Charles News

Winter Storm Watch in Effect for Southern Maryland

Winter Storm Watch in Effect for Southern Maryland

Effective Saturday, February 21, 2026, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Anne Arundel, Central and Southeast Howard, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties, from Sunday, February 22nd to to Monday morning, February 23rd, 2026. WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 inches or more are possible. Winds could gust as high as...
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Future Engineers on Display as CSM Hosts Regional Robotics Tournaments

Future Engineers on Display as CSM Hosts Regional Robotics Tournaments

Hundreds of students from across the region traveled to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in January and February to showcase their engineering skills during a series of VEX Robotics competitions. Separate tournaments were held on the CSM La Plata Campus for elementary and middle school, high school, and college level teams. Competitors demonstrated...
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UPDATE: Maryland State Police Arrest Owners Of Charles County Crematorium For Mishandling Human Remains

UPDATE: Maryland State Police Arrest Owners Of Charles County Crematorium For Mishandling Human Remains

UPDATE 2/21/2026 : Maryland State Police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division made two arrests in connection with the disposal of human remains from a crematorium in Charles County. The accused are identified as Rosa Iyonna Williams, 48, and Brandon Angelo Williams, 50, both of Waldorf, Maryland. After consultation with the Office of the...
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UPDATE: Karen Krenzler age 69, Killed in Mechanicsville House Fire – Investigation Ongoing

UPDATE: Karen Krenzler age 69, Killed in Mechanicsville House Fire – Investigation Ongoing

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues after a house fire claimed the life of a Mechanicsville woman early Friday morning. On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to...
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One Transported to Trauma Center, One to Hospital After Trash Truck Overturns in Indian Head

One Transported to Trauma Center, One to Hospital After Trash Truck Overturns in Indian Head

On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 10:00 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Smallwood Church Road and Marvin Drive in Indian Head, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a large vehicle. 911 callers reported a trash truck was overturned with two injured. Crews arrived on scene...
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CSM Hosts “Private Sector Pivot” to Share Resources with Federal Employees and Veterans

CSM Hosts “Private Sector Pivot” to Share Resources with Federal Employees and Veterans

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) hosted a virtual program last month for federal employees and military veterans to explore opportunities and local resources available to help begin a career in the private sector. More than 70 residents from across the region registered for ‘Private Sector Pivot,’ organized by CSM and local partnerships including...
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Governor Moore Signs Legislation to Prohibit Maryland Jurisdictions from Deputizing Officers for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement

Governor Moore Signs Legislation to Prohibit Maryland Jurisdictions from Deputizing Officers for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement

Governor Wes Moore this week signed legislation to prohibit State and local jurisdictions from deputizing officers for federal civil immigration enforcement activity. The law, created under SB 245/HB 444, is effective immediately. “In Maryland, we defend Constitutional rights and Constitutional policing—and we will not allow untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable ICE agents to deputize our...
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Be Part of NAVAIR’s 60-Year History: Focused. Faster. Fiercer.

Be Part of NAVAIR’s 60-Year History: Focused. Faster. Fiercer.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is celebrating its 60th anniversary of supporting naval aviation this year and wants to tell your story. We are searching for current and former employees who have insightful, interesting or unique stories about their time in NAVAIR for use in videos, podcasts, feature stories, social media and more. Were...
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VA Pauses Enforcement of New Disability Rating Rule After Nationwide Backlash

VA Pauses Enforcement of New Disability Rating Rule After Nationwide Backlash

The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted enforcement of a newly issued rule that would change how disability compensation is calculated, following widespread criticism from veterans and advocacy groups who warned the policy could reduce benefits. The interim final rule, titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication,” amends 38 CFR § 4.10 within the VA...
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Wanted Mississippi Fugitive With Multiple Warrants for Violent Crimes Apprehended and Extradited to Charles County

Wanted Mississippi Fugitive With Multiple Warrants for Violent Crimes Apprehended and Extradited to Charles County

On January 26, 2026, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit, in coordination with the United States Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), successfully located and apprehended Brandon Gerald Jernigan, 40, of Jackson, Mississippi, who was wanted in connection with multiple violent offenses across several jurisdictions. On October 18, 2023,...
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Maryland DNR Offers Enhanced Trout Stocking Program for 2026

Maryland DNR Offers Enhanced Trout Stocking Program for 2026

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has spent the cold winter preparing for trout fishing, one of spring’s most anticipated traditions. Based on feedback from angler surveys, the department is making some changes to the put-and-take trout stocking program to enhance angler experience, opportunity, and catch. Adjustments to trout stocking timing, allocations, and...
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Waldorf Man Arrested After Armed Robbery at La Plata Tobacco Shop

Waldorf Man Arrested After Armed Robbery at La Plata Tobacco Shop

Lloyd Michael Hawkins Jr., 39, of Waldorf, has been charged with robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and theft between $1,500 and $25,000 in connection with an armed robbery reported February 13, 2026, in La Plata. According to court documents, officers with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the La Plata Town Police Department responded...
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Police in Charles County Arrest Two in Mall Circle Macy’s Shoplifting Case After Stealing Over $1,500 in Merchandise

Police in Charles County Arrest Two in Mall Circle Macy’s Shoplifting Case After Stealing Over $1,500 in Merchandise

Melissa Nazareth Lozano-Rodriguez, 21, and Carlos Alberto Mondragon-Guevara, 48, both of Temple Hills, are each facing felony theft charges following an alleged shoplifting incident at Macy’s in Waldorf. Both defendants are charged with theft of property valued at $1,500 to under $25,000 in connection with an incident reported on February 14, 2026, at the...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives Charge Three Suspects in October Murder Case at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West

Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives Charge Three Suspects in October Murder Case at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West

Detectives charge three suspects in October 2025 murder at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West: Charles County Sheriff’s detectives charged three suspects in connection with an October 2025 murder case. On October 29 at 12:14 a.m., officers responded to the Westlake Dash-In in the 2000 block of Smallwood Drive West in Waldorf for a...
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DNR Seeks Public Input for Upcoming Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

DNR Seeks Public Input for Upcoming Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed changes to the 2026-2028 hunting and trapping seasons and the proposed 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Bag Limits. The public can view the proposed regulations and comment online, as well as view and comment on the proposed migratory game bird seasons and bag limits now through February 28. “We thank...
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Governor Moore Secures Win from PJM, Saving Marylanders from Billions on Electricity Bills

Governor Moore Secures Win from PJM, Saving Marylanders from Billions on Electricity Bills

Governor Wes Moore announced that the Board of Managers for grid operator PJM Interconnection released a decision to extend the capacity market price cap through the end of the decade. This decision follows sustained advocacy from Governor Moore and a coalition of 13 governors who demanded the grid operator take action to protect families and...
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Four Unified Bocce Teams from Charles County School Compete at State Tournament

Four Unified Bocce Teams from Charles County School Compete at State Tournament

Four Unified bocce teams from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) headed to Hagerstown Community College Feb. 10 to compete in the state Unified bocce tournament. Of the 17 local teams, four qualified to move on to the next level. Two teams from La Plata High Schools, and one each from Maurice J. McDonough and...
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Charles County Public Schools 2025-2026 Calendar Changes, Shifts Last Day of School for Students and Teachers

Charles County Public Schools 2025-2026 Calendar Changes, Shifts Last Day of School for Students and Teachers

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has modified the 2025-2026 calendar due to recent inclement weather closures. As of Feb. 12, CCPS has used the four inclement weather days built into June 2026: June 12, 15, 16 and 17. The Board of Education on Feb. 10 approved the opening of schools for students and teachers...
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Charles County Resilience Authority Details $1.26 Million in Local Climate Projects

Charles County Resilience Authority Details $1.26 Million in Local Climate Projects

The Resilience Authority of Charles County presented a detailed progress report to the Charles County Board of County Commissioners on February 3, 2026, outlining funding totals, project milestones, and upcoming tree equity initiatives. The presentation focused on projects completed or underway as part of the Authority’s “Concrete to Green” initiative and Maryland’s 5 Million...
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UPDATE: Suspect and Officers Identified After Fatal Shooting in Charles County

UPDATE: Suspect and Officers Identified After Fatal Shooting in Charles County

UPDATE 2/15/2026:  The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) officers involved in the fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland. The decedent is identified as 36-year-old Demarcus Irish...
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Maryland Hunters Harvest 71,649 Deer for 2025-2026 Season

Maryland Hunters Harvest 71,649 Deer for 2025-2026 Season

Maryland deer hunters harvested 71,649 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 5, 2025 through Feb. 4, 2026. The statewide harvest reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources included 29,814 antlered and 37,925 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 1,874 antlered and 2,036 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 14.9% lower than the 2024-2025 total of 84,201 deer and 7.2% lower than...
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One Injured After Rollover Collision in Waldorf – Police Investigating After 911 Callers Report Driver Was Reckless Prior to Crash

One Injured After Rollover Collision in Waldorf – Police Investigating After 911 Callers Report Driver Was Reckless Prior to Crash

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of 8450 Bensville Road in Waldorf, for the serious motor vehicle collision with one overturned and trapped. Multiple 911 callers reported a two-vehicle collision with one overturned and one trapped, with two 911 callers advising...
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UPDATE: GoFundMe Launched to Help Owner Rebuild After Clements Lumber Yard Fire

UPDATE: GoFundMe Launched to Help Owner Rebuild After Clements Lumber Yard Fire

UPDATE: A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the owner of the Clements-area lumber yard following last week’s fire that destroyed a barn and damaged critical equipment. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-glendon-rebuild-his-saw-mill As previously reported, firefighters were dispatched on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:23 a.m., to 40350 Big Chestnut Road in Leonardtown for a reported wood...
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Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal Issues Urgent Fire Alarm Recall Due Failure to Warn During Fire, Alarms Sold Exclusively on Amazon

Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal Issues Urgent Fire Alarm Recall Due Failure to Warn During Fire, Alarms Sold Exclusively on Amazon

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal is issuing an urgent recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding certain smoke alarms due to a potential alarm failure. This defect may cause the alarm to malfunction or fail to alert occupants during an emergency, posing a serious life-safety hazard. Residents are strongly...
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Statement from Comptroller Lierman on the Trump Administration’s Decision to Overturn the EPA Endangerment Finding

Statement from Comptroller Lierman on the Trump Administration’s Decision to Overturn the EPA Endangerment Finding

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today issued this statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to overturn the EPA Endangerment Finding: “The Trump Administration’s decision to overturn the 2009 endangerment finding is a dangerous and deeply irresponsible choice and one that puts both individual Marylanders and our state at risk. “The endangerment finding is the legal basis...
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