Charles News

SMADC Opens Search for Host Venue of the 2026 Buy Local Challenge Celebration

SMADC Opens Search for Host Venue of the 2026 Buy Local Challenge Celebration

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is officially seeking a premier location to host the 2026 Buy Local Challenge (BLC) Celebration. Farms, wineries, and established agritourism venues throughout Southern Maryland are invited to submit applications to showcase their property as the backdrop for this...
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Generates $8.5 Billion in Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 31,000 Jobs in Fiscal Year 2025

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Generates $8.5 Billion in Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 31,000 Jobs in Fiscal Year 2025

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development released its Fiscal Year 2025 Agency Impact Report, which spotlights the Department’s work to produce more affordable housing, support local businesses and create lovable places across the state. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Department’s programs generated $8.5 billion in economic impact, $1.9 billion in wages and salaries...
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No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Rear-Ends School Bus in Waldorf

No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Rear-Ends School Bus in Waldorf

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at approximately 1:55 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Leonardtown Road and Mattawoman Beantown Road in Waldorf, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a school bus with possible entrapment. 911 callers reported a sedan rear-ended a school bus, with unknown occupancy and...
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Charles County Commissioners Advance Inspector General Legislation, Housing Initiatives, and Zoning Updates

Charles County Commissioners Advance Inspector General Legislation, Housing Initiatives, and Zoning Updates

The Charles County Commissioners reviewed and advanced several legislative and planning initiatives during their recent meeting, including the creation of an independent Inspector General office, housing development updates, and zoning changes aimed at supporting retail and residential growth. Independent Office of the Inspector General Proposed County Attorney Wes Adams presented legislation to formally establish...
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Donations Pour In for Humane Society of Charles County Following Urgent Plea for Help

Donations Pour In for Humane Society of Charles County Following Urgent Plea for Help

Last week, the Humane Society of Charles County (HSCC), the county’s only no-kill animal shelter, issued an urgent plea for help as the organization faced the possibility of closing its doors after more than 50 years of serving the community. After issuing the public plea earlier this week, the shelter originally sought to raise $125,000...
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Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

In response to continued community interest and the deep need for support after the loss of a beloved pet, Chesapeake Life Center is pleased to bring back its popular Pet Loss Workshop, offering comfort, connection and healthy coping strategies for grieving adults. The free workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m....
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Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

The public is invited to participate in a regional Southern Maryland Forum: Growing Our Own Workforce on Thursday, Mar. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building (Bldg. 3), 44219 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619. This interactive and action-oriented event, part of Leadership Southern...
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14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers recently earned National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The 14 educators who earned the designation have shown they are effective and accomplished teachers. The following CCPS teachers achieved National Board Certification in December 2025. Teachers are listed by certification area, position...
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University of Maryland Medical System Opening New Urgent Care Location in La Plata

University of Maryland Medical System Opening New Urgent Care Location in La Plata

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is opening a new University of Maryland Urgent Care location in Charles County on Monday. UM Urgent Care at La Plata, located in the Potomac Shopping Center off southbound Route 301, across the street from Applebee’s and Safeway, is scheduled to open March 9th, 2026. The center...
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White Plains Man Arrested, 9-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After High Speed Pursuit Ends in 100 MPH Crash

White Plains Man Arrested, 9-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After High Speed Pursuit Ends in 100 MPH Crash

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police attempted to pull over a white Mercedes-Benz C43 sedan for a traffic violation on Middletown Road at Ethridge Drive in Waldorf. When the deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, the suspect vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed, with the deputy...
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The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

Knees were bouncing with anxious jitters and hearts were racing as students waited for their turn to approach the microphone in the middle of Piccowaxen Middle School’s gym Wednesday evening for the 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee. The top spellers from eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle schools were represented by a team...
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Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

On January 19,  a break in a 72-inch sewer main known as the Potomac Interceptor caused an overflow into the Potomac River. The release of sewage from aging federal infrastructure was an emergency and people were understandably worried about both short-term and long-term effects. Maryland state and local authorities immediately closed off areas that...
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UPDATE: Bodycam in Fatal Charles County Officer Involved Shooting is Released

UPDATE: Bodycam in Fatal Charles County Officer Involved Shooting is Released

Warning: This video contains violent and graphic material that may be disturbing and is not suitable for all viewers. Please proceed with caution. UPDATE 3/8/2026: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has released the body-worn camera footage from the fatal police-involved shooting involving the Charles County Sheriff’s...
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Waldorf Man Charged After Police Say He Shot Himself in Groin With Illegal Handgun

Waldorf Man Charged After Police Say He Shot Himself in Groin With Illegal Handgun

Erick Nicohlas Gage, 26, of Waldorf, is facing multiple firearm and ammunition charges after investigators say he illegally possessed a handgun and later admitted the weapon discharged while inside his clothing during a New Year’s Day incident. According to court documents filed in the District Court for Charles County, Gage is charged with illegal...
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Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Ahead of their single game tickets going on sale on March 6th, The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced today a special community partnership with the Humane Society of Charles County to support the non-profit animal shelter, who is facing potential closure due to financial issues. The Humane Society of Charles County, which has served...
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Woman Transported to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Waldorf, Police Make Quick Arrest

Woman Transported to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Waldorf, Police Make Quick Arrest

On Friday, March 6, 2026, at approximately 2:40 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Hampton Inn Waldorf, for the reported stabbing. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 48-year-old female suffering from a serious laceration to the thigh, and applied two tourniquets to the victim. EMS transported the victim...
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Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. Working in close coordination with local health officials,...
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Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening in Waldorf, Maryland on March 11th, 2026

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening in Waldorf, Maryland on March 11th, 2026

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is bringing more of its authentic New England-style lobster rolls to the Old Line State with its first store in Waldorf. The new Waldorf location will open its doors on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 with a grand opening celebration starting at 11:00 a.m. To celebrate, guests can enter to win FREE LOBSTER ROLLS for...
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Colonoscopy Confusion May Be Driving Missed Cancer Screenings, Says New Survey From MedStar Health

Colonoscopy Confusion May Be Driving Missed Cancer Screenings, Says New Survey From MedStar Health

More than 75% of Americans are unsure when or how often to get a colonoscopy. That’s according to new survey results just released by MedStar Health. One thousand U.S. adults participated in the national survey, which revealed colorectal cancer misconceptions: More than 36% of those eligible say they’ve skipped colorectal screening. Doctors recommend starting...
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Newburg Man on Probation Arrested and Released Again After Police Chase in La Plata

Newburg Man on Probation Arrested and Released Again After Police Chase in La Plata

Marcus Anthony Swann, 23, of Newburg, faces multiple criminal charges including possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting or interfering with arrest, failure to obey a lawful order, and littering under 100 pounds following an incident in La Plata on March 3, 2026, according to...
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Southern Maryland Counties Celebrate the Power of Engineering with CSM during National Engineers Week

Southern Maryland Counties Celebrate the Power of Engineering with CSM during National Engineers Week

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) engineering students joined local leaders as Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties recognized National Engineers Week to raise awareness for an industry working behind the scenes to build a better world. National Engineers Week, or EWeek, is observed Feb. 22 – 28, 2026. Its purpose is to highlight the...
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Waldorf Man Accused of Gun Threat, Later Arrested With Loaded Handgun, Drugs, and Nearly a Pound of Marijuana

Waldorf Man Accused of Gun Threat, Later Arrested With Loaded Handgun, Drugs, and Nearly a Pound of Marijuana

A Waldorf man is facing a long list of felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he threatened a man with a gun in late February and was later arrested with a loaded handgun, drugs, and suspected drug distribution materials during an early morning encounter with deputies. Carioco Jovan Grimes, 37, of  Waldorf, is...
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Maryland’s 2026 Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties Due to Winter Weather Setbacks

Maryland’s 2026 Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties Due to Winter Weather Setbacks

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one-week extension to the 2026 muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington. The revised season will now close March 22, 2026, to make up for unfavorable weather conditions in January and February, including extensive ice coverage, that impacted trapping in...
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Maryland Board of Public Works Approves $204 Million in State Spending

Maryland Board of Public Works Approves $204 Million in State Spending

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis today for a meeting of the Board of Public Works. During the meeting, the Board of Public Works approved more than $204 million in state spending supporting projects and initiatives across Maryland. In all, the Board approved 93 items representing a total state expenditure of $204,604,283.39. This includes grant agreements supporting community...
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Board of Public Works Approves $3.7 Million for Parks and Land Conservation in Seven Maryland Counties

Board of Public Works Approves $3.7 Million for Parks and Land Conservation in Seven Maryland Counties

The Board of Public Works today approved more than $3.7 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for parks and land conservation in Allegany, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, and Washington counties. is considered by the Smithsonian Institute to be one of the most important ecological areas...
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