Community

The Alarming Rise of Roadway Deaths in Southern Maryland

The Alarming Rise of Roadway Deaths in Southern Maryland

As we move through 2024, Southern Maryland is facing a troubling increase in deadly accidents on our roads. This past Labor Day weekend, instead of being a time for family and fun, sadly added to the growing number of fatalities. Multiple people died in crashes over the holiday, showing how important it is to...
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SMECO Helps Stock Food Bank

SMECO Helps Stock Food Bank

SMECO recently helped fight hunger in the region by supporting the Southern Maryland Food Bank. Through donations of food and cash by its employees, the cooperative was able to stock the charity’s shelves with more than 3,100 pounds of food. The donations will enable the food bank to feed more than 140 families. The...
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Supporting Our Community Together

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Supporting Our Community Together

September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the complexities of suicide and promoting resources for prevention. Suicide is a significant public health issue, affecting individuals and communities across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 11th leading cause of...
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Get Ready for the 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair!

Get Ready for the 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair!

The much anticipated 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair is just around the corner, taking place from September 19th to 22nd, 2024, at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, Maryland. This event, steeped in tradition and community spirit, is a celebration of our rural heritage and the vibrant culture of Southern Maryland. Whether...
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Welcome Back Hawks! CSM Students Set to Return for the 2024 Fall Semester

Welcome Back Hawks! CSM Students Set to Return for the 2024 Fall Semester

Holiday: Labor Day Weekend (College closed).  All campuses of the College of Southern Maryland will be closed for the Labor Day weekend from Aug. 31 – Sept. 2. The college will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Welcome back Hawks! Fall sessions for students start Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, for seven-week and 15-week classes at all College...
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Family Fest On The Potomac River: Free Fun Event for The Whole Family!

Family Fest On The Potomac River: Free Fun Event for The Whole Family!

Get ready for a full day of family fun along the scenic Potomac River at the Piney Point Lighthouse! The Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums invite everyone to enjoy an exciting lineup of activities, entertainment, and delicious food at this year’s FamilyFest on Saturday, September 14th, 2024. 10:00 a.m., to...
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Summary of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education Meeting – August 28, 2024

Summary of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education Meeting – August 28, 2024

The meeting of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education was called to order on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a motion to approve the agenda, which passed unanimously. Superintendent and Student Member Reports The Superintendent began by discussing the start of the new school...
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Maryland State Police Step Up Enforcement To Ensure A Safer Labor Day Weekend

Maryland State Police Step Up Enforcement To Ensure A Safer Labor Day Weekend

The Maryland State Police urge all motorists to prioritize safety during the Labor Day weekend and avoid impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving to protect yourself and others on the road. From August 30 to September 2, state troopers from all 23 barracks will conduct saturation patrols across Maryland. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction...
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Lexington Park Man Charged with Destroying Two Little Book Exchange Libraries in St. Mary’s County

Lexington Park Man Charged with Destroying Two Little Book Exchange Libraries in St. Mary’s County

On August 24, 2024, Michael Allen King, 51, of Lexington Park, was charged with malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000, according to court documents filed by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. The charge, a misdemeanor under Maryland law, stems from an incident on August 20, 2024, at the Westbury Community...
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Johns Hopkins Receives More Than $20M to Support Development of Advanced Surgical Techniques to Treat Cancer

Johns Hopkins Receives More Than $20M to Support Development of Advanced Surgical Techniques to Treat Cancer

A Johns Hopkins University-led research team has received $20.9 million over five years to advance surgical capabilities to treat cancer, part of $150 million in funding announced last week by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) in support of the Biden administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. The team is led by Emad Boctor,...
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Governor Moore Honors Rural Legacy Program for 25 Years of Conservation Success

Governor Moore Honors Rural Legacy Program for 25 Years of Conservation Success

Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program is celebrating 25 years of active land preservation across the state this year. Since its inception, the program and its partners have protected more than 125,000 acres of ecologically valuable properties, productive farms, and forests, representing a public investment of more than $405 million. In recognition of this milestone, Governor Wes Moore...
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Commissioners of St. Mary’s County Meeting Summary – August 27, 2024

Commissioners of St. Mary’s County Meeting Summary – August 27, 2024

The meeting began with an invocation led by Commissioner Ostrow, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, seeking guidance for making just and fair decisions, and requesting unity among the commissioners. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag. Commissioner President Randy Guy introduced the commissioners present, which...
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Fire Safety Tips, Precautions and Facts for Back to College Campus Students

Fire Safety Tips, Precautions and Facts for Back to College Campus Students

By Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Vice President and Lieutenant Scot Best: Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility...
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Taylor Sentenced to Life in Prison For 1979 Cold Case Murder of Vickie Lynn Belk in Charles County

Taylor Sentenced to Life in Prison For 1979 Cold Case Murder of Vickie Lynn Belk in Charles County

UPDATE 8/24/2024: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, August 23, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Andre Taylor, 63, to Life in prison for the First-Degree Murder of Vickie Lynn Belk. Taylor was convicted of the aforementioned charge by a Charles County jury on July...
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First SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff the Bus” Event a Huge Success!

First SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff the Bus” Event a Huge Success!

UPDATE 8/26/2024: The first SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff The Bus” event was a huge success!!!! “Thanks to all of you, we collected a total of 254 backpacks, fully stocked with supplies, & THEN SOME x10. Your kindness will make a significant impact on so many children and teachers.” A HUGE thank you to...
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UPDATE: Esperanza Middle School Set to Open on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

UPDATE: Esperanza Middle School Set to Open on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

UPDATE 8/26/2024: Esperanza Middle School will resume in-person instruction on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Working with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), ServPro was contracted to complete the mold mitigation process. ServPro has been on site, has developed a plan, and has begun their work. In an abundance of caution, additional air quality testing...
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Calvert County Commissioners Meeting Summary – August 20, 2024

Calvert County Commissioners Meeting Summary – August 20, 2024

The Calvert County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on August 20, 2024, covering a wide range of topics from community updates to zoning ordinance revisions. Below are the key highlights and decisions made during the meeting: 1. Community Updates and Announcements Meals on Wheels Program: The Commissioners announced that the Meals on...
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From Dual Enrollment to Dual Success: The Inspiring Journey of Ashyia Higgins

From Dual Enrollment to Dual Success: The Inspiring Journey of Ashyia Higgins

Education and hard work are undeniably key ingredients for success. While hard work propels us forward on our journey, education provides the direction to reach our goals. Ashyia Higgins, of California, recently earned her Associate degree in Arts and Sciences from the College of Southern Maryland, all while simultaneously attending Chopticon High School, where...
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Noise Advisory – NAS PAX RIVER Sets Noise Advisory for NAS Pax River August 22-September 6, 2024

Noise Advisory – NAS PAX RIVER Sets Noise Advisory for NAS Pax River August 22-September 6, 2024

Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place Aug. 22 – Sept. 6, 2024 from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely...
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End of an Era: Hollidge Family Bids Farewell to Potomac Speedway After 16 Years of Dedication

End of an Era: Hollidge Family Bids Farewell to Potomac Speedway After 16 Years of Dedication

Denise and Ronnie Hollidge have been dedicated promoters at Potomac Speedway, leading the track through 16 seasons of racing history and released the following statement: In 2009, Denise and Ronnie Hollidge took on the role of promoters at Potomac Speedway with the unwavering support from Greg Gunter. The 3/8-mile track located in Budds Creek,...
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Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Protecting Our Children as the New School Year Begins

Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Protecting Our Children as the New School Year Begins

As summer comes to an end, the excitement of a new school year begins. However, the return to school also brings increased traffic, particularly around school zones, making it essential for everyone to prioritize safety. Whether you’re a parent, student, or daily commuter, here are some crucial tips to help ensure the safety of...
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NOISE ADVISORY: PyroJam Event on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 in St. Leonard

NOISE ADVISORY: PyroJam Event on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 in St. Leonard

This Saturday, August 24, 2024, the PyroJam event will be held at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, MD. The show is scheduled from 3 p.m., to 10:30 p.m. Please be aware that the event will include fireworks displays and the sounds of explosions, which may be heard throughout Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles...
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Calvert County Marine Museum September 2024 Events!

Calvert County Marine Museum September 2024 Events!

This September, 2024, the museum is excited to host a series of engaging events designed to inspire and delight. We invite friends and families to our Night at the Museum for Friends with Disabilities, Pirate Day, public Fossil lecture, and more! For more information, please visit: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Select days in the month of September...
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Calvert Office on Aging Forms New Partnership with ServingTogether

Calvert Office on Aging Forms New Partnership with ServingTogether

The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, Office on Aging, is excited to announce a new partnership with ServingTogether. Beginning Aug. 14, 2024, ServingTogether will be at the Southern Pines Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each second Wednesday and fourth Friday of the month. No appointment is necessary, and drop-ins are...
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Summary of the St. Mary’s County Economic Development Commission Meeting – August 20, 2024

Summary of the St. Mary’s County Economic Development Commission Meeting – August 20, 2024

The Economic Development Commission meeting, chaired by Curtis Brown, focused on several key initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing challenges within the local economy. The meeting included presentations from various experts and discussions on critical topics that impact the community’s economic landscape. Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program Presenter: Lisa Colavito, Director...
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