Charles News

Maryland COVID-19 Vaccination Update: Monday, February 1, 2021

Maryland COVID-19 Vaccination Update: Monday, February 1, 2021

As of Monday, February 1, 2021., Maryland providers have administered 544,369 COVID-19 vaccines, and 78% of all first doses have been given. The average daily rate for shots administered is 24,490—a 70% increase over the last two weeks. Vaccine Eligibility In accordance with federal guidelines, Maryland is currently in Phase 1C of the vaccine...
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Department of Justice Launches Global Action Against NetWalker Ransomware, NetWalker Defendant Charged, Nearly $500,000 Seized

Department of Justice Launches Global Action Against NetWalker Ransomware, NetWalker Defendant Charged, Nearly $500,000 Seized

The Department of Justice announced a coordinated international law enforcement action to disrupt a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker. NetWalker ransomware has impacted numerous victims, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. Attacks have specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of...
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Snow Emergency Plan in Effect for Southern Maryland on Sunday, January 31st

Snow Emergency Plan in Effect for Southern Maryland on Sunday, January 31st

The Snow Emergency Plan for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties has been placed into effect on January 31, 2021. The quick accumulation of snow was the main factor in implementing the plan. Road conditions will be closely monitored and the Snow Emergency Plan will be lifted when the roads are safe for travel....
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Governor Hogan Announces South African COVID-19 Variant Identified in Maryland

Governor Hogan Announces South African COVID-19 Variant Identified in Maryland

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that state health officials have confirmed a case of COVID-19 caused by the new B.1.351 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a Maryland resident. The new variant’s presence in Maryland was confirmed by the Maryland Department of Health in consultation with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
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NAS Patuxent River to Participate in Antiterrorism, Force Protection Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain

NAS Patuxent River to Participate in Antiterrorism, Force Protection Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain

Naval installations in the National Capital Region will participate in an annual anti-terrorism force protection exercise February 1, to February 12, 2021.  These Naval installations include Naval Support Activity Washington, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Naval Support Activity Annapolis, and Naval Support Activity Bethesda. Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2021...
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Winter Storm Warning for St. Mary’s and Calvert County

Winter Storm Warning for St. Mary’s and Calvert County

A winter storm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for St. Mary’s County for Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, from 4 a.m. until 7 p.m. Heavy snow is expected with an accumulation of  3 to 6 inches. Snow will begin between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. falling steadily through midday Sunday. Snow...
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No Injuries Reported After House Fire in Mechanicsville

No Injuries Reported After House Fire in Mechanicsville

On Thursday, January 28, 2021, at approximately 10:25 p.m., volunteer firefighters from Mechanicsville, Leonardtown, Seventh District, Hughesville, and Hollywood responded to 27075 Mt Zion Church Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported structure fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a two-story split foyer home with smoke showing. Firefighters immediately made an aggressive interior...
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Police in Charles County Investigating Shooting of 13-Year-Old Female in Waldorf

Police in Charles County Investigating Shooting of 13-Year-Old Female in Waldorf

UPDATE: On January 30, 2021, at approximately 1:37 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 500 block of University Drive in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 13-year-old female inside the house suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was...
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Family Members Arrested After Fugitive They Were Hiding Fell Through Ceiling

Family Members Arrested After Fugitive They Were Hiding Fell Through Ceiling

On Tuesday, January 26, 2021, A Deputy from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to Pine Blvd in Lusby, to assist the Charles County Sheriff Office and the US Marshals Fugitive Task force with an arrest warrant for a fugitive at the location. Cpl. E. Baker of the Charles County Sheriffs (Task Force Officer)...
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Governor Hogan Announces Restaurants May Resume Service After 10 PM Beginning Monday

Governor Hogan Announces Restaurants May Resume Service After 10 PM Beginning Monday

Governor Larry Hogan today issued an emergency order stating that, as of Monday, February 1, bars and restaurants will no longer be required to close at 10 p.m. In recent weeks, the state has distributed an additional $80 million in economic assistance to Maryland hotels and hospitality businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Today’s actions...
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Governor Hogan Provides Update on Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Progress, State Averaging More Than 22,000 Shots Administered Per Day

Governor Hogan Provides Update on Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Progress, State Averaging More Than 22,000 Shots Administered Per Day

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland providers have now administered nearly 450,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, after reporting more than 30,000 doses administered on Wednesday. “While the speed of vaccinations continues to increase, and our distribution network continues to expand, our supply from the federal government remains extremely limited,” said Governor Hogan. “I...
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Maryland State Troopers Arrests Three Virginia Men and Find Large Amount of Drugs, Three Loaded Handguns During Traffic Stop in Charles County

Maryland State Troopers Arrests Three Virginia Men and Find Large Amount of Drugs, Three Loaded Handguns During Traffic Stop in Charles County

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, at approximately 2:58 a.m., Trooper R. Thomas from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Camry for a traffic violation. Upon contact with the occupants of the vehicle, a strong odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. A probable cause search...
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Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues Fight Against Human Trafficking

Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues Fight Against Human Trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As a founding member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office pledges to continue to combat human trafficking by working with our partners to investigate and prosecute traffickers and rescue victims.  The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaborative effort of trafficking...
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Waldorf Teen Arrested After Traffic Stop, Police Find Drugs, Loaded Handgun with Large Capacity Magazine

Waldorf Teen Arrested After Traffic Stop, Police Find Drugs, Loaded Handgun with Large Capacity Magazine

On Saturday, January 23 at 4:39 p.m., a patrol supervisor initiated a traffic stop in the area of Bannister Circle and Knolewater Court after a computer check showed the tags on the car belonged on another vehicle. Upon approaching the driver, the officer detected the odor of marijuana. An additional computer check revealed the...
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Governor Hogan Announces Opening of Mass Vaccination Sites, Expansion of Pharmacy Program

Governor Hogan Announces Opening of Mass Vaccination Sites, Expansion of Pharmacy Program

Governor Larry Hogan today announced new actions to expand the state’s COVID-19 vaccination network, including the opening of at least six mass vaccination sites at central locations, and new pharmacy partners in targeted areas. This growing network will help supplement the vaccinations being administered in hospitals and local health departments. “The truth is that...
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Police in Charles County Arrest Armed Suspect in Attempted Murder Case

Police in Charles County Arrest Armed Suspect in Attempted Murder Case

On January 25, 2021, at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 5200 block of Greenville Drive in Bryans Road, for the report of a domestic-related assault in progress. While in route to the call, officers were advised one of the subjects involved in the altercation had gone...
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Governor Hogan Announces Additional $20.7 Million in Education Relief Funding

Governor Hogan Announces Additional $20.7 Million in Education Relief Funding

Governor Larry Hogan today announced an additional $20.7 million in COVID-19 relief funding for education as school systems work to get students safely back into classrooms. “In addition to proposing a budget that funds education across the board at record levels, we are working to get federal COVID-19 relief funding out to schools and...
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Governor Hogan, State Superintendent Call on Maryland Schools to Reopen for Hybrid in-Person Learning By Monday, March 1, 2021

Governor Hogan, State Superintendent Call on Maryland Schools to Reopen for Hybrid in-Person Learning By Monday, March 1, 2021

Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon called on all Maryland school systems to return to hybrid instruction—a combination of in-person and virtual learning—no later than Monday, March 1. “Every single Maryland student must have at least the opportunity to return to attending school in some form or fashion,” said...
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Comptroller Franchot Announces Tax Season to Begin on February 12, 2021

Comptroller Franchot Announces Tax Season to Begin on February 12, 2021

Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that processing of personal income tax returns for Tax Year 2020 will begin on February 12, 2021, several weeks later than the traditional mid-to-late January opening date. The delayed start allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) additional time to implement changes related to federal COVID-19 relief packages. Corporate income...
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La Plata Police Department’s Commitment to Excellence – Lieutenant Michael Payne and Police Officer First Class John Piersa

La Plata Police Department’s Commitment to Excellence – Lieutenant Michael Payne and Police Officer First Class John Piersa

La Plata Police Department’s Commitment to Excellence – Lieutenant Michael Payne and Police Officer First Class John Piersa were recently recognized along with law enforcement officers from around the State of Maryland by earning the Maryland Highway Traffic Safety Office’s – Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) Award. LPPD now has six officers who have earned...
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Charles County Speed Camera Program Week of January 24, to February 1, 2021

Charles County Speed Camera Program Week of January 24, to February 1, 2021

The Speed Camera Program operates at schools that are open, and or for those dispensing meals and educational supplies for our students. Please drive responsibly, especially when traveling in the area of these schools. Speed cameras will be at the following locations this week: Leonardtown Rd at Thomas Stone High School Middletown Rd at...
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Maryland Historical Trust Releases Economic Impact Study for 13 Maryland Certified Heritage Areas in Maryland

Maryland Historical Trust Releases Economic Impact Study for 13 Maryland Certified Heritage Areas in Maryland

Maryland’s 13 heritage areas, funded through the Maryland Department of Planning (Planning) and overseen by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA) generated a total impact on the state’s economy of more than $2.4 billion in FY19, according to an economic contribution analysis released today. The study further concluded that the economic activity of MHAA...
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La Plata Woman Succumbs to Injuries Sustained from Motor Vehicle Collision After Hit and Run Driver Runs Red Light

La Plata Woman Succumbs to Injuries Sustained from Motor Vehicle Collision After Hit and Run Driver Runs Red Light

UPDATE 1/20/2021: On Sunday, January 17 at 4:52 p.m., officers responded to the area of Billingsley Road near St. Patricks Drive in Waldorf for the report of a motor vehicle crash. A preliminary investigation showed the driver of a Jeep was traveling southbound on St Patricks Drive when he struck the rear of another...
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UPDATE: Charles County Sheriff’s Deputies Make Arrest in Bryans Road Murder

UPDATE: Charles County Sheriff’s Deputies Make Arrest in Bryans Road Murder

UPDATE: On January 19 at approximately 9:39 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of South Hampton Drive at Weston Drive in Bryans Road, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Fredrick Markeith Young, 24, of Bryans Road, with a gunshot wound to the...
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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, January 15, 2021, at approximately 6:20 p.m., firefighters from Waldorf, La Plata and surrounding departments responded to 1320 Greenmont Drive in Waldorf, for the reported house on fire with subjects possibly trapped. Crews arrived on the scene to find a two-story residence with fire through the roof. Firefighters utilized multiple hose lines...
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