Community

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees Approve New Policies, Budget Revisions

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees Approve New Policies, Budget Revisions

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) Board of Trustees met on Oct. 11 and 12, working through an ambitious agenda. The Board approved items including revisions to the Faculty Bylaws and Title IX policy, a new Freedom of Expression policy, the 2024 Performance Accountability Report, revision of the FY25 operating budget and reconciliation...
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Canceling Subscriptions Has to be as Easy as Signing up, FTC Says in a New Rule

Canceling Subscriptions Has to be as Easy as Signing up, FTC Says in a New Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a groundbreaking “click-to-cancel” rule, aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships. The new rule mandates that sellers must make the cancellation process as straightforward as the initial sign-up. It will apply to most negative option programs, addressing concerns about deceptive practices...
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All Arrests and Criminal Summons Issued in Charles County 10/4/2024 to 10/10/2024

All Arrests and Criminal Summons Issued in Charles County 10/4/2024 to 10/10/2024

Each week, SMNEWSNET.COM will provide a list of all arrests and criminal summonses issued in Charles County. In the spirit of transparency, we are committed to keeping our community informed about local law enforcement activities. This list includes arrests made by both the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police, providing a...
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Honoring Two Generations of Service: Lt. Juan J. Morales III and His Father’s Legacy

Honoring Two Generations of Service: Lt. Juan J. Morales III and His Father’s Legacy

As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office is proud to highlight the contributions of Lieutenant Juan J. Morales III, a dedicated law enforcement officer who carries on his family’s legacy of service. His story is one of inspiration, commitment, and an unbreakable bond between two generations who share...
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Southern Maryland Executives Have ‘Honest Conversation’ with Economic & Workforce Development Leaders

Southern Maryland Executives Have ‘Honest Conversation’ with Economic & Workforce Development Leaders

The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Executive Program Class of 2024 met with regional economic development leaders at the Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby, Md., on Oct. 3 to learn about Southern Maryland’s economic and workforce development challenges, opportunities, and initiatives. Participants tuned into an honest conversation among economic development and planning directors about the realities...
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CSM Celebrates Opening of New James C. Mitchell Student Resource Center at La Plata Campus

CSM Celebrates Opening of New James C. Mitchell Student Resource Center at La Plata Campus

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) staff and students celebrated with Charles County dignitaries on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the ribbon-cutting for a newly renovated James C. Mitchell Student Resource Center (SR Center), which had previously served the Health Technology Building (HT Building) at the La Plata Campus. The SR Center is now open to...
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Maryland Voting Deadlines, Canvassing and Additional Information for the 2024 Election

Maryland Voting Deadlines, Canvassing and Additional Information for the 2024 Election

As the 2024 general election approaches, Maryland voters are encouraged to prepare by being aware of key deadlines and processes to ensure their voices are heard at the polls. The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) today is reminding Marylanders that the advance deadline to register to vote in this year’s Presidential General Election...
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Police Investigating Reported Sexual Assault of a Teenage Girl in Lexington Park

Police Investigating Reported Sexual Assault of a Teenage Girl in Lexington Park

UPDATE 10/14/2024 @ 9:45 p.m.:  St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office released the following information. At approximately 5:50 p.m. on Monday, October 14, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 45000 block of Great Mills Court for the report of a sexual assault. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is actively...
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All Arrests and Criminal Summons Issued in St. Mary’s County 10/4/2024 to 10/10/2024

All Arrests and Criminal Summons Issued in St. Mary’s County 10/4/2024 to 10/10/2024

Each week, SMNEWSNET.COM will provide a list of all arrests and criminal summonses issued in St. Mary’s County. In the spirit of transparency, we are committed to keeping our community informed about local law enforcement activities. This list includes arrests made by both the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police,...
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CSM’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree Program Ranks in the Top 10 Nationwide for 2025

CSM’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree Program Ranks in the Top 10 Nationwide for 2025

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) cybersecurity associate degree program ranks among the best in the United States for 2025, according to Intelligent.com. The college ranked at number 10 of the 34 top programs in the country with a score of 89.71 out of 100 points. “This national recognition reflects the student-centered focus, industry...
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Grants Awarded to Maryland Department of Natural Resources to Conserve Native Brook Trout and Sunfish and Restore Their Habitat

Grants Awarded to Maryland Department of Natural Resources to Conserve Native Brook Trout and Sunfish and Restore Their Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have awarded the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) two grants through the Chesapeake Watershed Investment for Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) program. Grant funds will support comprehensive conservation strategies including targeted reintroduction efforts for two freshwater fish species listed as species of greatest conservation need...
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2024 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest Winners Announced

2024 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest Winners Announced

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has chosen the winners of the annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to Debby Berlyne for her photo of a green heron at Brookside Gardens. This year’s contest received more than 1,800 photo submissions. This year’s grand prize package includes $700, a Maryland State...
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Five St. Mary’s County School Coaches Awarded with State Athletic Coaches of the Year

Five St. Mary’s County School Coaches Awarded with State Athletic Coaches of the Year

St. Mary’s County Public Schools congratulates the school coaches from across Maryland who have been selected as the 2023-2024 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches of the Year. The NFHS annually honors a Coach of the Year in the top girls’ sports and top boys’ sports by participation numbers.  Winners of...
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Vendors Invited to Register for Inaugural Home for the Holidays Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6th, 2024

Vendors Invited to Register for Inaugural Home for the Holidays Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6th, 2024

Calvert County announces vendor registration is open for the first Home for the Holidays Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony, taking place Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, from 4-8 p.m., on Main Street in Prince Frederick. Local artisans and creators of hand-crafted gifts, decor, arts and more are invited to participate in this festive celebration. In addition...
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Free Youth Coach-Mentor Training Available In-Person and Online for Calvert Residents

Free Youth Coach-Mentor Training Available In-Person and Online for Calvert Residents

Calvert County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce a free training opportunity in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation for those interested in coaching, mentoring and leading Calvert County youth. The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach-Mentor Training program is designed to equip volunteer coaches of any sport with the skills they need to create...
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St. Mary’s County Officials Graduate Academy for Excellence in Local Governance

St. Mary’s County Officials Graduate Academy for Excellence in Local Governance

St. Mary’s County Government is proud to announce the graduation of Commissioner Scott Ostrow and County Administrator, David Weiskopf, from the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance at the University of Maryland. “The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance was an exceptional opportunity to deepen my understanding of how local government functions, and the...
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Scramblers Breaks Ground on First Maryland Location in Lexington Park

Scramblers Breaks Ground on First Maryland Location in Lexington Park

Scramblers, a beloved breakfast and lunch restaurant chain, is thrilled to announce the start of construction on their first Maryland location at 21991 Three Notch Road, in Lexington Park. This marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it expands into its fourth state, with plans to open the doors to the Southern...
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Lexington Park’s Fiesta Pollo Shuts Down: Community Praises Food, Criticizes Location

Lexington Park’s Fiesta Pollo Shuts Down: Community Praises Food, Criticizes Location

After nearly six years of serving the community, Fiesta Pollo, a beloved restaurant offering a blend of Mexican and Central American cuisine, has announced its closure. The owners expressed their gratitude to the residents of Southern Maryland for their unwavering support since the restaurant opened in December 2018. In a heartfelt message, the owners...
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Stop, Drop and Roll into Fire Prevention Week! October 6-12th, 2024

Stop, Drop and Roll into Fire Prevention Week! October 6-12th, 2024

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) highlighted Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12, 2024. Students, staff and volunteers from local fire departments anticipate the arrival of the week every year. Schools coordinate visits from local fire departments annually so students can learn about fire safety firsthand. During these visits, the volunteers talk about their experiences, give...
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58th Annual U.S. Oyster Festival on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 in Leonardtown

58th Annual U.S. Oyster Festival on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 in Leonardtown

The 58th Annual Oyster Festival will take place on October 19-20, 2024, at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. Gates will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. The festival offers single-day admission for $15, while a weekend pass is available...
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Maryland Natural Resources Announce Next Three Large-Scale Oyster Restoration Sanctuaries

Maryland Natural Resources Announce Next Three Large-Scale Oyster Restoration Sanctuaries

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the next three sites for large-scale oyster restoration in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay, marking the beginning of the state’s next phase of major oyster restoration. The department will conduct oyster restoration and monitoring in sanctuaries in Herring Bay, the Nanticoke River, and Hoopers Strait....
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Governor Moore Announces $2.2 Million to Support Small, Minority, and Veteran-Owned Business Growth

Governor Moore Announces $2.2 Million to Support Small, Minority, and Veteran-Owned Business Growth

Governor Wes Moore today announced $2.2 million in financial assistance to support small, minority, and veteran-owned business growth to help make Maryland more competitive. The funding, which includes loans, loan guaranties, and equity investments from the Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program and the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority, will help...
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Advance Voter Registration Deadline is October 15, 2024 – Marylanders Can Register to Vote Online, By Mail or In-Person

Advance Voter Registration Deadline is October 15, 2024 – Marylanders Can Register to Vote Online, By Mail or In-Person

The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) today is reminding Marylanders that the advance deadline to register to vote in this year’s Presidential General Election is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. To register to vote or check that your registration is up to date, use SBE’s online registration system. Those who prefer not to register...
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NAS Patuxent River Gate 1 Outbound Closure on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024

NAS Patuxent River Gate 1 Outbound Closure on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024

Pax River Gate 1 Outbound Closure Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 – NAS Pax River Gate 1 outbound lanes will be closed to traffic Thursday, Oct. 10 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. for scheduled maintenance. Drivers must use Gate 2 for outbound traffic during that time. Pax River Gate 1 inbound lanes will remain...
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Commissioners of St. Mary’s County Meeting Summary – October 8, 2024

Commissioners of St. Mary’s County Meeting Summary – October 8, 2024

The Saint Mary’s County Commissioners held their regular meeting on October 8, 2024, led by President Randy Guy. Several important topics were addressed, including proclamations for local and national awareness events, budget amendments for critical infrastructure projects, and updates on the county’s comprehensive plan. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed...
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