Charles News

Charles County Public Schools Expands Pre-Kindergarten for 3-Year-Olds

Charles County Public Schools Expands Pre-Kindergarten for 3-Year-Olds

Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will offer additional space in its prekindergarten program for three-year-old students. To be considered for a three-year-old PreK space, a child must be three years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024. The child’s family must also meet income eligibility requirements to apply...
Read More »

The Week in Winners: $1 Million Prize in Columbia, $100,000 Big Spin Win Highlight the Week

The Week in Winners: $1 Million Prize in Columbia, $100,000 Big Spin Win Highlight the Week

The biggest Maryland Lottery prize of the past week was a $1 million scratch-off win on a ticket sold in Columbia. But perhaps the Lottery’s highlight of the week came on the morning of May 6, when a lucky lady from Baltimore visited the Winner’s Circle room at Lottery headquarters and became the first...
Read More »

UPDATE: Juvenile Female Dies from Injuries Sustained in High Speed Crash After Suspects Flee Calvert Police

UPDATE: Juvenile Female Dies from Injuries Sustained in High Speed Crash After Suspects Flee Calvert Police

UPDATE 5/14/2024: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a fatal crash following a police pursuit that began in Calvert County and ended in Harwood, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Monday morning. On May 13, 2024, during the overnight hours, Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies received multiple...
Read More »

CSM Commemorates 65th Spring Commencement with 449 Candidates Receiving 367 Degrees, 111 Certificates

CSM Commemorates 65th Spring Commencement with 449 Candidates Receiving 367 Degrees, 111 Certificates

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated its time-honored graduation ceremonies in front of a packed house during its 65th Spring Commencement May 10. The college celebrated 449 candidates for graduation for earning 367 degrees and 111 certificates during three commencement ceremonies marked with laughter, cheers and applause. Of the students being celebrated, 46.3 percent were...
Read More »

Indoor Pickleball is Coming to Southern Maryland

Indoor Pickleball is Coming to Southern Maryland

Dill Dinkers Pickleball, an established leader of dedicated indoor pickleball, known for its fun, friendly, and welcoming environment, announced today the addition of its 16th regional developer. The individuals behind this partnership have committed to the development of eight or more dedicated indoor pickleball facilities throughout Southern Maryland including Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles, Prince...
Read More »

Firefighters Respond to Reported Structure Fire and Find Vehicle Into Residence, One Flown with Serious Injuries

Firefighters Respond to Reported Structure Fire and Find Vehicle Into Residence, One Flown with Serious Injuries

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 7:40 a.m., firefighters from St. Mary’s and Charles County responded to the 28400 block of St. Mary’s Avenue in Mechanicsville, for the reported smoke coming from a residence. The 911 caller, who was riding on the Three Notch Trail called 911 after observing smoke coming from the garage...
Read More »

Firefighters Rescue Two Dogs from House Fire, State Fire Marshal Investigating

Firefighters Rescue Two Dogs from House Fire, State Fire Marshal Investigating

On Sunday, May 12, 2024. firefighters from Charles responded to the area of Pomfret Road in La Plata, for the reported smoke investigation. Crews arrived on the scene to find fire showing from a 1-story residence and requested a structure fire assignment. Firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the scene and...
Read More »

Charles County Public School Board Seeking Feedback About School Name

Charles County Public School Board Seeking Feedback About School Name

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is composed of 38 schools and four educational learning centers. Historically, CCPS schools, centers and facilities are either named for a person, geographic location or region. Board of Education of Charles County Policy 7230 guides the school naming process. Following the policy, school names must meet specific criteria and...
Read More »

One Flown to Trauma Center with Serious Injuries After Being Ejected and Trapped Under Vehicle

One Flown to Trauma Center with Serious Injuries After Being Ejected and Trapped Under Vehicle

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at approximately 1:40 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to the area of Poorhouse Road near Stuckey Lane in La Plata, for the serious motor vehicle collision with a vehicle overturned and one partially ejected and trapped. Crews arrived on the scene to find a Chevrolet Tahoe off...
Read More »

226 Fallen Firefighters to be Honored at NASCAR Xfinity Series Race in Daytona, August 2024

226 Fallen Firefighters to be Honored at NASCAR Xfinity Series Race in Daytona, August 2024

Release and all photos taken by and thanks to Whelen, NASCAR, and Richard Childress Racing: We were extremely proud and honored to bring so many to our booth for the unveiling of the special paint scheme for the No. 2 Whelen Chevy Camaro honoring 226 firefighters who died in the line of duty, and...
Read More »

Police Investigating Report of Sexual Assault at John Hanson Middle School

Police Investigating Report of Sexual Assault at John Hanson Middle School

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, school administrators and the school resource officer were notified of a sexual assault that occurred yesterday at John Hanson Middle School. A preliminary investigation showed a student lured another student into a bathroom and groped and inappropriately touched the student. The involved student will be charged with 4th-degree sex...
Read More »

UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Family of Five After California House Fire Displaces Them, Fire Deemed Accidental

UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Family of Five After California House Fire Displaces Them, Fire Deemed Accidental

UPDATE 5/8/2024: Fire Marshal Report and GoFundMe added. On Saturday, May 4, 2024, 6:47 p.m., firefighters from St. Mary’s and Calvert County responded to 21880 Magnolia Drive in California, for a house on fire. Crews arrived on scene to find fire showing from an 2-car attached garage extending to the 2 Story Single Family Residence. The...
Read More »

Off-Duty PG County Cop Suspended After Assaulting Charles County Deputy

Off-Duty PG County Cop Suspended After Assaulting Charles County Deputy

A Prince George’s County Police officer is suspended with pay following his arrest early this morning. Police Officer Charles Williams Jr. is charged with second-degree assault in Charles County. The preliminary details reveal Williams struck a Charles County Sheriff’s deputy during a call for a domestic dispute at his home in Charles County, at...
Read More »

Boy Scouts of America to Become Scouting America

Boy Scouts of America to Become Scouting America

The Boy Scouts of America have announced that it will rebrand to Scouting America, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. The change will go into effect on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary. This announcement also comes as the organization...
Read More »

Several Lackey High School Students Involving in Fight Over Vape Device, SRO Investigating

Several Lackey High School Students Involving in Fight Over Vape Device, SRO Investigating

On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 9:53 a.m., several students assaulted another student in a school hallway at Henry E. Lackey High School over a vape device. The students were separated, and the situation was de-escalated. One student was treated for minor injuries. The school resource officer has initiated an investigation and the students...
Read More »

Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer Statement on April 2024 Jobs Report

Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer Statement on April 2024 Jobs Report

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on the April jobs report: “This morning’s job report once again proves that the American economy continues to be the envy of the world. Under President Biden’s leadership, we have added a historic 15.4 million jobs – including 175,000 in April alone – and seen...
Read More »

Report Dolphin Sightings and Help Scientists with Chesapeake Bay Research

Report Dolphin Sightings and Help Scientists with Chesapeake Bay Research

Thousands of residents and visitors with their eyes on the water have helped scientists understand when bottlenose dolphins are visiting the Chesapeake Bay. Are you ready to be one of them? Researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s (UMCES) Chesapeake Biological Laboratory launched the Chesapeake DolphinWatch App in 2017 to get real-time reports of...
Read More »

Police Investigating Armed Carjacking of 1968 Cadillac Deville in Waldorf

Police Investigating Armed Carjacking of 1968 Cadillac Deville in Waldorf

On Monday, May 6, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m., police responded to the 6000 block of New Forest Court in Waldorf, for the reported armed carjacking. The 911 caller reported a tall black male wearing a black hoodie, black mask and blue jeans stole a green 1968 Cadillac Deville at gunpoint. No known injuries...
Read More »

Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Waldorf That Left a 26-Year-Old Man Dead

Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Waldorf That Left a 26-Year-Old Man Dead

UPDATE 5/7/2024: On May 6 at 11:34 p.m., officers responded to the area of St. Charles Parkway and St. Ignatius Drive in Waldorf for the report of a single-vehicle collision. The Traffic Operations Unit was notified and responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a Chevrolet Impala was...
Read More »

Maryland Delegation Members Announce Nearly $30 Million to Replace Lead Water Pipes Across Maryland

Maryland Delegation Members Announce Nearly $30 Million to Replace Lead Water Pipes Across Maryland

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), John Sarbanes (MD-03), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), David Trone (MD-06), and Glenn Ivey (MD-04) announced $29,917,000 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to remove and replace lead pipes in communities across Maryland. The federal funding,...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Farmers Markets Open for the 2024 Season!

St. Mary’s County Farmers Markets Open for the 2024 Season!

St. Mary’s County is home to three county-sponsored farmers markets, where you can shop for fresh produce, locally raised meats and seafood, flowers, baked goods, local wines, spirits, and more! St. Mary’s County Government encourages all community members to visit The Barns at New Market, Home Grown Farm Market, and the California Farmers Market...
Read More »

State Police Employees Recognized for Outstanding Service; Trooper And Non-Commissioned Officer Of 2023 Announced

State Police Employees Recognized for Outstanding Service; Trooper And Non-Commissioned Officer Of 2023 Announced

Maryland Department of State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., on Tuesday presented awards for outstanding service and recognized employees of the year for the Department, including the announcement of the statewide Trooper, Non-Commissioned Officer, Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor, Emergency Dispatcher and Civilian Employee of the Year for 2023. During a ceremony that recognized...
Read More »

No Injuries and Minimal Damage Reported After Garage Fire in Waldorf

No Injuries and Minimal Damage Reported After Garage Fire in Waldorf

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, at approximately 9:26 p.m., firefighters from Charles and Prince George’s County responded to the 12000 block of Leman Lane in Waldorf, for the reported structure fire. 911 caller reported something in the garage was on fire with the occupants evacuating while one homeowner attempted to exinguish the fire. Crews...
Read More »

Send a Note of Thanks to Your Charles County Teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10th, 2024

Send a Note of Thanks to Your Charles County Teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10th, 2024

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is celebrating National Teacher Appreciation Week May 6 through 10. The week is dedicated to honoring and recognizing educators who play a pivotal role in the lives of children. CCPS is helping parents, guardians, students, colleagues and community members send a note of thanks and gratitude to CCPS teachers who are...
Read More »

One Transported to Trauma Center with Serious Injuries After Rollover Collision in Waldorf

One Transported to Trauma Center with Serious Injuries After Rollover Collision in Waldorf

On Thursday, May 2, 2024, at approximately 10:10 a.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to the area of 3400 Old Washington Road in Waldorf, for the serious motor vehicle collision with one trapped. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm one patient trapped and requested a helicopter for an adult male suffering serious...
Read More »