Charles News

Maryland State Police Hosting Physical Fitness & Written Testing for Trooper and Cadet Positions in Southern Maryland

Maryland State Police Hosting Physical Fitness & Written Testing for Trooper and Cadet Positions in Southern Maryland

The Maryland State Police will host a recruitment event on Saturday, August 17, 2024, beginning at 8 a.m. at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland. This recruiting event is for individuals interested in a career in law enforcement as a Maryland State Trooper or Cadet. At the event, potential candidates will complete...
Read More »

Waldorf Man Set to Buy New Truck After Winning $50,000 at Charlotte Hall Dash-in

Waldorf Man Set to Buy New Truck After Winning $50,000 at Charlotte Hall Dash-in

Waldorf man finds top prize on Gold Rush 7s Tripler instant ticket Shopping for a new set of wheels is on the to-do list for a Charles County man, who found a $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off during a regular stop at his usual Lottery retailer. The Waldorf scratch-off fan was set on buying an...
Read More »

Charles County Meals Prepayment System Being Replaced with MySchoolBucks

Charles County Meals Prepayment System Being Replaced with MySchoolBucks

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has moved its meal prepayment system to MySchoolsBucks for the 2024-2025 school year. The system replaces MyPaymentsPlus and is accessible at any time. Parents with existing MySchoolBucks accounts can log into the system and load money by credit/debit card or e-check to their child’s meal account. With the new...
Read More »

MVA Distributing Free Catalytic Converter Labels for Theft Prevention

MVA Distributing Free Catalytic Converter Labels for Theft Prevention

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), in partnership with the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, is offering customers catalytic converter labels at no charge to deter catalytic theft and improve the chances in the recovery of stolen converters. The catalytic converter label and etching provides a visible identification number, making a...
Read More »

Maryland Casinos Generate $169.8 Million in Gaming Revenue During July 2024

Maryland Casinos Generate $169.8 Million in Gaming Revenue During July 2024

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $169,821,301 in revenue from slot machines and table games during July 2024, a decrease of $4,501,777 (-2.6%) compared to July 2023. Casino gaming contributions to the state during July 2024 totaled $72,163,554, a decrease of $1,020,623 (-1.4%) compared to July 2023. Contributions to the Education Trust Fund during...
Read More »

Maryland’s Oyster Fishery Experienced Robust Harvest in the 2023-2024 Season

Maryland’s Oyster Fishery Experienced Robust Harvest in the 2023-2024 Season

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates that over 430,000 bushels of oysters were harvested commercially in Maryland from October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. This was the fifth season in the past 30 years when the harvest surpassed 400,000 bushels. “Maryland’s oyster population has notably improved in recent years,” said Department of...
Read More »

Registration Ongoing for Community Education Courses; Wide Array of Classes Offer Something for Everyone

Registration Ongoing for Community Education Courses; Wide Array of Classes Offer Something for Everyone

The College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) Fall Community Education schedule is set, and registration continues for individuals looking to upgrade their job skills, pursue a new career, start a small business, or explore personal enrichment activities. From travelling abroad, to learning to drive a motorcycle – or even teaching your dog new tricks, CSM...
Read More »

Secretary’s Message: We’re Making Progress on New Chesapeake Bay Restoration Strategy

Secretary’s Message: We’re Making Progress on New Chesapeake Bay Restoration Strategy

It has been one year since Gov. Wes Moore announced that Maryland was shifting its Chesapeake Bay cleanup strategy to align with the latest science that recommends focusing water quality improvement efforts on increasing shallow water habitat and living resources, such as populations of fish and crabs. At the Department of Natural Resources (DNR),...
Read More »

CSM Receives $375,000 Safety Grant from Maryland Higher Education Commission to Enhance Security Measures

CSM Receives $375,000 Safety Grant from Maryland Higher Education Commission to Enhance Security Measures

The Maryland Higher Education Commission in July awarded the College of Southern Maryland $375,000 from its Campus Safety Grant Program. This substantial investment will improve security systems at CSM’s four main campuses. The Campus Safety Grant funds will enable the college to outfit all CSM campuses exterior doors with electronic key/access points. The new access...
Read More »

State Police Ready For National Night Out Across Maryland on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

State Police Ready For National Night Out Across Maryland on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

The Maryland Department of State Police is eager to engage with communities across Maryland for National Night Out, an annual event designed to strengthen bonds between law enforcement and the communities we serve and protect. Since its inception in 1984, National Night Out has been celebrated on the first Tuesday of August. This year,...
Read More »

UPDATE: Oxon Hill Man Found Guilty in Armed Robbery of Sunoco Gas Mart in Waldorf

UPDATE: Oxon Hill Man Found Guilty in Armed Robbery of Sunoco Gas Mart in Waldorf

UPDATE 8/4/2024: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, August 2, 2024, a Charles County jury, after a 5-day trial, convicted Jeremiah Terrell Bryant, 25, of Armed Robbery and related charges. On January 9, 2024, detectives with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Sunoco Gas Mart in Waldorf for...
Read More »

Road Safety Reminder: Watch Out for Horse and Buggies While Driving in Southern Maryland

Road Safety Reminder: Watch Out for Horse and Buggies While Driving in Southern Maryland

When driving in Southern Maryland, it’s crucial to remember the unique challenges posed by sharing the road with the Amish and Mennonite communities. These groups often travel using horse-drawn buggies, a mode of transportation that requires special consideration from other road users. Horse and buggies are a common sight in regions with significant Amish...
Read More »

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Captain Clarence Black Graduates from DC Police Leadership Academy

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Captain Clarence Black Graduates from DC Police Leadership Academy

Charles County, MD – Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry is pleased to announce that Captain Clarence Black of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has successfully graduated from Cohort 2024-1 of the DC Police Leadership Academy (DCPLA), hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Sheriff Berry expressed his pride in Captain Black’s achievement, stating,...
Read More »

One Child Has Died After Bounce House Goes Airborne at Blue Crabs Stadium

One Child Has Died After Bounce House Goes Airborne at Blue Crabs Stadium

UPDATE 8/3/2024: On August 2 at 9:21 p.m., Charles County 9-1-1 Public Safety Communications received a call from the Regency Furniture Stadium reporting that a moon bounce house became airborne due to a wind gust, while children were inside it. At the time, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball team was playing a game,...
Read More »

2024 Pro Motocross Championship Returns to Budds Creek Motocross Park

2024 Pro Motocross Championship Returns to Budds Creek Motocross Park

The highly anticipated Round 10 of the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship is set to take place at Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, MD, from August 15-17, 2024. With its challenging track and picturesque surroundings, this event promises to deliver thrilling action and a memorable experience for all attendees. Venue Information 27963 Budds Creek...
Read More »

NHL Capitals Maryland Youth Hockey Event – Registration Now Open for DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day at 18 Local Hockey Rinks

NHL Capitals Maryland Youth Hockey Event – Registration Now Open for DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day at 18 Local Hockey Rinks

Should you have any interest in highlighting, registration is now open for the NHL’s Washington Capitals DMV Girls Try Hockey For Free Day, taking place at 18 rinks across Maryland and Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 14.: Participating clubs in Maryland include: Abingdon, Md. – Tomorrow’s Ice (at Ice World in Abingdon, MD) Annapolis, Md....
Read More »

Police Seeking Identity of Man Who Exposed Himself at Waldorf Grocery Store

Police Seeking Identity of Man Who Exposed Himself at Waldorf Grocery Store

Charles County Sheriff’s officers are seeking the identity of a male who exposed himself to a woman while inside a grocery store on King Street in Waldorf. A photo of the suspect, which was recovered from a store surveillance camera, was obtained. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to...
Read More »

One Injured After Single Vehicle Collision Leaves One Trapped

One Injured After Single Vehicle Collision Leaves One Trapped

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, at approximately 3:52 a.m., police, fire and emergency medical services responded to the area of Thompsons Corner Road and Woodburn Hill Road, for a motor vehicle collision with injuries. Police arrived on the scene at 3:58 a.m., to find one occupant trapped in the vehicle. Dispatchers upgraded the assignment...
Read More »

Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Executive Director Honored with Historic Preservation Award

Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Executive Director Honored with Historic Preservation Award

POMFRET, Md.— The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area is proud to announce that executive director Lucille Walker has been awarded the 2024 Preservation Service Award by the Charles County Historic Preservation Commission. The Preservation Commission recognized Walker for her “tireless efforts in the creation of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area.” “I’m deeply humbled...
Read More »

Maryland Reports Steady Underwater Grass Abundance in Chesapeake Bay for 2023

Maryland Reports Steady Underwater Grass Abundance in Chesapeake Bay for 2023

Underwater grass abundance–a key indicator of water quality and habitat–remained steady in 2023 in the state’s portion of Chesapeake Bay, reaching 37,770 acres, according to data released this week by the Chesapeake Bay Program and Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Overall, an estimated 82,937 acres of underwater grasses, also called submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV),...
Read More »

Raleigh Man Charged with Stealing Over $20K in Checks from Local Flooring Company

Raleigh Man Charged with Stealing Over $20K in Checks from Local Flooring Company

Kyrie Jabril Smith, 23, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been charged by criminal summons with multiple counts of theft and a theft scheme involving Southern Maryland Flooring Company. According to court documents, Smith allegedly stole over $20,000 through fraudulent transactions and thefts between April and May 2024. Smith is accused of opening a fraudulent...
Read More »

66-Year-Old Crack Dealer from Bryans Road Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges

66-Year-Old Crack Dealer from Bryans Road Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges

In a significant breakthrough in an ongoing controlled dangerous substance investigation, Diana Eugenia Halloran, 66, of Bryans Road, was arrested on July 19, 2024, at her residence in Charles County. Halloran faces multiple charges related to drug distribution and the illegal possession of a firearm. The arrest followed a search and seizure warrant obtained...
Read More »

Waldorf Man Arrested on Assault and Drug Charges

Waldorf Man Arrested on Assault and Drug Charges

Larry Douglas Murphy, 63, of Waldorf, has been charged with multiple offenses following a violent incident with a female victim. The charges include first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The incident occurred in the early hours of July 24, 2024, at Murphy’s residence on Crain Highway. According to court documents, the...
Read More »

Domestic Dispute in Waldorf Leads to Assault Charges and Protective Order Violation

Domestic Dispute in Waldorf Leads to Assault Charges and Protective Order Violation

On July 12, 2024, at approximately 8:58 PM, officers responded to a reported domestic assault on Moran Drive in Waldorf. Upon arrival, the victim reported an altercation with her husband Guadalupe Campos Ramos, Jr., 64, of Waldorf. The victim stated that the argument began in the upstairs master bedroom over Guadalupe’s alleged infidelity. As...
Read More »

Port Tobacco Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges After Traffic Stop in La Plata

Port Tobacco Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges After Traffic Stop in La Plata

A routine traffic stop in La Plata, led to the arrest of Courtney Alexis Mearis, 22, of Port Tobacco, who now faces multiple charges, including drug distribution and driving under the influence. According to court documents, Officer McGovern of the La Plata Police Department observed Mearis’s gold Buick making erratic maneuvers in the early...
Read More »