Charles News

Department of Emergency Services Encourages Community Members to Prepare for Power Outages and Extreme Cold

Department of Emergency Services Encourages Community Members to Prepare for Power Outages and Extreme Cold

The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services encourages citizens to prepare for power outages, and to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When power outages occur during severe weather, the use of alternative power sources can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home, garage, or camper, putting the people and...
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Maryland Deer Harvest Up 10% in 2022 Firearm Season, Hunters Harvest 29,124 Deer in First 2 Weeks

Maryland Deer Harvest Up 10% in 2022 Firearm Season, Hunters Harvest 29,124 Deer in First 2 Weeks

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters harvested 29,124 deer during the two-week firearms season from Nov. 26 through Dec. 10. The firearms season harvest was 10% higher than last year’s official count of 26,584.  “The firearm season remains our most popular hunting season,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “We’d like to thank those...
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Public Safety Issues Animal Safety Alert Due to Severe Cold Weather – December 24th to 25th

Public Safety Issues Animal Safety Alert Due to Severe Cold Weather – December 24th to 25th

Due to severe cold temperatures forecast for Calvert County this weekend, the Department of Public Safety has issued an animal safety alert for Saturday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 25. Animal owners or custodians are required to provide the following protections for the duration of the alert: Dogs and cats should be brought inside....
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VIDEO: Governor Hogan’s Address to the 155th Trooper Candidate Class of the Maryland State Police

VIDEO: Governor Hogan’s Address to the 155th Trooper Candidate Class of the Maryland State Police

Governor Larry Hogan delivered remarks and presented diplomas to the 24 graduates of the 155th Trooper Candidate Class of the Maryland State Police (MSP)—the 12th and final trooper class to graduate during the Hogan administration. The governor also paid tribute to MSP Superintendent Colonel Woodrow “Jerry” Jones, who is retiring at the end of...
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Robert D. Stethem Educational Center School Resource Officer Investigating Possible Overdose, Student is Flown to Hospital

Robert D. Stethem Educational Center School Resource Officer Investigating Possible Overdose, Student is Flown to Hospital

On Monday, December 19, 2022, a student arrived to school at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center displaying signs of impairment. The school administrators and the School Resource Officer were notified, and the student was transported by helicopter to a hospital. The student remains hospitalized. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to...
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Charles County Officers Investigate Suspicious Vehicle and Locate Firearm and Drugs, Judge Releases Both Subjects Less Than 24 Hours Later

Charles County Officers Investigate Suspicious Vehicle and Locate Firearm and Drugs, Judge Releases Both Subjects Less Than 24 Hours Later

On Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the area of Glasva School Road and Allen’s View Place in Faulkner for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located a cargo-style box truck occupied by two subjects. Officers saw drug paraphernalia in plain view. Further investigation revealed a shotgun,...
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Groundbreaking Wild Turkey Research Project Set to Begin in Maryland, January 2023

Groundbreaking Wild Turkey Research Project Set to Begin in Maryland, January 2023

This winter, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is kicking off the first comprehensive study of wild turkeys ever conducted in the state. The 3-year research project aims to answer many questions about factors potentially impacting turkey populations. “Wild turkeys are an important game bird in Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The results...
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Two Juveniles Charged for Robbery at General Smallwood Middle School

Two Juveniles Charged for Robbery at General Smallwood Middle School

On Monday, December 19, 2022, a student at General Smallwood Middle School reported that two students forcibly stole his shoes. The school resource officer and school administrative staff initiated an investigation. After pursuing leads and consulting with the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, two students are being charged on juvenile offense reports. The students...
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VIDEO: Police Remind Citizens of School Bus and Flashing Lights Laws After Child is Nearly Struck by Vehicle Passing Bus

VIDEO: Police Remind Citizens of School Bus and Flashing Lights Laws After Child is Nearly Struck by Vehicle Passing Bus

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens if you see a stopped school bus with its red flashing lights activated, you must stop (IN EITHER DIRECTION) unless there is a physical barrier between you and the oncoming bus – not a painted median. There is NEVER an acceptable excuse to pass a stopped school...
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Police in Charles County Arrest 23 Year Old for Murder of 19 Year Old Waldorf Man

Police in Charles County Arrest 23 Year Old for Murder of 19 Year Old Waldorf Man

On October 23, 2022, at approximately 2:17 p.m, the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) received a 911 call reporting a shooting. PGPD made contact with the caller, who was in his vehicle with the victim, and determined the victim was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Further investigation revealed the...
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Cold-Stunning Threatens Aquatic Wildlife – Marylanders Asked to Help

Cold-Stunning Threatens Aquatic Wildlife – Marylanders Asked to Help

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks visitors to the Chesapeake Bay to be vigilant for marine mammals or sea turtles who show signs of cold-stunning or hypothermia. Cold stunning occurs in late autumn and early winter when the Bay’s water temperatures start to fall. The cold water can cause immediate impacts making some...
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UM Charles Regional Medical Center Receives $375K CareFirst Grant to Improve Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Outcomes in Charles County

UM Charles Regional Medical Center Receives $375K CareFirst Grant to Improve Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Outcomes in Charles County

LA PLATA, Md. – December, 2022 — University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center was awarded a $375,000 three-year grant to continue and expand its Peer Recovery Coach Program which provides help to patients struggling with substance use disorders. This is part of a larger $7.9 million grant investment from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst),...
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La Plata Man Wins $50,000 for Himself and Helps Friend Win $25,000 with Pick 5 Drawing

La Plata Man Wins $50,000 for Himself and Helps Friend Win $25,000 with Pick 5 Drawing

La Plata man sends co-worker to buy tickets for both of them A Charles County man had such good Lottery luck that it passed to his co-worker. The La Plata resident, who nicknamed himself “Basketball Man” to tell his Lottery story, won $50,000 playing Pick 5 in November. The construction worker plays the lucky...
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Maryland State Police Warn Shoppers of Potential Online Scams Over Holiday Season

Maryland State Police Warn Shoppers of Potential Online Scams Over Holiday Season

The Maryland State Police Cyber Task Force is warning consumers to continue to proceed with caution while shopping online to avoid potential scams this holiday season. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3) 2021 report, non-payment or non-delivery scams cost people more than $337 million annually. Credit card fraud accounted for another $173 million in losses. Consumers can...
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2 Adults and 2 Children Displaced After Fire Destroys Mechanicsville Residence, State Fire Marshal Investigating Cause

2 Adults and 2 Children Displaced After Fire Destroys Mechanicsville Residence, State Fire Marshal Investigating Cause

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at approximately 12:40 a.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Hollywood, Bay District, Seventh District and multiple departments from Charles County responded to 29665 Donna Drive in Mechanicsville, for the reported house on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 1-story residence with fire showing through the roof. Incident...
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces 2022 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces 2022 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. The projects to be funded help volunteer fire companies enhance their wildland fire protection in rural communities. DNR awarded a total $131,702 in match funding...
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DNR Sponsors National Archery In The Schools Program in Maryland

DNR Sponsors National Archery In The Schools Program in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) will once again be sponsored by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. This in-school offering will be an integral part of the department’s larger educational programming and its Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program. NASP is...
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Board recognizes students for academic and personal achievements

Board recognizes students for academic and personal achievements

The Charles County Board of Education at its Dec. 13 meeting honored four Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students. School principals annually select one student and staff member for Board recognition. Students are honored for accomplishments in the areas of academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility. Honored at the meeting were Sayda Elgamar...
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State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf, No Injuries Reported

State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf, No Injuries Reported

On Friday, December 16, 2022, at approximately 3:45 p.m., firefighters from Waldorf, La Plata and surrounding departments responded to 3612 Lisa Way in Waldorf, for the reported house on fire. The 911 caller was a neighbor who stated the residence behind theirs was on fire. Waldorf Engine 31 and Tower 3 arrived on the scene...
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Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Saturday, December 17, 2022

Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Saturday, December 17, 2022

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opens Saturday, Dec. 17. The season contains two segments, Dec. 17 through Jan. 2, 2023, and again from Jan. 13 through Jan. 31, 2023. (Please note these dates are corrected from a previous announcement.) The daily bag limit...
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Pet Owners Reminded to Be Extra Cautious During the Holiday Season

Pet Owners Reminded to Be Extra Cautious During the Holiday Season

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety reminds pet owners to be extra cautious during the holiday season. New sights, sounds and people can cause pets to become overwhelmed and may prompt them to react in unexpected ways. To reduce stress on pets and ensure the safety of others, it is advised to secure...
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Charles County Board of Education Honors Outstanding Educators

Charles County Board of Education Honors Outstanding Educators

The Board of Education of Charles County at its Dec. 13 meeting honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members for their commitment to the school system and student success. Each month, the Board honors staff members chosen by their school principals for recognition who demonstrate their dedication to teaching and learning. Honored...
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Patrol Officers Locate and Arrest Three Subjects Breaking into Vehicles/Recover Stolen Vehicle in Charles County

Patrol Officers Locate and Arrest Three Subjects Breaking into Vehicles/Recover Stolen Vehicle in Charles County

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 2:01 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Officers responded to Oyster Reef Place in the Sheffield Links neighborhood for the report of several subjects walking around with flashlights attempting to get into vehicles. Upon officers’ arrival, the subjects fled on foot before getting into a vehicle and...
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Police Investigating Overdose at Lackey High School

Police Investigating Overdose at Lackey High School

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 10:12 a.m., a student at Lackey High School notified a Charles County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer (SRO) that he had used a vaping device that contained what he believed to be THC and which made him feel sick. The SRO escorted the student to the nurse’s office....
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Police in Indian Head Arrest Man for Rogue & Vagabond / Intoxicated Public Disturbance

Police in Indian Head Arrest Man for Rogue & Vagabond / Intoxicated Public Disturbance

On Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 3:40 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Riverside Run Community in Indian Head for the report of an unknown male banging on doors, attempting to break into vehicles, and acting disorderly. Officers canvassed the area and located the man in the area of...
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