Charles News

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reports Nearly 5,000 People Hit the Trails for Maryland’s First Day Hikes

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Reports Nearly 5,000 People Hit the Trails for Maryland’s First Day Hikes

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that 4,896 people hiked 9,780 miles during First Day Hikes in 41 state parks on New Year’s weekend. Between Dec. 31, 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023, there were 37 scheduled ranger-led programs with an additional 23 self-guided opportunities available on state public lands across Maryland. Despite...
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Waldorf Woman Gets Dream Prize with $50,000 Scratch-Off Win

Waldorf Woman Gets Dream Prize with $50,000 Scratch-Off Win

Winner now sets her sights on a jackpot game win Until last week, her Lottery wins were fun and interesting, but not very big. That changed when the Waldorf woman bought a Power 5s scratch-off that held a $50,000 top prize. Her next goal is to hit one of the jackpot games – Mega...
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CSM Celebrates 2023 Winter and 2022 Summer Commencement Candidates for Graduation

CSM Celebrates 2023 Winter and 2022 Summer Commencement Candidates for Graduation

The following students were recognized as candidates for associate degrees, certificates or letters of recognition at the College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) 24th Winter Commencement ceremony held Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at the La Plata Campus. A video of each commencement will also be available for viewing on the college’s YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/@CSMDTube/playlists — following the...
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Governor Larry Hogan Farewell Address – Thank You, Maryland

Governor Larry Hogan Farewell Address – Thank You, Maryland

My fellow Marylanders: As my time as governor comes to an end, I am grateful to all of you⁠—the people of Maryland⁠—for your heartfelt support and, in times of personal challenges, for your countless prayers. The honor of serving as your governor is second only to the honor of being your fellow Marylander. I...
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Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Past Chief Steve Shifflett

Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Past Chief Steve Shifflett

It is with great sadness and extremely heavy hearts that the Officers and Members of the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Department & Auxiliary announce the passing of Past Chief Steve Shifflett. He passed on Friday January 13th, 2023. Steve joined our department on February 5, 2002 and dedicated many hours of volunteer...
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Winter Turkey Season Opens Across Maryland on Thursday, January 19

Winter Turkey Season Opens Across Maryland on Thursday, January 19

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from Jan. 19-21 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2022 fall season. Hunting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either...
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Charles County Man and Washington D.C. Man Charged with Capital Murder After Woman is Shot and Killed Near University of Alabama

Charles County Man and Washington D.C. Man Charged with Capital Murder After Woman is Shot and Killed Near University of Alabama

On Sunday morning, January 15, 2023, at approximately 1:45 a.m., the Tuscaloosa Police Department and the University of Alabama Police Department responded to the area of University Boulevard, for reported shooting. Police released the following information. The victims vehicle was shot at in the area of Grace Street and University Boulevard. The victim drove...
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UM Charles Regional Medical Center Welcomes First Birth of 2023!

UM Charles Regional Medical Center Welcomes First Birth of 2023!

UM Charles Regional Medical Center’s first birth of 2023 was Harper Derrick Jackson, who was born to Diamond and Mike Jackson of White Plains at 8:14 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3. While he was late as a first baby of the new year at the hospital, his birth was two weeks early, according to...
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University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Group Announces New Nurse Practitioner for Behavioral Health Practice

University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Group Announces New Nurse Practitioner for Behavioral Health Practice

January 11, 2023 – Gbemisola “Victoria” Adebayo, NP, recently joined the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Group – Behavioral Health practice and is currently accepting new patients at the La Plata mental health practice. Behavioral Health offers diagnosis, professional assistance, and medication management for various mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders,...
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Charles County Youth Orchestra Annual Winter Concert – Sunday January 15, 2023 in Waldorf

Charles County Youth Orchestra Annual Winter Concert – Sunday January 15, 2023 in Waldorf

CCYO’s annual Winter Concert on Sunday January 15, will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will be held at Thomas Stone High School, 3785 Leonardtown Rd, Waldorf, MD. This concert is free and open to the public. Conducted by, Dennis Murphy, Prelude Strings; Teri Lazar, Encore Strings; Takako Mato, Encore Band, and Osman Kivrak, Charles...
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Traffic Stop in Lexington Park Yields Warrant Arrest for Firearm Charges

Traffic Stop in Lexington Park Yields Warrant Arrest for Firearm Charges

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies made a traffic stop this week resulting in the arrest of a Lexington Park man wanted on a warrant for firearm charges. On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, Deputy Casey Hill was operating radar at the intersection of Pegg Road and Westbury Boulevard in Lexington Park when he...
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Bike and Team Building with the Elite Black Men at Westlake High School

Bike and Team Building with the Elite Black Men at Westlake High School

A group that was formed to bring togetherness amongst African American male students at Westlake High School is reunited for another year of camaraderie and growth. The 2022-2023 school year marks the second year of the Elite Black Men group at Westlake. The group stemmed from the Achieving Academic Equity and Excellence for Black...
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Charles County Board of Commissioners Meeting Update – January 10th and 11th, 2023

Charles County Board of Commissioners Meeting Update – January 10th and 11th, 2023

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, Charles County Board of County Commissioners introduced amendments to Bill 2022-14 Weapons and Firearms Prohibited on County-Owned or Operated Property. These amendments include removing the 100 yards provision, so the prohibition is for inside government-owned or operated buildings only; adding an exception to allow on-duty civilian employee of a law enforcement agency...
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Charles County Board of Education Elects Lukas, Moore Lee to Leadership Roles

Charles County Board of Education Elects Lukas, Moore Lee to Leadership Roles

The Board of Education of Charles County elected Michael Lukas as its chairperson and Yonelle Moore Lee as its vice chairperson at the start of the Jan. 10 meeting. The Board votes annually in January to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. Both Lukas and Moore Lee were elected unanimously by Board members. The...
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Stun Gun Recovered from Student at Smallwood Middle School

Stun Gun Recovered from Student at Smallwood Middle School

On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., a 12-year-old student at Smallwood Middle School brought a stun gun to school and showed it to a group of students while in the cafeteria at lunchtime. The student also activated the stun gun underneath the table, which came into to contact with another student. No...
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Charles County Officers Recover Three Occupied Stolen Cars and Apprehend Four Suspects, with Youngest Driver Being 13-Years-Old

Charles County Officers Recover Three Occupied Stolen Cars and Apprehend Four Suspects, with Youngest Driver Being 13-Years-Old

On January 8 at 4:12 a.m., patrol officers responded to the area of Shirley Boulevard in Port Tobacco for the report of a motor vehicle theft which had just occurred. Sgt. T. Yates was near Shirley Boulevard at the time of the call and upon approaching the scene, he observed five cars that appeared...
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Retired Firefighter on a Hot Streak of Lottery Wins After Claiming His Third $50,000 Prize in Just 3 Months!

Retired Firefighter on a Hot Streak of Lottery Wins After Claiming His Third $50,000 Prize in Just 3 Months!

A Prince George’s County retiree who spent his career extinguishing fires is enjoying a flaming hot Lottery winning streak. After claiming two $50,000 Pick 5 prizes in November, the lucky player returned to Lottery headquarters this week to claim a third $50,000 Pick 5 prize. The Accokeek resident found his latest lucky ticket at...
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MDOT MVA Announce Grant Applications Now Being Accepted to Help Reduce Injuries and Fatalities on Maryland Highways

MDOT MVA Announce Grant Applications Now Being Accepted to Help Reduce Injuries and Fatalities on Maryland Highways

GLEN BURNIE, MD (January 9, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office is accepting grant applications for traffic safety programs and projects that can help reduce crashes, deaths and injuries on Maryland roadways. Now through February 24, applicants are invited to submit grant requests for programs...
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Waldorf Man Claims 2nd Largest Prize in Maryland FAST PLAY History with $1.5 Million Jackpot

Waldorf Man Claims 2nd Largest Prize in Maryland FAST PLAY History with $1.5 Million Jackpot

Claims second-largest winning prize in Maryland FAST PLAY history A Charles County construction worker, who nicknamed himself “Trouble,” is having anything but that after winning a $1,540,418 progressive jackpot in the FAST PLAY Hit the Jackpot! game. He becomes the second-largest winner in a progressive jackpot game since FAST PLAY’s debut in February 2020....
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Seven Year Old Brings Replica Firearm to Wade Elementary School in Charles County

Seven Year Old Brings Replica Firearm to Wade Elementary School in Charles County

On January 10, 2023, at 9:30 a.m., a student at William B. Wade Elementary School in Charles County reported to school administrators that another student was showing off what appeared to be a firearm to a group of students. School personnel recovered the object which was determined to be a replica firearm that shoots...
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National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 2023 – January 9, 2023

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 2023 – January 9, 2023

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day – the day to show your support and thank a law enforcement officer for all they do on a daily basis to keep your community safe. Pictured is Sheriff Steve Hall and Retired Deputy Skip Stewart. Stewart was the Sheriff Hall’s first immediate supervisor and one of the longest-serving...
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Handgun Recovered During Traffic Stop in Waldorf

Handgun Recovered During Traffic Stop in Waldorf

On January 7, 2023, at 3:44 p.m., a patrol officer from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop in the area of Palmer Place and Pilgrims Square, in Waldorf. The driver pulled over but fled on foot. He was apprehended a short distance away and found to be in possession of a...
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Waldorf Man Arrested After Pointing Firearm at Woman and 9-Year-Old Child

Waldorf Man Arrested After Pointing Firearm at Woman and 9-Year-Old Child

On Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of Brightwell Court in Waldorf for the report of a domestic-related assault in progress in which the suspect was armed with a handgun. When officers arrived, they located the suspect outside of the residence; he had a handgun in his...
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Ashley Sowls Appointed as the First African American Prosecutor for St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Ashley Sowls Appointed as the First African American Prosecutor for St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Ashley Sowls was appointed and sworn in as the first African American prosecutor for St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Sowls, a graduate of the Charlotte School of Law in Charlotte, N.C. is an experienced prosecutor specializing in special victims’ cases, previously prosecuting in Charles, Calvert and Prince George’s counties. When announcing...
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Charles County Public Schools Moving Forward with Focus on Equity, Diversity and Cultural Competency

Charles County Public Schools Moving Forward with Focus on Equity, Diversity and Cultural Competency

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., has recently addressed a few incidents in which either staff or students demonstrated hate/discriminatory speech. As previously noted in her letter to the community in December, the school system has prioritized its focus on ensuring these types of incidents are both addressed...
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