UPDATE 7/22/2024: On July 13, 2024, at approximately 10:50 AM, officers responded to a report of gunshots at a house on Port Tobacco Road in La Plata. The incident involved Alfredo Jason Arroyo, 45, who had fired a gunshot at a television during an argument and threatened two people inside the home. Upon receiving...
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By RVFD Vice President / Lieutenant Scot Best: Each year, children start many fires. Many of these fires are started with matches and lighters. Children set fires for many reasons; they may be curious about fire, crying for help, or engaging in delinquent behavior. Children as young as two have been able to operate...
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Several prominent members of the community recently were appointed to the boards of directors of Hospice of the Chesapeake and its foundation. Joyce Phillip was elected to the Hospice of the Chesapeake Inc., Board. Phillip is a human resources professional, coach, trainer and consultant who is president of Dynamic Dimensions Unlimited, LLC. She is...
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that it has recommended awarding $10 million to fund new reef construction for a Maryland Department of Natural Resources oyster sanctuary in the Chesapeake Bay. The four-year grant will provide infrastructure funding for building reef bases on about 50 to 75 acres within an existing oyster...
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As the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar, staying cool and hydrated becomes crucial for your wellbeing. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities, working in the heat, or simply navigating daily life, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent heat related issues. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to help you stay cool...
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The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing on the rate increase request filed in May 2024 by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). The utility’s customer-members and other interested parties are welcome to take part in the hearing before Public Utility Law Judge Christine L. Burke. The hearing will take...
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The Maryland Natural Resources Police reported a statistically safer weekend than years past during the July 4 weekend this year. Despite being the busiest boating holiday, no boating fatalities were recorded on Independence Day weekend. Nine boating accidents occurred on Maryland’s waterways, down from 12 in each of the previous two years. NRP officers...
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In the digital age, social media platforms have become the primary source of news and information for millions of people worldwide. While these platforms offer unprecedented access to information and connectivity, they also serve as breeding grounds for the spread of fake news. False information can have serious consequences, influencing public opinion, inciting violence,...
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On July 6, 2024, at approximately 6:25 pm, the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal was requested to a structure fire on Woodland Road in Indian Head. Prior to their arrival, firefighters from the Indian Head Volunteer Fire Department advised that a pile of clothes had been intentionally set on fire by person...
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Three longtime Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members recently received the James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award. Linda Gill, Ed.D., executive director of schools, Meighan Hungerford, director of elementary education, and Kathy Kiessling, director of student services, were given the honor by Board members at the June 11 Board of Education meeting....
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On July 9, 2024, at approximately 7:50 a.m., a deputy from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Navy Federal Credit Union located at Waldorf Market Place, in Waldorf for the report of a male walking around the bank naked. When police arrived, a witness reported seeing a man later identified as Myron...
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The Southern Maryland National Heritage Area is pleased to announce that nearly $40,000 in seed grants have been awarded to heritage tourism projects in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Funding will support parks, museums, historic sites, and other projects that attract tourists to the region and enrich the lives of residents. The Southern...
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On June 24, 2024, officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the United States Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Mack Lee Cleckley, 40, of Waldorf, who had an active warrant for possession with the intent to distribute drugs in Charles County. Cleckley was arrested without incident...
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Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students recently earned honors in the Junior American Citizens Contest, sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The organization includes a Junior American Citizens Committee, which supports contests for children that promote patriotic development. The Junior American Citizens Contest is open to students in...
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On July 10, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Dorchester Circle for the report of a suspicious person. A preliminary investigation showed a male drove up to a teenage girl and asked for her phone number. The girl walked away and notified a parent. On July 11,...
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Captain Matt Norris began his career with the La Plata Police Department in June 2009 (15 years) and currently serves as the Special Operations Division Commander. Captain Norris is a certified Drug Recognition Expert, Level 3 Crash Reconstructionist, Level II Traffic Safety Specialist, Top Gun Narcotics Investigator School graduate, an FAA licensed Drone Pilot,...
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On Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 1:45 p.m., officers received a report of a person who was making threats to harm themselves on several social media platforms. Officers were able to identify the person and locate a phone number. The officers contacted the person who continued to make statements and threatened suicide. Based on...
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On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., two suspects approached a teenage male who was leaving a prom party on Devongate Street in Waldorf. The suspects placed one firearm to the victim’s abdomen and another to his head and demanded the victim’s designer watch. They fled in a dark-colored sedan. Through investigation, detectives...
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Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) high school students in school-based theater programs recently took their skills to the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. The 28 students who attended were accompanied by five CCPS theater teachers. For the first time in seven years, students competed in the festival’s closing ceremony showcase....
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UPDATE: Officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office located Mr. Franchi deceased about a mile from his home on his property. There were no obvious signs of foul play and detectives were able to notify a family member. He was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Our thoughts are with his family. Thank you...
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The Board of Education of Charles County at its June 11 meeting approved an elementary school redistricting plan that will create an attendance zone for Margaret Jamieson Thornton Elementary School, set to open in August 2025. The plan also moves some students from existing school zones as a result of the redistricting process. The...
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UPDATE 7/10/2024 @ 12:30 P.M.: On Monday, July 8, 2024, at 7:26 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to 6790 Hallowing Lane in the area of the Benedict Bridge in Prince Frederick, for a 911 hang-up. Upon arrival, deputies determined the call to be for a potential missing person....
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Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded more than $16.2 million to assist small businesses and support local revitalization projects and activities. Grants from the Business Boost Microgrant Program, the Main Street Improvement Grant, and Project Restore 2.0 will provide funds to 121 businesses, local...
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UPDATE 7/9/2024: On Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 10:20 p.m., firefighters responded to 541 Walton Road in Huntingtown, for the structure on fire. 40 firefighters from Calvert and Anne Arundel County responded with first arriving units reported a large barn fully engulfed in flames. The owner/occupants were identified as Michael Smith with the estimated...
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Due to forecasted high temperatures for Monday, July 8, through Thursday, July 11, animal owners or custodians are required to provide appropriate protection from the weather including providing adequate shelter, water, space and access to shade. Pay special attention to animals that are most prone to heat stroke: Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs and cats with short...
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