Charles News

UPDATE: State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf That Injured Eleven Fire Fighters

UPDATE: State Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Waldorf That Injured Eleven Fire Fighters

UPDATE 10/5/2019 @ 3:30 A.M.: On Friday, October 4, 2019, at approximately 4:50 p.m, firefighters from Waldorf and surrounding departments responded to 10386 Chamberlin Court East in Waldorf, for the reported structure fire. The incident is not suspicious in nature, and the cause is under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The...
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State Fire Marshal Haunted House Safety Guidelines To Look Out For This Halloween

State Fire Marshal Haunted House Safety Guidelines To Look Out For This Halloween

Many Marylanders will enjoy a variety special amusement buildings to celebrate Halloween this October. It is important to keep in mind that these structures have unique fire safety requirements in order to create an enjoyable and safe environment for everyone. “Smoke machines, dim lighting, cramped corridors, and loud noises can create true terror for...
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Launch of Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr., Center for Leadership at CSM, Foundation Raises Nearly $300,000 toward $500,000 Goal for Generation of Leaders

Launch of Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr., Center for Leadership at CSM, Foundation Raises Nearly $300,000 toward $500,000 Goal for Generation of Leaders

Saluting a legacy of Maryland leadership and decades of strong support of higher education, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Foundation raised nearly $300,000 to establish the Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. Center for Leadership at CSM during a festive and celebratory evening of music, great food and accolades for Miller at the Running...
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Firefighters in Charles County Respond to Large Brush Fire in White Plains

Firefighters in Charles County Respond to Large Brush Fire in White Plains

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at approximately 6:35 p.m., firefighters from Waldorf and La Plata responded to the area of 10832 Willetts Crossing Road in White Plains, for the reported brush fire. A 911 caller reported a large brush fire was threatening his barn, and firefighter requested more units. A structure fire was dispatched...
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UPDATE: Firefighter who Suffered Heart Attack While on Scene of Apartment Fire in Indian Head will Require Heart Surgery

UPDATE: Firefighter who Suffered Heart Attack While on Scene of Apartment Fire in Indian Head will Require Heart Surgery

UPDATE 10/2/2019: The Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department member that suffered a sudden cardiac arrest event while on the scene of the structure firer remains hospitalized. Over the past several days, he has undergone multiple tests while at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, leading to the determination that he will require heart surgery. He was...
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See Some of the New Maryland Laws That Go Into Effect Today

See Some of the New Maryland Laws That Go Into Effect Today

Hundreds of Maryland laws are going into effect today, Tuesday, October 1, 2019, spanning subjects from criminal justice reform to election law to medical cannabis. A generous number of the bills fall under the subjects of criminal justice and health. Senate Bill 707, which passed in the 2018 legislative session but is going into...
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Minor Injuries Reported After Deer Goes Through Vehicles Windshield in Port Tobacco

Minor Injuries Reported After Deer Goes Through Vehicles Windshield in Port Tobacco

On Sunday, September 29, 2019, at approximately 2:00 p.m., police fire, and rescue personnel responded to the The Blue Dog Saloon on 7940 Port Tobacco Road in Port Tobacco, for the reported motor vehicle accident with injuries. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle had struck a deer, with the deer...
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Firefighters Quickly Extinguish House Fire in La Plata

Firefighters Quickly Extinguish House Fire in La Plata

On Sunday, September 29, 2019, at approximately 7:10 p.m., firefighters from La Plata, Waldorf and surrounding departments responded to 1010 Eastbourne Drive in La Plata, for the reported house on fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a two story residence with nothing evident. Upon investigation and completing a walk around the entire...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Non-Licensed Business Operating in St. Mary’s County

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Non-Licensed Business Operating in St. Mary’s County

On Thursday, Sept. 16, 2019, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a business dispute involving substandard driveway sealcoating at the 37000 block of Newlands Street in Mechanicsville. A subject representing Mitchell’s Paving was contracted to repair and seal the complainant’s driveway. The cracks were not repaired, and it appeared...
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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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