Charles News

8-Year-Old Transported to Children’s Center After ATV Crash in Bryans Road

8-Year-Old Transported to Children’s Center After ATV Crash in Bryans Road

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 6:48 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 5400 block of Sir Douglas Drive in Bryans Road, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. Shortly after dispatch, responding units were advised the 911 caller reported a child had serious bleeding with a...
Read More »

Maryland’s Fishing Season Springs Into Action

Maryland’s Fishing Season Springs Into Action

The Farmer’s Almanac calls the March full moon the “Worm Moon,” a name that originated among Native American tribes. The name marks the changing of the seasons, as the coming warm weather will prompt earthworms to stir from their winter dormancy. Among other important signs of spring, it means it’s time for fishing! In...
Read More »

Fire at St. Charles Mall Under Investigation, One Victim Transported to Burn Center

Fire at St. Charles Mall Under Investigation, One Victim Transported to Burn Center

On Friday, March 7, 2025, at approximately 12:25 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Macy’s Department Store located in the St. Charles Mall in Waldorf, for the reported structure fire. Fire and emergency response units from multiple stations, including Waldorf Fire Stations 3 and 12, La Plata, Hughesville, Bryans Road,...
Read More »

Two Teens Charged After Armed Home Invasion in Waldorf

Two Teens Charged After Armed Home Invasion in Waldorf

On March 3, 2025, patrol officers responded to the 11400 block of Leland Place in Waldorf for the report of a burglary in progress. Two juveniles who were in an upstairs room called 9-1-1 to report that someone had shattered the rear glass door and entered the house. Patrol officers arrived on the scene,...
Read More »

Waldorf Man who Killed 17-Year-Old Westlake High School Student Found Guilty of Murder

Waldorf Man who Killed 17-Year-Old Westlake High School Student Found Guilty of Murder

UPDATE 3/7/2025: Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, March 7, 2025, a Charles County jury, after a 5-day trial, convicted Elijah Bernard Barnes, 20, of the Second-Degree Murder of Rajon Lateef Jackson, III, as well as related charges. On January 13, 2023, officers responded to Harvest Fish Place in...
Read More »

Despite Severe Fall Fire Weather, Maryland Wildfire Damage Less Extensive During 2024 Than Previous Year

Despite Severe Fall Fire Weather, Maryland Wildfire Damage Less Extensive During 2024 Than Previous Year

The number of wildfires in Maryland during 2024 was much higher than the ten-year average, but acreage burned was significantly lower, according to the Maryland Forest Service’s Annual Wildland Fire Report. The report, which was released this month, March 2025, covers data related to wildfires on 3.2 million acres of land overseen by the Maryland...
Read More »

UPDATE: Richard Wilson Jr, age 86 Still Missing Months Later, Police Seeking Assistance

UPDATE: Richard Wilson Jr, age 86 Still Missing Months Later, Police Seeking Assistance

UPDATE 3/6/2025: The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is continuing to search for Richard Wilson Jr., age 86, who has been missing from his Waldorf home for over a month. Mr. Wilson, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was last seen by family members on the morning of January 25, 2025. He was reported missing...
Read More »

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Receives CALEA’s Highest Honor: Accreditation with Excellence

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Receives CALEA’s Highest Honor: Accreditation with Excellence

Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry is pleased to announce that the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has been awarded the prestigious Accreditation with Excellence designation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®). This honor was presented to Sheriff Berry and CCSO’s Planning and Accreditation team members during a recent CALEA...
Read More »

No Injuries Reported, Family Displaced After Kitchen Fire in Indian Head

No Injuries Reported, Family Displaced After Kitchen Fire in Indian Head

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., firefighters from Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to 19 Dale Drive in Indian Head, for the reported kitchen fire. Crews arrived on the scene to find a two-story residence with smoke showing. Upon further investigation, fighters found fire on the second...
Read More »

La Plata Police Offers Free Lifesaving Program for Cognitive Disorders

La Plata Police Offers Free Lifesaving Program for Cognitive Disorders

La Plata Police Department’s Lifesaving Project Lifesaver Program The La Plata Police Department has launched a groundbreaking initiative to support individuals with cognitive disorders, such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia, who may be at risk of wandering. Thanks to funding from a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant—The Kevin and Avonte Program: Reducing Injury...
Read More »

UPDATE: More Charges Added for Prince Frederick Man Who Filmed Firefighters for Social Media is Charged with Arson

UPDATE: More Charges Added for Prince Frederick Man Who Filmed Firefighters for Social Media is Charged with Arson

UPDATE 3/5/2025: The social media creator arrested last Friday in Charles County was arrested today in St. Mary’s County on nearly identical charges. Joshua Christian-Stanley Jackson, charged with setting fire to a vacant commercial property and making a false 911 call in Charles County, was arrested this afternoon in connection with a new arson...
Read More »

UPDATE: White Plains Man Arrested After Burglary to Occupied Residence, Released on Own Recognizance Under 24 Hours Later

UPDATE: White Plains Man Arrested After Burglary to Occupied Residence, Released on Own Recognizance Under 24 Hours Later

UPDATE 3/5/2025: A White Plains man has been arrested and charged after breaking into a home, causing property damage, and alarming multiple residents in a neighborhood incident on February 28, 2025. According to court documents, Michael Santa Mendez, 42, of White Plains, was taken into custody by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office after deputies...
Read More »

Maryland Stocking Up for Spring 2025 Trout Fishing Season

Maryland Stocking Up for Spring 2025 Trout Fishing Season

Maryland’s trout season officially opens March 29 at 6:30 a.m., and the Department of Natural Resources is set to release thousands of hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout across the state. For young anglers, the second annual Youth-Only Trout Fishing Day will take place March 22, one week before opening day. On this special...
Read More »

Southern Maryland Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Southern Maryland Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

UPDATE 3/5/2025: This Afternoon and Tonight – A line of strong to severe thunderstorms will impact the region later this morning and continue into this afternoon. Severe thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and potentially an isolated tornado. Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and hail...
Read More »

Governor Moore Releases FY 2026 Supplemental Budget

Governor Moore Releases FY 2026 Supplemental Budget

Governor Wes Moore today released the administration’s FY 2026 supplemental budget. The supplemental budget includes key adjustments to the proposed FY 2026 budget, reflecting a number of technical corrections and updated projections. “At a time of instability and challenge for our state and country, this budget proposal promotes certainty and results. We continue to be guided...
Read More »

Hayes Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for The District of Maryland

Hayes Appointed Interim U.S. Attorney for The District of Maryland

Today, Kelly O. Hayes was appointed and sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.  Prior to her appointment, she served as the Chief of the Southern Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland since 2021. Ms. Hayes began serving the District of Maryland in 2013 as...
Read More »

UPDATE: Burning Debris Sparks Massive Fire in St. Mary’s County, Injuring One

UPDATE: Burning Debris Sparks Massive Fire in St. Mary’s County, Injuring One

UPDATE 3/5/2025: A fire that started from a pile of burning debris quickly spread out of control Tuesday afternoon, leaving an adult male injured and causing approximately $100,000 in damages. According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the blaze occurred on March 4, 2025, at approximately 12:34 p.m. at a property...
Read More »

16 Charles County Students Awarded in the 2025 VEX IQ Robotics Tournament

16 Charles County Students Awarded in the 2025 VEX IQ Robotics Tournament

Sixteen Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) VEX IQ robotics teams participated in the Feb. 8 Southern Maryland VEX IQ Tournament at Great Mills High School in St. Mary’s County. Two CCPS teams, Team 31890A and Team 31890B of the Robo Huskies from Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School, advanced to the state competition at...
Read More »

Hoyer Statement on Continued Attacks on Federal Employees

Hoyer Statement on Continued Attacks on Federal Employees

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement in response to the continued attacks on federal employees by the Trump Administration: “For the past 37 days, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Russell Vought, and their DOGE disruptors have orchestrated a massive, illegal purge of thousands of federal workers unprecedented in modern American history. “Demonizing...
Read More »

Indian Head Man Charged with Assault and False Imprisonment After Domestic Attack

Indian Head Man Charged with Assault and False Imprisonment After Domestic Attack

Marc Roderic Long, 41, of Indian Head, is facing multiple charges following a violent domestic incident that occurred in the early hours of February 24, 2025. Long has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and false imprisonment after allegedly attacking a woman at a residence in Indian Head. According to court documents, deputies...
Read More »

Community Survey! How Should Charles County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026?

Community Survey! How Should Charles County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026?

We want to hear from you! The second resident survey for the Charles County Government Fiscal Year 2026 budget is now open. Resident input is critical in ensuring that the budget accurately addresses community priorities and needs. Share your input on spending priorities and offer suggestions on how the county can address changes in...
Read More »

CSM Faculty and Students Discuss Advantages of Early College During Workshop

CSM Faculty and Students Discuss Advantages of Early College During Workshop

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) faculty recently hosted a professional workshop with staff and students to discuss best practices for students who attend CSM’s Early College program, which is offered to high schoolers in Calvert and Charles counties. CSM’s Division of Learning faculty hosted the virtual “Early College Program – Best Practices for Student...
Read More »

Governor Moore Announces Additional Actions to Support Maryland’s Federal Workforce

Governor Moore Announces Additional Actions to Support Maryland’s Federal Workforce

Governor Wes Moore announced a series of actions to help Marylanders impacted by federal workforce layoffs, firings, and changes to federal funding. After convening a roundtable with impacted federal workers, business and union leaders, and Moore-Miller Administration cabin​et officials, Governor Moore announced expanded resource webpages across state government, partnerships to launch job fairs across...
Read More »

Attorney General Brown Calls on Court to Keep Labor Board Functioning

Attorney General Brown Calls on Court to Keep Labor Board Functioning

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in Wilcox v. Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The brief supports Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in her lawsuit against President Trump. On January...
Read More »

La Plata Police Chief Carl Schinner Announces His Departure from the La Plata Police Department

La Plata Police Chief Carl Schinner Announces His Departure from the La Plata Police Department

La Plata Police Chief, Carl Schinner, announced he would be departing service from the Town of La Plata. Chief Schinner began his career in May 1987 with the Greenbelt Police Department (GPD). Chief Schinner retired from GPD at the rank of captain in September 2013. He began his tenure as Chief with the La...
Read More »