Charles News

The Department of Recreation and Parks Offering Lifeguard Training Course in October in Lexington Park

The Department of Recreation and Parks Offering Lifeguard Training Course in October in Lexington Park

The Department of Recreation and Parks will be holding a lifeguard training course at the Great Mills Pool. Learn how to effectively prevent and respond to water emergencies with this American Red Cross lifeguard training. Courses are designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to respond to a variety of scenarios in...
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On October 1st, the Statewide Sales Age Increases to 21 for all Tobacco Products in Maryland

On October 1st, the Statewide Sales Age Increases to 21 for all Tobacco Products in Maryland

Effective October 1, 2019, the statewide sales age increases to 21 for all tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, pod-based devices such as JUUL and their e-liquids, and component parts and accessories). Important changes impacting tobacco sales: There is no “grandfather,” phase-in, or grace period​ for individuals who are 18 years of age prior to...
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Charles County Public Schools Fall Chess Tournament Registration Now Open for Saturday, October 26, 2019

Charles County Public Schools Fall Chess Tournament Registration Now Open for Saturday, October 26, 2019

Registration for the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) annual fall chess tournament, set for 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26 at Thomas Stone High School, is now open for students. The tournament is for students in kindergarten through Grade 12. Interested participants must register online at https://ccpsregistration.wufoo.com/forms/ccps-2019-fall-chess-tournament/ by Wednesday, Oct. 23. The registration window closes...
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Mom Rescues Almost-Lost $50,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Purchased in Bryans Road

Mom Rescues Almost-Lost $50,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Purchased in Bryans Road

Moving one’s belongings from one place to another is, at best, a hectic process. There are many things to remember, to keep track of and safeguard. Luckily, a Laurel woman had her mother helping with the move and her mom found a forgotten $50,000 winning Powerball ticket. “I almost never buy tickets,” said the...
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UPDATE: Police Release Identity of 60-Year-Old La Plata Man Killed in Construction Machinery Accident

UPDATE: Police Release Identity of 60-Year-Old La Plata Man Killed in Construction Machinery Accident

UPDATE 9/25/19: On September 23 at 1:52 p.m., officers, the fire department and EMS responded to the 3100 block of Elsa Avenue in Waldorf for the report of a crash involving a pedestrian. Once on the scene, the victim was observed pinned underneath a skid-steer, a piece of construction equipment. He was extricated by...
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UPDATE: Sobriety Checkpoint in Charles County Yields Eleven DUI Arrests and Nine Drug Violations

UPDATE: Sobriety Checkpoint in Charles County Yields Eleven DUI Arrests and Nine Drug Violations

9/23/2019: On Saturday, September 21, 2019, from Midnight to 3:00 a.m., Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack in conjunction with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police conducted a sobriety checkpoint and saturation patrol on N/B Rt. 301 at Jefferson Farm Place, Waldorf, Charles County. During the...
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We Care Safe Driving Campaign Kicks off at Charles County High Schools

We Care Safe Driving Campaign Kicks off at Charles County High Schools

We Care safe driving campaign kicks off at Charles County high schools We care about you and your safety. Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Hill, Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry and other Charles County Sheriff’s officers shared this message with student drivers as they arrived at Thomas Stone High School. Today marks year 12 for...
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Three Southern Maryland Men Indicted for Illegally Possessing Firearms Following Year Long Investigation

Three Southern Maryland Men Indicted for Illegally Possessing Firearms Following Year Long Investigation

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced the indictments of seven defendants: Robert Maxwell Gibson, 27, of Joppa Larry Elliot Anthony, 42, of Hanover Wayne Eugene Davis, 49, of St. Leonard Robert Lance Glorius, 34, of Waldorf Gary Wayne Morris, 30, of Great Mills Vincent Monroe Barber, 41, of Finksburg Kevin Maurice Smith, 25,...
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UPDATE: Fire That Destroyed Tidewater Dental in Lusby Ruled Accidental

UPDATE: Fire That Destroyed Tidewater Dental in Lusby Ruled Accidental

UPDATE: A report from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal estimated the monetary loss to the structure and contents, at $450,000. The fire was ruled accidental, as a result of an electrical malfunction within an exterior electrical service entrance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire...
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Charles County Public Schools Revises Emergency Response Codes and How They Respond to Certain Incidents

Charles County Public Schools Revises Emergency Response Codes and How They Respond to Certain Incidents

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has revised how it responds to certain incidents in schools, making it clearer what students and teachers should do during an emergency. Called a standard response, CCPS will use five actions developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation and adopted by the school system this year. Action items...
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UPDATE: Police Release Name of 34-Year-Old La Plata Man Killed in Waldorf Pedestrian Accident

UPDATE: Police Release Name of 34-Year-Old La Plata Man Killed in Waldorf Pedestrian Accident

9/20/2019: On 9/19/19, Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack were flagged down by citizens concerning a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian in the area of Crain Highway (US RT 301) south of Holly Lane. The preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers revealed a 2008 Dodge Charger, operated by David Proctor Jr.,...
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CSM Secures Transfer Agreements for CSM Students to 46 Universities for 83 Different Degree Programs Nationwide and Internationally

CSM Secures Transfer Agreements for CSM Students to 46 Universities for 83 Different Degree Programs Nationwide and Internationally

CSM Secures Transfer Agreements for CSM Students to 46 Universities, Including the American Business School in Paris The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) continues to make it easier, and more affordable, for CSM graduates to continue their academic journey to a four-year institution. CSM graduates who meet certain criteria are now given priority enrollment...
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Maryland State Fire Marshal Issues Open Burn Safety Notice

Maryland State Fire Marshal Issues Open Burn Safety Notice

The Office of the State Fire Marshal has seen numerous burn injuries as a result of open air burning this month. State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci would like to remind residents about the necessary steps to reduce their risk of injury while conducting an open air burn. “Burning a large pile of brush...
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Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department Invites Public to Attend Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association Apparatus Muster on Sunday, October 13, 2019

Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department Invites Public to Attend Southern Maryland Fireman’s Association Apparatus Muster on Sunday, October 13, 2019

On Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., to 4:00 p.m., the Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association will be hosting an antique fire apparatus muster at MFRI’s Southern Maryland Regional Training Academy at 10375 Audie Lane in La Plata. Visitors will be able to view new and old apparatus side by side to see...
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State Says Number of Fatal Overdoses in Past 6 Months Down by 11%

State Says Number of Fatal Overdoses in Past 6 Months Down by 11%

The Maryland Department of Health and Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) has released its 2019 second quarter report, which shows that Maryland has experienced its first six-month decline in the total number of opioid-related fatalities in at least a decade. Release of the report comes during National Recovery Month, a time to raise awareness...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Office Captain David Kelly Named Maryland Sheriffs Association Deputy of the Year for Contributions to Profession

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Captain David Kelly Named Maryland Sheriffs Association Deputy of the Year for Contributions to Profession

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce Captain David Kelly, Commander of the Executive Services Division, was recognized as Deputy of the Year by the Maryland Sheriff’s Association in the category of Contributions to Profession during the MSA’s annual conference held last week. Captain Kelly, who is also an FAA certified pilot,...
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3-Year-Old Flown to Trauma Center After Being Struck and Dragged by Vehicle in La Plata

3-Year-Old Flown to Trauma Center After Being Struck and Dragged by Vehicle in La Plata

On Sunday, September 15, 2019, at approximately 6:45 p.m., police fire, and rescue personnel responded to Highland Farm Court in La Plata, for the reported motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. Dispatch advised they were pre-launching a helicopter for the victim. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle in the roadway....
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First Responders Tips on Teaching Children to Call 9-1-1

First Responders Tips on Teaching Children to Call 9-1-1

The Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Inc, and Charles County Association of Emergency Medical Services, Inc. provided useful tips for teaching children, and even adults on how to call 9-11 and provide useful and needed information to the 911 call takers, dispatchers, and first responders. Do Not use the term “nine-eleven” since there is...
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Police Investigating Hit and Run that Killed 29-Year-Old Waldorf Man

Police Investigating Hit and Run that Killed 29-Year-Old Waldorf Man

On September 17 at 1:52 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Piney Church Road at Poston Drive in Waldorf for the report of a man lying on the side of the street. When officers arrived, they discovered the man was deceased and had apparently been struck by a vehicle. A...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Officer Corporal Brad Saunders Receives Maryland Sheriff’s Association Traffic Safety Award

Charles County Sheriff’s Officer Corporal Brad Saunders Receives Maryland Sheriff’s Association Traffic Safety Award

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce Cpl. Brad Saunders of the Traffic Operations Unit received the Traffic Safety Award from the Maryland Sheriff’s Association at the MSA’s annual conference held last week. Cpl. Saunders was recognized for his work in establishing and monitoring the Agency’s new Tow Program which went into...
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State Fire Marshal Investigating Arson Fire in White Plains After Unknown Suspect Tries to Set House on Fire

State Fire Marshal Investigating Arson Fire in White Plains After Unknown Suspect Tries to Set House on Fire

On Saturday, September 14, 2019, at approximately 1:00 a.m., firefighters from La Plata and surrounding departments responded to 9901 Rhodes Way in White Plains, for the reported structure fire. 15 firefighters responded and extinguished the fire in under 10 minutes. The owner/occupants is currently unknown. The fire was called in by a passer-by. The...
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Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Waldorf Dash-In on Saturday Night

Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Waldorf Dash-In on Saturday Night

On Saturday, September 14, 2019, at approximately 11:10 p.m., police responded to the Westlake Dash-In at 2007 Smallwood Drive West in Waldorf, for the reported armed robbery. 911 callers reported a black male wearing a black hoodie, and a black mask walked into the business and went behind the counter armed with a knife...
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Maryland State Police Remind Motorists of The Importance of Proper Child Safety Seats Usage

Maryland State Police Remind Motorists of The Importance of Proper Child Safety Seats Usage

With this week being national Child Passenger Safety Week, Maryland State Police are reminding the public the importance of ensuring that motorists are utilizing the correct car seat and that it is being properly installed and utilized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 723 children ages 12 and younger died and...
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Firefighters in St. Mary’s and Charles County Respond to Large Brush Fire in Mechanicsville

Firefighters in St. Mary’s and Charles County Respond to Large Brush Fire in Mechanicsville

On Monday, September 16, 2019, at approximately 2:20 p.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville responded to 27100 Budds Creek Road and Knotts Lane in Mechanicsville, for the reported small outside fire spreading towards the woods. Crews arrived on the scene to find an approximate 200 square foot area on fire and spreading. The first arriving unit...
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Annual Cocaine Overdose Deaths on Rise in Maryland

Annual Cocaine Overdose Deaths on Rise in Maryland

Cocaine hasn’t received as much attention in recent years, but it is increasingly playing a role in the opioid epidemic, state data show. Despite some good news from the first quarter of this year, cocaine-related deaths have skyrocketed annually in Maryland since 2015, with nearly half of those occurring in Baltimore. The vast majority...
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