Community

Ocean State Job Lot Expanding to Prince Frederick, Taking Over Former Big Lots Location

Ocean State Job Lot Expanding to Prince Frederick, Taking Over Former Big Lots Location

A new discount retailer is expected to move into Calvert County, bringing a different kind of shopping experience to the region. Ocean State Job Lot, a northeastern discount chain known for deeply discounted merchandise and “treasure hunt” shopping, is slated to open a new store in late 2026 at the Fox Run Shopping Center...
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Waldorf Woman Claims $100,000 Top-Prize on 50X the Cash Scratch-Off

Waldorf Woman Claims $100,000 Top-Prize on 50X the Cash Scratch-Off

A semi-retired writer from Waldorf just took home a win of a lifetime. It was as if she were writing this story herself, as she said she always knew she would win a big Lottery prize one day. Her story arc reached a peak April 24 when she claimed a $100,000 top prize on...
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Opioid Manufacturer Purdue Pharma Sentenced, Ordered to Pay Over $5 Billion for Fraud and Kickback Conspiracies

Opioid Manufacturer Purdue Pharma Sentenced, Ordered to Pay Over $5 Billion for Fraud and Kickback Conspiracies

Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP (Purdue) was sentenced in federal court in Newark, New Jersey, and ordered to pay criminal penalties of over $5 billion for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic. “Purdue Pharma put profits over patient health and safety,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The company willfully rejected the law...
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Benedict’s 3rd Annual Catfish Tournament Set for May 2, 2026

Benedict’s 3rd Annual Catfish Tournament Set for May 2, 2026

Anglers are invited to take part in Benedict’s 3rd Annual Catfish Tournament on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with a rain date scheduled for May 9. The tournament will take place along the Patuxent River, with fishing hours running from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Participants will then head to the firehouse for weigh-in from...
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P-8A Poseidon Reaches IOC with Increment 3 Block 2 Modifications

P-8A Poseidon Reaches IOC with Increment 3 Block 2 Modifications

The U.S. Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 (Inc 3 Blk 2) system. This significant milestone was achieved after the initial phase of Initial Operational Test performed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) with support from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office...
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Woman Arrested After Pepper Spraying Employees During Armed Robbery of Beauty Supply Store in Waldorf

Woman Arrested After Pepper Spraying Employees During Armed Robbery of Beauty Supply Store in Waldorf

Diamond Markevia Shepard, 31, of Fort Washington, and Amonie Lashawn Anderson, 23, of Washington, D.C., have both been charged in connection with a theft and assault incident at two Waldorf businesses on April 24, 2026, according to court documents. Shepard is facing charges of armed robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, theft scheme involving...
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Navy Shore Enterprise Announces 2025 Sailor of the Year

Navy Shore Enterprise Announces 2025 Sailor of the Year

Spanning 70 installations worldwide, the Navy’s Shore Enterprise serves as the critical launchpad for global fleet operations, this week, it recognized its premier enlisted leader. Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) announced Navy Counselor 1st Class Frederick L. Salazar, representing Naval District Washington as the 2025 Shore Enterprise Sailor of the Year. Emerging from a...
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St. Mary’s County Republican Central Condemns Ineffectual Supermajority Democrat Policies in 2026 General Assembly Session

St. Mary’s County Republican Central Condemns Ineffectual Supermajority Democrat Policies in 2026 General Assembly Session

The St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee (RCC) strongly condemns the ineffectual policies of the supermajority Democrats during the 2026 Legislative Session. From the very beginning of session, the Democrats prioritized national and international politics over real and actionable state issues. They pushed to disenfranchise a significant portion of the Maryland population with an...
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Southern Maryland Cheer Team Wins World Championship Cheer Title!

Southern Maryland Cheer Team Wins World Championship Cheer Title!

Cheer Extreme Allstars – Calvert (CEA Calvert) proudly celebrates a major victory on the world stage as its team, Black Ice, secured 1st place in the Senior Co-ed Small Level 3 Division at the 2026 All Star World Championship. Competing against top teams from across the country and around the world, Black Ice delivered...
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Public Comment Sought for 2027 Maryland State Forest Work Plans

Public Comment Sought for 2027 Maryland State Forest Work Plans

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2027 Annual Work Plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period concludes May 29, 2026. Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management. They address...
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Traffic Advisory Issued for Sunday, April 26, for Southern Maryland Fireman’s Parade in Solomons

Traffic Advisory Issued for Sunday, April 26, for Southern Maryland Fireman’s Parade in Solomons

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Southern Maryland Fireman’s Parade scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, on Solomons Island. The parade is set to begin at 12:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 2:00 p.m., with officials warning of significant vehicle congestion and heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Office Announces Retirement of Sergeant George Higgs After Nearly 29 Years of Service

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Announces Retirement of Sergeant George Higgs After Nearly 29 Years of Service

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has announced the retirement of Sergeant George Higgs, marking the end of a law enforcement career spanning 28 years and nine months. Sergeant Higgs began his career with the agency in August 1997 as a Corrections Officer. He later transitioned to Patrol before spending nearly 15 years as a...
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Recovery Centers of America at Capital Region to Mark 8th Anniversary with Community Open House in Waldorf

Recovery Centers of America at Capital Region to Mark 8th Anniversary with Community Open House in Waldorf

Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at Capital Region will celebrate its 8th anniversary with a community open house on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will bring together community partners, clinicians, local leaders, and alumni to recognize the facility’s impact in the region and outline plans for future growth....
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Calvert County Public Schools Teacher Selected for We the Teachers National Fellowship at William & Mary

Calvert County Public Schools Teacher Selected for We the Teachers National Fellowship at William & Mary

Calvert County Public Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Melaney Sanchez, a teacher librarian at Mount Harmony Elementary, has been selected as a delegate to the We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History & Civics national fellowship program at William & Mary. Led by W&M’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships division and undertaken in partnership...
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School Arrests Decline in St. Mary’s County — But Key Data Remains Unavailable

School Arrests Decline in St. Mary’s County — But Key Data Remains Unavailable

Newly reviewed state data shows student arrests in St. Mary’s County Public Schools have dropped significantly in recent years, but a closer look raises questions about what the numbers actually mean—and what information remains out of public view. According to annual reports from the Maryland State Department of Education, student arrests in St. Mary’s...
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Brandywine Military Veteran Wins Two Pick 5 Prizes in One Drawing

Brandywine Military Veteran Wins Two Pick 5 Prizes in One Drawing

A military veteran who enjoys the Maryland Lottery Pick games had an excellent week as he was among many winners in the April 9 evening Pick 5 drawing when the combination 10110 hit. Not only did the Prince George’s man take home a $50,000 top prize thanks to a $1 bet, he also played...
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Butterfly Effect Project Launched in Southern Maryland With Goals for Mental Health and Wellness Programs

Butterfly Effect Project Launched in Southern Maryland With Goals for Mental Health and Wellness Programs

The Butterfly Effect Project, Inc. (The BEP) has launched in Southern Maryland. This new non-profit provides an innovative approach to meet the need for wellness services in the community. The BEP aims to provide mental health and related services to those who face financial barriers. To achieve this goal, The BEP has partnered with...
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St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – April 21, 2026

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – April 21, 2026

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 Administrative Professionals’ Day, National County Government Month, Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, and Earth Day. During County Administrator Time, the Commissioners took the following action: Reviewed future CSMC meeting...
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Statement from GMHS Principal Following Incident on Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Statement from GMHS Principal Following Incident on Wednesday, April 22, 2026

As of 4/23/2026: No statement, release or information has been released by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. A statement released on 4/22/2026 by Great Mills High School Principal: Hello Hornet Nation, We are writing to inform you of a significant altercation that occurred on campus at 1:02 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2026,...
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2026 Town Council Candidate Forum Held at the Rex on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

2026 Town Council Candidate Forum Held at the Rex on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

Residents are invited to attend the 2026 Leonardtown Town Council Candidate Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Rex Theatre. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the forum beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. The event will be hosted and moderated by the Leonardtown Business Association. The forum provides an opportunity for...
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Historic Sotterley Hosts Visitor Experience Center Grand Opening

Historic Sotterley Hosts Visitor Experience Center Grand Opening

Historic Sotterley invites the public to the grand opening of its brand-new Visitor Experience Center on May 2nd, 2026. The new Visitor Experience Center is located centrally on the site, giving visitors better access to the historic corridor and providing additional space for a series of rotating exhibits on local and national history. This...
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Local Law Firm Empowers Community with Free Annual Expungement Day in Lexington Park

Local Law Firm Empowers Community with Free Annual Expungement Day in Lexington Park

On Friday, April 10, 2026, Williams McClernan, & Stack LLC (“WMS Lawyers”) hosted its annual Expungement Day at the St. Mary’s County Library in Lexington Park. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. citizens were able to receive free legal services from attorneys Marsha Williams, Kathleen McClernan, Alycia Stack, Tiffany Young, and Tylore Bell about...
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Longstanding Charlotte Hall 7-Eleven Closing at End of April

Longstanding Charlotte Hall 7-Eleven Closing at End of April

A long-standing convenience store in the heart of Charlotte Hall is set to close its doors for good at the end of April. The 7-Eleven, located at 29969 Three Notch Rd., will officially cease operations on April 30, marking the end of its presence in the community after years of serving local residents. The...
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Monthly ‘Second Saturday’ Activities Return to St. Mary’s County Museums

Monthly ‘Second Saturday’ Activities Return to St. Mary’s County Museums

Community members of all ages are invited to enjoy new educational activities at the St. Clement’s Island Museum, U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center, and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum on the second Saturday of each month throughout the year. These activities encourage visitors to explore nature and the outdoors through curiosity and play. Modeled loosely after “Forest School” learning styles popular...
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CH-53K Lifts CH-53K Expanding Capabilities

CH-53K Lifts CH-53K Expanding Capabilities

The CH-53K King Stallion helicopter, under the direction of H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), achieved a major milestone by successfully lifting another CH-53K King Stallion. The test, performed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 (HX-21), is part of the CH-53K aircraft recovery rigging evaluation and a critical step toward developing new...
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