connectivity, they also serve as breeding grounds for the spread of fake news. False information can have serious consequences, influencing public opinion, inciting violence,...
Read More »

Indian Head Woman Arrested After Setting Fire to Clothes in Mothers House

Indian Head Woman Arrested After Setting Fire to Clothes in Mothers House

On July 6, 2024, at approximately 6:25 pm, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal was requested to a structure fire on Woodland Road in Indian Head. Prior to their arrival, firefighters from the Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department advised that a pile of clothes had been intentionally set on fire by person...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – July 16, 2024

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – July 16, 2024

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of Maryland Buy Local Week and National Parks and Recreation Month. The Commissioners then held a public hearing on the proposed amendment to...
Read More »

Recognizing Three Charles County Public School Veterans with Richmond Award for Excellence in Leadership

Recognizing Three Charles County Public School Veterans with Richmond Award for Excellence in Leadership

Three longtime Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members recently received the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award. Linda Gill, Ed.D., executive director of schools, Meighan Hungerford, director of elementary education, and Kathy Kiessling, director of student services, were given the honor by Board members at the June 11 Board of Education meeting....
Read More »

Historic Drayden Schoolhouse Welcomes Visitors with More Open Houses

Historic Drayden Schoolhouse Welcomes Visitors with More Open Houses

St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division, in partnership with the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), will be offering even more free open houses for visitors and the community at the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. In addition to the first Saturday of each month, the site will also be open the third Saturday of...
Read More »

Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Awards Nearly $40,000 in Seed Grants to the Region

Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Awards Nearly $40,000 in Seed Grants to the Region

The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area is pleased to announce that nearly $40,000 in seed grants have been awarded to heritage tourism projects in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Funding will support parks, museums, historic sites, and other projects that attract tourists to the region and enrich the lives of residents. The Southern...
Read More »

Police in Calvert County Investigating Motorcycle Crash That Killed 36-Year-Old Lusby Man

Police in Calvert County Investigating Motorcycle Crash That Killed 36-Year-Old Lusby Man

On July 14, 2024, shortly after 7 p.m., members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Patrol Bureau and Crash Reconstruction Unit responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash in the area of Maryland Rt. 4 and Nursery Road in Lusby. A preliminary investigation revealed a Dodge 3500 was traveling north on Maryland Rt....
Read More »

Public Cooling Centers Available in St. Mary’s County / Monday, July 15 – Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Public Cooling Centers Available in St. Mary’s County / Monday, July 15 – Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Due to extreme heat in the forecast for the beginning of this week, St. Mary’s County Government is announcing the availability of cooling centers for the public. Residents who need to take refuge in a cool place, can go to one of the following locations: Monday, July 15 – Wednesday, July 17 Charlotte Hall...
Read More »

Charles County Students Earn Awards in 2024 Junior American Citizens Contest

Charles County Students Earn Awards in 2024 Junior American Citizens Contest

Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students recently earned honors in the Junior American Citizens Contest, sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The organization includes a Junior American Citizens Committee, which supports contests for children that promote patriotic development. The Junior American Citizens Contest is open to students in...
Read More »

Detectives Investigating Suspicious Activity in Dorchester Neighborhood

Detectives Investigating Suspicious Activity in Dorchester Neighborhood

On July 10, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Dorchester Circle for the report of a suspicious person. A preliminary investigation showed a male drove up to a teenage girl and asked for her phone number. The girl walked away and notified a parent. On July 11,...
Read More »

Lexington Park Man Charged with Theft Scheme Over $1,500 from Spyglass Apartments

Lexington Park Man Charged with Theft Scheme Over $1,500 from Spyglass Apartments

On Friday, May 24, 2024, police responded to the office of Spyglass Apartments in Lexington Park, for the report of an internal theft. Police met with the property manager who reported a theft by an ex-employee, who she identified as Steven Michael Ryan, 34, of Lexington Park. Ryan was previously employed as a leasing...
Read More »