Charles News

Charles County Schools to Host End-of-Year Promotion and Celebratory Events – 2025

Charles County Schools to Host End-of-Year Promotion and Celebratory Events – 2025

Charles County Public elementary and middle schools have coordinated celebratory events for students who are transitioning to middle or high school, as well as those moving on from prekindergarten and kindergarten. The following is a list of dates and activities schools have planned for the end of the year. Parents should contact their child’s...
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CSM Congratulates 80 Health Career Readiness Graduates

CSM Congratulates 80 Health Career Readiness Graduates

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students pursuing careers in health care were celebrated May 8 at the La Plata Campus during the college’s Health Career Readiness Recognition ceremony. Eighty students were recognized for completing programs this year in: Veterinary assistant; certified medical administrative assistant; health information system; certified nutrition coach; certified personal training; Certified...
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Citizens Fortunately Escape Injury After Large Tree Falls Into Residence

Citizens Fortunately Escape Injury After Large Tree Falls Into Residence

On Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 11:37 p.m., firefighter and emergency medical services responded to the 27000 block of Birch Manor Circle in Mechanicsville, for the reported tree into a residence with one injured. 911 callers reported a large tree fell on the house with something striking her daughters back which was now...
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$20,000 Mega Millions Winning Ticket Sold in Waldorf, Jackpot Reaches $139 Million

$20,000 Mega Millions Winning Ticket Sold in Waldorf, Jackpot Reaches $139 Million

A Mega Millions player in Waldorf is holding a ticket worth $20,000. The lucky ticket for the May 13 drawing was sold at the 7-Eleven at 11575 Berry Road in Charles County. The winning numbers were 6, 29, 33, 47, 68; and the Mega Ball was 20. The ticket sold in Waldorf matched four of the...
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35-Year-Old Male Airlifted to Trauma Center After Plane Crashes in Potomac River

35-Year-Old Male Airlifted to Trauma Center After Plane Crashes in Potomac River

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, at approximately 4:09 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services from Virginia and Maryland responded to the Potomac River in the area of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia, for the reported downed aircraft with fire. Multiple 911 callers reported a plane crashed into the water...
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UPDATE: Six First Responders Airlifted, Three Others Hospitalized After Fatal CO Exposure in St. Mary’s County

UPDATE: Six First Responders Airlifted, Three Others Hospitalized After Fatal CO Exposure in St. Mary’s County

UPDATE 5/17/2025 @ 10:55 a.m.: Emergency medical personnel were dispatched at approximately 3:56 a.m., for a male resident experiencing difficulty breathing. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene a short time later to assist with manpower. Upon arrival, the 911 caller was located on an upper-level of the home. While the two EMT’s and four...
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White Plains Woman Charged After Alleged Gun Threat During Domestic Argument in Charles County

White Plains Woman Charged After Alleged Gun Threat During Domestic Argument in Charles County

Barbara Nate Farmer, 40, of White Plains, was arrested and charged following a domestic altercation that escalated into a firearm-related incident in the early hours of Friday, May 16, 2025, according to court documents from the District Court for Charles County. Farmer is facing three criminal charges: first-degree assault (CR 3-202), second-degree assault (CR...
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Waldorf Target Manager Admits to Stealing Over $250,000 in Years-Long Theft Ring – Over $31,000 in cash Recovered

Waldorf Target Manager Admits to Stealing Over $250,000 in Years-Long Theft Ring – Over $31,000 in cash Recovered

Nicholas Owen Patton, 44, of Waldorf, is facing 30 theft charges after authorities say he stole over $38,000 in cash from a local Target store during a series of incidents that spanned more than two months. According to charging documents filed in the District Court for Charles County, Patton was arrested on May 16,...
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Two Suspects Arrested After Theft of Fragrances at Waldorf Macy’s – Over $20,000 in Stolen Fragrances Recovered

Two Suspects Arrested After Theft of Fragrances at Waldorf Macy’s – Over $20,000 in Stolen Fragrances Recovered

On May 10, 2025, officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals in connection with the theft of nearly $3,000 worth of perfume and cologne from Macy’s at the St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf. The suspects were later identified as Robert Lee Pettigrew, 52, of Brandywine, and Zatay Ejasia Owens, 26,...
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CSM Congratulates 49 New Nursing Graduates

CSM Congratulates 49 New Nursing Graduates

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated its newest class of nursing candidates on May 8 in a pinning ceremony at the La Plata Campus, sending them out into the workforce or onto the next phase of their medical education. “Graduates, you chose an academic journey that would lead to a career rooted in...
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7 Defendants for Patterns of Violent “Bank Juggings” Groups Are Alleged to Have Robbed 34 Victims Across Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Charles, and Montgomery Counties

7 Defendants for Patterns of Violent “Bank Juggings” Groups Are Alleged to Have Robbed 34 Victims Across Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Charles, and Montgomery Counties

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the indictments of seven defendants for multiple charges, including participation in a criminal gang, attempted murder, armed carjacking, armed robbery, assault, and firearms-related counts. These wide-ranging crimes are alleged to have occurred from August 2023 to July 2024 in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Charles, and Montgomery counties....
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Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating For First Time in Over 50 Years, Gov Moore Releases Statement Blaming Trump

Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating For First Time in Over 50 Years, Gov Moore Releases Statement Blaming Trump

Maryland Loses AAA Bond Rating for first time in over 50 years, ending a historic run of fiscal stability that stretched back to 1973. Statement by the Maryland Freedom Caucus – “Governor Wes Moore’s attempt to shift blame for Maryland’s credit downgrade is as misleading as it is predictable. Democrats have controlled the Maryland...
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La Plata Man Arrested in Calvert After Being Found Passed Out Behind The Wheel With .23% BAC Level

La Plata Man Arrested in Calvert After Being Found Passed Out Behind The Wheel With .23% BAC Level

A La Plata man was arrested late last month in Calvert County after authorities allegedly found him impaired behind the wheel and in possession of drug paraphernalia. According to court documents filed in the District Court for Calvert County, Matthew Kelland Novotny, 47, of La Plata, was taken into custody on April 24, 2025,...
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UPDATE: Gun Discharges in Billingsley Elementary School Classroom – Florida Man Charged

UPDATE: Gun Discharges in Billingsley Elementary School Classroom – Florida Man Charged

A loaded handgun that discharged inside a classroom at Billingsley Elementary School in Charles County, has been traced back to a visiting relative of the student involved. Authorities have since charged a Florida man in connection with the incident, following an investigation by the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. The...
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More than 1,300 Hawks Soar into the Future Following CSM’s 66th Commencement

More than 1,300 Hawks Soar into the Future Following CSM’s 66th Commencement

It was a proud, reflective, and exciting day for College of Southern Maryland (CSM) as its faculty, staff, supporters, and community cheered for hundreds of its student graduates at the 66th Commencement exercises on May 9 held at the La Plata Campus. This year, 1,364 CSM students earned degrees or certificates, receiving 820 associate degrees,...
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Two Members of the La Plata Police Department Command Staff Graduate With High Distinction and Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University

Two Members of the La Plata Police Department Command Staff Graduate With High Distinction and Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University

The La Plata Police Department is proud to announce Acting Chief Matthew Norris and Captain Robert Bagley were part of the Liberty University Class of 2025 and both graduated with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. Acting Chief Norris obtained his Master’s Degree – With High Distinction majoring in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. He...
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La Plata High School Student Council Receives State Award

La Plata High School Student Council Receives State Award

The halls of La Plata High School filled as the bell rang for the next period. Students dressed in their college shirt of choice walked the halls as they switched classes to continue the day of learning. College Shirt Day is one of the many spirit days and for students at the school can...
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Police Investigating Hughesville Motor Vehicle Collision That Sends 23-Year-Old to Trauma Center

Police Investigating Hughesville Motor Vehicle Collision That Sends 23-Year-Old to Trauma Center

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 9:52 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the intersection of Leonardtown Road at Gallant Green Road in Hughesville, for a serious motor vehicle collision with reports of entrapment, fire, rollover and ejection. Dispatchers advised they were receiving multiple 911 calls with reports of a two vehicle...
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Board Chairperson Moore Lee, Esq., Appointed Leadership Roles in National Education Associations

Board Chairperson Moore Lee, Esq., Appointed Leadership Roles in National Education Associations

Board of Education of Charles County Chairperson Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., was recently appointed as chairperson of the National Black Council of School Board Members (NBCSBM). She was also named an ex officio director of the of the National School Boards Association (NSBA). As Chairperson of the NBCSBM, she will lead efforts to support...
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Letter to the Editor: Say No To The Charles County Recordation Tax Hike – Public Meeting on May 20th, 2025

Letter to the Editor: Say No To The Charles County Recordation Tax Hike – Public Meeting on May 20th, 2025

Charles County Commissioners voted 3-1 on April 22, 2025, to introduce Proposed Bill 2025-04, which would raise the recordation tax rate applied to real estate transactions, another public hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Letter to the Editor: On behalf of the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors® (SMAR), which represents over...
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Charles County Public Schools Summer Camp Registration Opens

Charles County Public Schools Summer Camp Registration Opens

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is offering several camp offerings for students. Enrichment camps, academic and athletic programs, and career exploration will be held this summer. To learn more about the summer camps, visit www.ccboe.com. Summer Enrichment camps – Summer enrichment camps for students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be held July 28 to 31....
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Celebrate Mom with a $1 Italian Ice This Mother’s Day at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard!

Celebrate Mom with a $1 Italian Ice This Mother’s Day at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard!

WHAT: In celebration of Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 11, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is offering a $1 Small Italian Ice with a $1 minimum purchase to their app users to help guests treat their mom to something as sweet as she is! New and existing Rita’s app users can claim the...
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Study Reveals Emerging Cases of Babesiosis from Tick Bites in Mid-Atlantic Region

Study Reveals Emerging Cases of Babesiosis from Tick Bites in Mid-Atlantic Region

Annapolis, MD; April 29, 2025 – A newly published study in the Journal of Medical Entomology provides critical insights into the emergence of babesiosis in the Mid-Atlantic region, documenting human cases and the presence of Babesia microti in local tick populations. CDC states many people with Babesiosis do not feel sick and have no...
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Enterprise Community Development Celebrates New Workforce Housing at Grand Opening of Magnolia Gardens in La Plata

Enterprise Community Development Celebrates New Workforce Housing at Grand Opening of Magnolia Gardens in La Plata

Enterprise Community Development celebrated the grand opening of Magnolia Gardens, a new 72-unit affordable housing community in La Plata, Maryland, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Local and state officials, including State Senator Arthur Ellis, State Delegate Kevin Harris, State Delegate Edith Patterson and La Plata Mayor Jeannine James, joined Enterprise and project partners to...
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Maryland State Fire Marshal Warns of Social Media Trend Leading to Fires

Maryland State Fire Marshal Warns of Social Media Trend Leading to Fires

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is alerting the public to a concerning new trend circulating on social media. Students insert electrically conductive objects into the charging ports of school-issued and personal electronic devices. This reckless behavior has been linked to several incidents resulting in fires, smoke, and property damage. As of May...
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