Community

Another Gun Taken Off the Streets of St. Mary’s County – Leonardtown Man Arrested

Another Gun Taken Off the Streets of St. Mary’s County – Leonardtown Man Arrested

In the early morning hours of Thursday, June 26, 2025, police were in the Lexington Park area near Columbus Drive when they observed an individual believed to be in possession of a firearm. At around 2:30 a.m., while attempting to apprehend the suspect, a brief foot pursuit ensued. During the chase, the suspect was...
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UMCES’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card Shows Declined Health from 2024, Presents Long-Term Improvement

UMCES’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card Shows Declined Health from 2024, Presents Long-Term Improvement

UMCES’s flagship Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card, developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, is a proven tool for measuring the latest available data and communicating social, environmental, and economic health to inspire action. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) released its 19th annual Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card, the...
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CSM Business Professor Christopher Ripley Recognized for Teaching Excellence

CSM Business Professor Christopher Ripley Recognized for Teaching Excellence

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Professor of Business Christopher Ripley was recently awarded the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Teaching Excellence award. The award was presented at the ACBSP’s annual conference, held June 19-22 in Las Vegas. “As someone who’s dedicated decades to both business and education, this recognition is deeply...
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St. Mary’s County 2025 Public Health Junior Fellowship Applications Are Open

St. Mary’s County 2025 Public Health Junior Fellowship Applications Are Open

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now accepting applications for the Public Health Junior Fellowship program through July 18, 2025. The Public Health Junior Fellowship allows St. Mary’s County high school and college students learn about community health issues while building their leadership skills during the academic year. Student fellows serve on...
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Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival Announces Jazz Brunch at Wicomico Shores Golf Course to Close Out 25th Anniversary Celebration

Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival Announces Jazz Brunch at Wicomico Shores Golf Course to Close Out 25th Anniversary Celebration

The Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival, a premier Mid-Atlantic jazz event, is excited to announce a special Jazz Brunch & Golf event at Wicomico Shores Golf Course during this year’s four day 25th anniversary festival. Swing into summer with jazz, brunch, and golf! Join us for a delightful jazz brunch & optional golf experience...
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CSM Named ‘Member of the Year’ by The Patuxent Partnership

CSM Named ‘Member of the Year’ by The Patuxent Partnership

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has been named the 2024 “Member of the Year” by The Patuxent Partnership (TPP), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing science, technology, and growing the STEM workforce pipeline in Southern Maryland. The announcement came during TPP’s Annual Dinner on June 3, held in Historic St. Mary’s City....
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Leadership Southern Maryland’s 12th Annual Golf Tournament Tees Up for Thursday, June 26, 2025

Leadership Southern Maryland’s 12th Annual Golf Tournament Tees Up for Thursday, June 26, 2025

Driving, putting, fun, and networking are back again this year as Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) celebrates its 12th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby, MD. All golfers are welcome and encouraged to join regional leaders from throughout Southern Maryland to enjoy a day of golf...
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Laurel Native Serving Aboard USNS Comfort Supports Continuing Promise 2025

Laurel Native Serving Aboard USNS Comfort Supports Continuing Promise 2025

Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Olaitan, a native of Laurel, Maryland, with hometown ties to Lagos, Nigeria, is deployed aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Comfort, supporting Continuing Promise 2025. Continuing Promise 2025 is an exercise focused on humanitarian assistance, medical readiness, and goodwill with six nations in the Caribbean, Central America and...
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Hollywood Man Arrested After Alleged Shotgun Threat During Vehicle Repossession

Hollywood Man Arrested After Alleged Shotgun Threat During Vehicle Repossession

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at approximately 5:20 a.m., patrol deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 25000 block of Gallant Fox Drive in Hollywood for the report of an assault. Upon arrival, deputies met with the victim, who reported that he had arrived at the residence to repossess a...
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Calvert County Cooling Centers Available During Extreme Temperatures

Calvert County Cooling Centers Available During Extreme Temperatures

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for this week as temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management reminds citizens there are several places in Calvert County to visit if they need to cool off. These sites will be open...
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Lexington Park Man Accused of Multiple Thefts and Assaults in Flag Removal Incidents

Lexington Park Man Accused of Multiple Thefts and Assaults in Flag Removal Incidents

Jeffrey Austin Frye, 28, of Lexington Park, is facing a number of criminal charges in St. Mary’s County stemming from multiple incidents involving theft, assault, burglary, and violation of a protective order, according to court documents filed in four separate criminal cases. Frye was arrested on June 15, 2025, by the St. Mary’s County...
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July 2025 Events at Historic St. Mary’s City

July 2025 Events at Historic St. Mary’s City

Historic St. Mary’s City invites visitors of all ages to experience a summer of discovery, reflection, and hands-on fun. From immersive evening tours to teen workshops and teacher appreciation programs, there’s something for everyone this July. Sunny Science: Summer Workshop – Tuesday, July 9 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Ages 12–16 Explore how the...
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St. Mary’s Freedom Fest Returns to Leonardtown with Fireworks, Fun, and Free Family Entertainment!

St. Mary’s Freedom Fest Returns to Leonardtown with Fireworks, Fun, and Free Family Entertainment!

Get ready to celebrate freedom in true American style at St. Mary’s Freedom Fest, the county’s official Independence Day celebration, happening at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 28, 2025. This free, family-friendly event brings the entire community together for an unforgettable summer evening packed with entertainment, contests, food trucks, kids’ activities,...
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UPDATE: Man Sentenced to 58 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder, Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses

UPDATE: Man Sentenced to 58 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder, Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses

UPDATE 6/18/2025: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that John Otha Dickens, Jr., 35, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to LIFE in prison with 58 years of active incarceration for several domestic violence incidents. On November 21, 2024, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Dickens of attempted first-degree murder for viciously attacking his prior...
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EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Lexington Park Man Arrested Following Handgun Threat Incident

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Lexington Park Man Arrested Following Handgun Threat Incident

Police in St. Mary’s County responded to a residential neighborhood in Lexington Park on Monday, June 16, 2025, at approximately 2:10 p.m., for the report of a threat involving a firearm. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim, who reported being involved in a verbal altercation with a male subject. During the dispute,...
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CSM Strengthens Support for Military Families with National Recognition and Community Resource Event

CSM Strengthens Support for Military Families with National Recognition and Community Resource Event

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) continues to expand its commitment to veterans and military-connected families, earning national recognition and hosting dedicated events designed to support their educational and career success. CSM was recently named a 2025-26 Military Friendly® School, earning Silver in the small community college category and being recognized as a Military...
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Attorney General Brown Preliminarily Agrees to Purdue/Sackler Settlement  AG Brown Joins 54 Attorneys General in Settlement Agreement

Attorney General Brown Preliminarily Agrees to Purdue/Sackler Settlement  AG Brown Joins 54 Attorneys General in Settlement Agreement

(June 16, 2025) – Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that all 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, have preliminarily agreed to sign on to a settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. The Sackler family has informed the attorneys general of its plan to proceed with the...
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Calvert County Public Schools Students Honored for Excellence in State and National Music Ensembles

Calvert County Public Schools Students Honored for Excellence in State and National Music Ensembles

The Calvert County Board of Education proudly recognized the outstanding accomplishments of Calvert County Public Schools student musicians during its June 12th, 2025 meeting. Students were honored for earning positions in prestigious state and national music ensembles, reflecting the high level of talent and dedication in CCPS performing arts programs. Seventeen students were selected...
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Justice Department Highlights Enforcement Efforts Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Fraud Schemes in Recognition of 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Justice Department Highlights Enforcement Efforts Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Fraud Schemes in Recognition of 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that the Justice Department is reinvigorating efforts to protect older Americans from transnational schemes that cost billions of dollars, often stealing their life savings. In the past few weeks alone, investigators and prosecutors have arrested and filed cases against foreign fraudsters...
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REMINDER! Naval Air Station Patuxent River Performing 100% ID Checks

REMINDER! Naval Air Station Patuxent River Performing 100% ID Checks

NAS Patuxent River began  conducting 100% ID checks at all gates at 4:00 p.m., on Friday, June 13, 2025 until further notice. Personnel that are authorized to escort individuals will require that their guests/vehicle passengers have a valid ID to enter the installation (driver’s license, Real ID, etc.). More information about NAS Patuxent River’s...
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VX-23 “Salty Dogs” Welcome Zilberman as Newest Commander

VX-23 “Salty Dogs” Welcome Zilberman as Newest Commander

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION, Patuxent River, MD.: Col. Jay Zarra turned over command of the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 “Salty Dogs” to Cmdr. Eric Zilberman in an airborne ceremony over Naval Air Station Patuxent River, June 12, where Zarra piloted an F-35B Lightning and Zilberman flew an F/A-18F Super...
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Calvert County Public Schools to Offer Grab ’N Go Summer Meals in 2025

Calvert County Public Schools to Offer Grab ’N Go Summer Meals in 2025

Calvert County Public Schools is excited to offer free Grab ‘N Go meals this summer! Although our school sites do not qualify for traditional summer meal programs, we’re pleased to share that some of our locations are eligible to participate in the USDA’s Rural, Non-Congregate Summer Meal Program — a special opportunity designed to support...
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Maryland Natural Resources Police Annual Awards Ceremony Honors Officers for Exceptional Service

Maryland Natural Resources Police Annual Awards Ceremony Honors Officers for Exceptional Service

The Maryland Natural Resources Police held its annual award ceremony June 13th, 2025, to recognize the achievements made by conservation law enforcement officers and professional staff in 2024. The officers were presented honors by Maryland Department of Natural Resources Sec. Josh Kurtz and Natural Resources Police Col. Orlando Lilly at Annapolis High School in...
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Marine Corps Squadron Awards High School Scholarships, Inspires STEM Careers in Naval Aviation

Marine Corps Squadron Awards High School Scholarships, Inspires STEM Careers in Naval Aviation

The Marine Corps Aviation Association, John Glenn Squadron (MCAA JGS) in Patuxent River recently recognized high school graduates in the Southern Maryland tri-county area who plan to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM)-based degrees with merit-based scholarships. For 2024-2025 school year, MCAA JGS scholarship Committee selected 12 exceptional high school seniors to receive...
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Upper Marlboro Native Defending America From Under The Sea

Upper Marlboro Native Defending America From Under The Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink, Navy Office of Community Outreach – KINGS BAY, GA. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Morton, a native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Tennessee, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Morton is part of a small...
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