Charles News

Charles County Couple Win $2,041,396 Jackpot on $30 FAST PLAY Progressive Ticket

Charles County Couple Win $2,041,396 Jackpot on $30 FAST PLAY Progressive Ticket

A Charles County man has become Maryland’s latest multi-millionaire after discovering a $2,041,396 progressive jackpot win on a $30 FAST PLAY Gold Rush Progressive ticket. The retiree explained that after purchasing the ticket at a liquor store, he scanned it and saw the always popular “Go to Lottery” message. He and his wife took...
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Southern Maryland Fourth of July Celebrations for 2025

Southern Maryland Fourth of July Celebrations for 2025

Calvert County: Solomons Island Fourth of July Celebration – On July 4, event begins at 10 a.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m., Solomons will host a full day of patriotic activities, including a flag ceremony, colonial reenactments, a children’s bike parade, boat parade, live music and fireworks. Festivities are centered around the boardwalk, Calvert Marine...
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A Soaring Success: Maryland’s Bald Eagle Population Recovery!

A Soaring Success: Maryland’s Bald Eagle Population Recovery!

For 18 years, Glenn Therres watched the recovery of Maryland’s bald eagles from the window of a four-seater plane. The long-time bald eagle biologist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Therres had counted nests for the department’s annual bald eagle survey since 1985, when there were only 62 breeding pairs in the state....
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Police Investigating Fraudulent QR Code Scheme at Regency Furniture Stadium Parking Lot

Police Investigating Fraudulent QR Code Scheme at Regency Furniture Stadium Parking Lot

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025 the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and staff from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs received a report from a citizen regarding suspected fraudulent activity involving parking payments at Regency Furniture Stadium, located at 11765 St. Linus Drive in Waldorf, MD. A preliminary investigation revealed that the QR codes affixed...
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Natural Resources Police Conducting ‘Operation Dry Water’ to Combat Boating Under the Influence

Natural Resources Police Conducting ‘Operation Dry Water’ to Combat Boating Under the Influence

This Independence Day weekend, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) will ramp up patrols and enforcement efforts throughout the busiest boating holiday of the year. NRP will conduct its 17th annual Operation Dry Water, focusing on heightened outreach, education, and enforcement, particularly on the importance of sober boating. Maryland waterway users should expect increased patrols...
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Steer Clear Of Thieves For Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Steer Clear Of Thieves For Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council are reminding motorists to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles during National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July. Vehicle theft surges during summer, making it a risky time for drivers to let their guard down. In Maryland, a vehicle is stolen every 22...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Office Regrets to Announce Passing of Retired K9 Ryker

Charles County Sheriff’s Office Regrets to Announce Passing of Retired K9 Ryker

We are saddened to share the passing of retired K9 Ryker, a loyal partner to Cpl. Darin Behm (K9) and a retired member of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office who served our community from 2013 to 2020. Ryker, a Belgian Malinois, was a two-time Triple Crown Award recipient through the United States Police Canine...
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SMADC Launches Agricultural Lending Library to Boost Community Knowledge

SMADC Launches Agricultural Lending Library to Boost Community Knowledge

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has created an Agricultural Lending Library for the Southern Maryland community to utilize. The Lending library is open to the public to check out books on agriculture for a two-week borrow period. The books found in SMADC’s Lending...
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Couple Charged with Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft and Theft from Lions Camp Merrick Funds

Couple Charged with Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft and Theft from Lions Camp Merrick Funds

Detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division have charged a former employee and a volunteer of Lions Camp Merrick, Inc., with fraud crimes in connection with a financial scheme that spanned a year and resulted in the misappropriation of over $36,000. In May 2024, the Sheriff’s Office was contacted by...
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Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Leonardtown

Fire Marshal Investigating House Fire in Leonardtown

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at approximately 7:47 a.m., firefighters from Leonardtown, Second District, Bay District, Hollywood, NAS Patuxent River and Seventh District were dispatched to the 20000 block of Willow Bottom Farm Lane in Leonardtown, for the reported structure fire. A 911 caller reported smoke coming from the residence. A short time later, the...
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Maryland State Police Boost Enforcement Efforts to Ensure a Safer Independence Day

Maryland State Police Boost Enforcement Efforts to Ensure a Safer Independence Day

Maryland State Police beginning Friday will increase enforcement efforts to combat impaired, aggressive, and distracted driving throughout the July 4th holiday weekend. Maryland State Troopers from all 23 barracks across the state will conduct high-visibility patrols from Friday July 4 to Sunday, July 6. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team – a...
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Waldorf Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder Resulting in the Death of Teenager

Waldorf Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder Resulting in the Death of Teenager

Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, June 27, 2025, Charles County Circuit Court Judge William R. Greer, Jr. sentenced Ricardo Kevon Colbert-Lyles, age 24, of Waldorf, to 25 years in prison for Conspiracy to Commit the First-Degree Murder of Aden Christopher Garcia. Upon release, Colbert-Lyles will be on probation...
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Maryland State Police Investigating 45-Year-Old Bryans Road Man Struck and Killed in Charles County

Maryland State Police Investigating 45-Year-Old Bryans Road Man Struck and Killed in Charles County

July 2, 2025 – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early this morning, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Charles County. The deceased pedestrian is identified as Kory Branson, 45, of Bryans Road, Maryland. He was pronounced deceased on the scene by Charles County emergency medical services personnel. The driver...
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La Plata Woman’s $50,000 Powerball Win Felt Like a Dream

La Plata Woman’s $50,000 Powerball Win Felt Like a Dream

When you check your Powerball ticket on the Maryland Lottery app at 2:30 a.m. and it shows you’ve won $50,000, it could seem like quite a dream. That’s what happened to one La Plata woman, but she soon realized it wasn’t a dream. Thanks to a Powerball Quick Pick ticket from the June 25...
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UPDATE: Man Shot by Homeowner After Reported Breaking and Entering Attempt in Charles County, Police Investigating

UPDATE: Man Shot by Homeowner After Reported Breaking and Entering Attempt in Charles County, Police Investigating

UPDATE 6/30/2025: No charges have been filed as of Monday, June 30th, 2025. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is continuing their investigation with assistance from the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office. Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 7 landed nearby and transported the patient to the MedStar Washington Hospital Center with serious injuries. His condition...
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Commissioner Thomasina Coates Permanently Barred from Voting on Charles County Administrator’s Employment, Court Rules

Commissioner Thomasina Coates Permanently Barred from Voting on Charles County Administrator’s Employment, Court Rules

Thomasina O. Coates, 60, of Waldorf, a sitting member of the Charles County Board of Commissioners, has been permanently barred from voting on any matters involving the employment of County Administrator Mark Belton. The ruling, issued June 30, 2025, by the Appellate Court of Maryland, upholds a permanent injunction initially granted by the Circuit...
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Rita’s Lights Up Summer with New Rocket Pop Italian Ice and Firecracker Glitter Topping

Rita’s Lights Up Summer with New Rocket Pop Italian Ice and Firecracker Glitter Topping

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, is turning up the summer heat with a flavor-packed, refreshing treat! The new Rocket Pop Italian Ice is a playful twist on a classic—where cherry, lemon, and blue raspberry flavors collide to create a cool, new purple Ice bursting with...
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Judge Kenneth Talley Named District Administrative Judge for the District Court of Maryland in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties

Judge Kenneth Talley Named District Administrative Judge for the District Court of Maryland in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties

District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, with the approval of Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, has named Charles County District Court Judge Kenneth A. Talley as the new administrative judge for District 4 (Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties). Judge Talley’s new role is effective August 1,...
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Dive in! Charles County Public School Pools Now Open For The Summer

Dive in! Charles County Public School Pools Now Open For The Summer

Make a splash this summer as the swimming pools at Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high schools open to those looking to beat the heat. The outdoor pools at La Plata and Thomas Stone high schools opened earlier this week with the outdoor pool at Maurice J. McDonough High School set to welcome swimmers Monday,...
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DNR Introduces New MD Outdoors Licensing System

DNR Introduces New MD Outdoors Licensing System

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ new online licensing system, MD Outdoors, is now available for residents and visitors to purchase Maryland hunting and fishing licenses as well as associated stamps and permits, boat and off-road vehicle renewal registration, and other services. MD Outdoors provides residents and visitors a convenient one-stop shop, replacing the former...
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$30 FAST PLAY Ticket Sold in Indian Head Leads to Whopping $2 Million Win

$30 FAST PLAY Ticket Sold in Indian Head Leads to Whopping $2 Million Win

A Maryland Lottery player in Charles County got the weekend off to a great start on Friday with the purchase of a FAST PLAY Gold Rush Progressive ticket that won a whopping $2,041,396. The lucky ticket was sold at Mutts Liquors located at 4541 Indian Head Highway in Indian Head. The $30 Gold Rush...
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UPDATE: Police Investigating 16-Year-Old Struck and Killed in Waldorf Motor Vehicle Collision

UPDATE: Police Investigating 16-Year-Old Struck and Killed in Waldorf Motor Vehicle Collision

UPDATE 6/30/2025: Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack along with Charles County Sheriff Deputies responded to Maryland Route 5 (Mattawoman Beantown Rd) at Mirkwood Lane for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers...
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Office of the State Fire Marshal Urge Marylanders to Celebrate Safely with Public Fireworks Displays

Office of the State Fire Marshal Urge Marylanders to Celebrate Safely with Public Fireworks Displays

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Office of the State Fire Marshal joined the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services and public safety partners to promote fireworks safety and encourage Marylanders to attend licensed, professional fireworks shows across the state. This year, 139 public fireworks displays are scheduled across Maryland...
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Six Charles County Teachers Receive SMECO Outstanding Teacher Awards

Six Charles County Teachers Receive SMECO Outstanding Teacher Awards

Six Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers were named 2025 outstanding teacher honorees last month by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). The annual awards program recognizes teachers for outstanding achievements in teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The teachers honored for mathematics were Pauline Shaker of Mary B. Neal Elementary School and Deborah...
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$50,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Sold in Charles County

$50,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Sold in Charles County

A Maryland Lottery retailer in Charles County sold a $50,000 third-tier winning Powerball ticket from last night’s drawing. The ticket was sold at Lady’s Liquors at 6474 Crain Highway in La Plata. The winning numbers from the June 25 drawing are 2, 12, 37, 51, 61; the Powerball number was 22. The third-tier winner matched four...
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