St. Mary’s News

St. Mary’s County 1976 Cold Case Murder of Retired Navy Chief James Homer Payne

St. Mary’s County 1976 Cold Case Murder of Retired Navy Chief James Homer Payne

August marks a time to revisit cold cases before the hustle and bustle of fall begins. We’re shining a light on James Homer Payne’s story in hopes that someone might help bring his family the justice they’ve been waiting for. Monday, April 12, 1976, Clark’s Mill Road in Hollywood. Retired Navy Chief James Homer...
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Mechanicsville Man Arrested for Destroying Property in Hospital Parking Lot

Mechanicsville Man Arrested for Destroying Property in Hospital Parking Lot

A Mechanicsville man has been arrested after damaging a vehicle in the parking lot of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, in Leonardtown, on August 24, 2024. According to court documents, Paul Leo Herbert, 33, of Mechanicsville, was charged with malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000. St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Deputy Zachary Wolfe...
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Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – Early Summer 2024

Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – Early Summer 2024

Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show a higher than average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early June, that improved to less than average size in late June though late July. Summary results from...
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Lexington Park Resident’s History of Firearm Offenses Sparks Community Outrage

Lexington Park Resident’s History of Firearm Offenses Sparks Community Outrage

Many in the community are questioning how Kyreek Montrel Adams, a 20-year-old resident of Lexington Park, remained free for so long despite a series of arrests and serious firearm offenses. Adams, who was recently arrested on August 24, 2024, faces multiple firearm-related charges and has a criminal history involving numerous weapons violations dating back...
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First SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff the Bus” Event a Huge Success!

First SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff the Bus” Event a Huge Success!

UPDATE 8/26/2024: The first SOMD Cars & Coffee “Stuff The Bus” event was a huge success!!!! “Thanks to all of you, we collected a total of 254 backpacks, fully stocked with supplies, & THEN SOME x10. Your kindness will make a significant impact on so many children and teachers.” A HUGE thank you to...
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UPDATE: Teen Charged with Impaired Driving After Single Vehicle Rollover in Great Mills

UPDATE: Teen Charged with Impaired Driving After Single Vehicle Rollover in Great Mills

UPDATE 8/26/2024: Maryland State Troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack responded and investigated the collision. The operator and single occupant of the vehicle, Edwin Rowe Kline Jr., age 19 of Lexington Park, was issued the following traffic citations. DRIVING VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL DRIVING VEH. WHILE IMPAIRED BY ALCOHOL VIOLATING LIC. RESTRICTION...
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Maryland Department of Agriculture Advises Rural Marylanders to Anticipate an Increase in Low-Flying Planes Due to Fall Cover Crop Planting

Maryland Department of Agriculture Advises Rural Marylanders to Anticipate an Increase in Low-Flying Planes Due to Fall Cover Crop Planting

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is advising rural residents to anticipate a rise in low-flying airplanes, helicopters, and drones through October 10, 2024. Farmers participating in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program are using aerial seeding to plant cereal grains and other qualifying cover crops in their fields to protect local waterways from nutrient runoff and...
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UPDATE: Esperanza Middle School Set to Open on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

UPDATE: Esperanza Middle School Set to Open on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024

UPDATE 8/26/2024: Esperanza Middle School will resume in-person instruction on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Working with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), ServPro was contracted to complete the mold mitigation process. ServPro has been on site, has developed a plan, and has begun their work. In an abundance of caution, additional air quality testing...
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Lexington Park Man Arrested for Assault and DUI After Alleged Domestic Incident

Lexington Park Man Arrested for Assault and DUI After Alleged Domestic Incident

Randall Scott Mayle III, 27, of Lexington Park, was arrested in the early hours of August 21, 2024, following an alleged domestic assault and a DUI incident. According to court documents, Maryland State Police responded to a report of domestic violence at Mayle’s residence on Far Cry Road around 3:30 AM. Upon arrival, Trooper...
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Mechanicsville Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges After Found Passed Out in a Running Vehicle

Mechanicsville Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges After Found Passed Out in a Running Vehicle

Julia Renee Foster, 27, of Mechanicsville, was arrested on August 18, 2024, following an incident at an Arby’s parking lot located on Market Drive in Charlotte Hall. The arrest occurred after a concerned witness reported seeing Foster unconscious in a running vehicle. According to court documents, Deputy Geric of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s...
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Employee at Home Goods in California Charged with Theft Scheme Over $3,800

Employee at Home Goods in California Charged with Theft Scheme Over $3,800

Martha Jean Cotterell, 57, of Lexington Park, was arrested on July 30, 2024, and charged with multiple felony theft offenses. According to court documents, Cotterell is accused of stealing approximately $3,898.98 from the Home Goods store where she was employed by executing a series of fraudulent transactions. The investigation began when store management noticed...
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Family Crime Ring – Mechanicsville Trio Busted in Major Drug and Gun Operation

Family Crime Ring – Mechanicsville Trio Busted in Major Drug and Gun Operation

Three men from Mechanicsville have been indicted on a series of drug and firearm charges following investigations by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. James Nathaniel Reed, 77, of Mechanicsville, is facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession. According to the indictment, on December 8, 2023, Reed allegedly possessed multiple firearms,...
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From Dual Enrollment to Dual Success: The Inspiring Journey of Ashyia Higgins

From Dual Enrollment to Dual Success: The Inspiring Journey of Ashyia Higgins

Education and hard work are undeniably key ingredients for success. While hard work propels us forward on our journey, education provides the direction to reach our goals. Ashyia Higgins, of California, recently earned her Associate degree in Arts and Sciences from the College of Southern Maryland, all while simultaneously attending Chopticon High School, where...
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Police Investigating Yet Another Night of Shots Fired on Columbus Drive

Police Investigating Yet Another Night of Shots Fired on Columbus Drive

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, at approximately 9:22 p.m., police responded to the 46000 block of Columbus Drive, for at least seven 911 callers reporting 20 or more gunshots. Police arrived on the scene to find shell casings scattered throughout the street with a Chevrolet Camaro and residences struck by the gunfire. No known injuries...
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Noise Advisory – NAS PAX RIVER Sets Noise Advisory for NAS Pax River August 22-September 6, 2024

Noise Advisory – NAS PAX RIVER Sets Noise Advisory for NAS Pax River August 22-September 6, 2024

Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place Aug. 22 – Sept. 6, 2024 from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely...
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End of an Era: Hollidge Family Bids Farewell to Potomac Speedway After 16 Years of Dedication

End of an Era: Hollidge Family Bids Farewell to Potomac Speedway After 16 Years of Dedication

Denise and Ronnie Hollidge have been dedicated promoters at Potomac Speedway, leading the track through 16 seasons of racing history and released the following statement: In 2009, Denise and Ronnie Hollidge took on the role of promoters at Potomac Speedway with the unwavering support from Greg Gunter. The 3/8-mile track located in Budds Creek,...
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Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Protecting Our Children as the New School Year Begins

Back-to-School Traffic Safety: Protecting Our Children as the New School Year Begins

As summer comes to an end, the excitement of a new school year begins. However, the return to school also brings increased traffic, particularly around school zones, making it essential for everyone to prioritize safety. Whether you’re a parent, student, or daily commuter, here are some crucial tips to help ensure the safety of...
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St. Mary’s County Man Finally Arrested After Multiple Run-Ins with Police

St. Mary’s County Man Finally Arrested After Multiple Run-Ins with Police

On August 20, 2024, law enforcement in St. Mary’s County responded to two separate incidents involving 51-year-old Michael A. King of Leonardtown, Maryland. King now faces multiple charges following these events, which occurred in Great Mills and Leonardtown. According to court documents, at approximately 5:06 a.m., the St. Mary’s County Emergency Communications Center received...
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NOISE ADVISORY: PyroJam Event on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 in St. Leonard

NOISE ADVISORY: PyroJam Event on Saturday, August 24th, 2024 in St. Leonard

This Saturday, August 24, 2024, the PyroJam event will be held at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, MD. The show is scheduled from 3 p.m., to 10:30 p.m. Please be aware that the event will include fireworks displays and the sounds of explosions, which may be heard throughout Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles...
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Calvert County Marine Museum September 2024 Events!

Calvert County Marine Museum September 2024 Events!

This September, 2024, the museum is excited to host a series of engaging events designed to inspire and delight. We invite friends and families to our Night at the Museum for Friends with Disabilities, Pirate Day, public Fossil lecture, and more! For more information, please visit: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Select days in the month of September...
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Summary of the St. Mary’s County Economic Development Commission Meeting – August 20, 2024

Summary of the St. Mary’s County Economic Development Commission Meeting – August 20, 2024

The Economic Development Commission meeting, chaired by Curtis Brown, focused on several key initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and addressing challenges within the local economy. The meeting included presentations from various experts and discussions on critical topics that impact the community’s economic landscape. Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program Presenter: Lisa Colavito, Director...
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Summary of the Hazard Mitigation Advisory Board Meeting for St. Mary’s County – August 21, 2024

Summary of the Hazard Mitigation Advisory Board Meeting for St. Mary’s County – August 21, 2024

The Hazard Mitigation Planning Board held its regular meeting on August 21, 2024. The meeting, chaired by Amy Bledsoe, the Emergency Manager with the Department of Emergency Services, was attended by key representatives from various departments and agencies, including Information Technology, Land Use and Growth Management, Leonardtown, Metcom, State Highway, Public Schools, and Public...
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UPDATE: 18-Year-Old Great Mills Teen Arrested for Stabbing in Lexington Park

UPDATE: 18-Year-Old Great Mills Teen Arrested for Stabbing in Lexington Park

UPDATE 8/20/2024: On August 19, 2024, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a stabbing on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. and involved Luricko Amazzio Clyburn Jr., 18, of Lexington Park, along with two other individuals. According to court documents, a verbal argument broke out between...
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UPDATE: Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Head-on Collision in Mechanicsville

UPDATE: Maryland State Police Investigating Fatal Head-on Collision in Mechanicsville

UPDATE 8/21/2024: On Monday August 19, 2024, at approximately 6:01 pm, Troopers assigned to the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded to a serious motor vehicle accident on New Market Turner Rd, in Mechanicsville. Preliminary investigation revealed a collision involving two vehicles. The driver of vehicle 1, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am was pronounced deceased...
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UPDATE: Driver Dies Following Medical Emergency in Lexington Park Single-Vehicle Crash

UPDATE: Driver Dies Following Medical Emergency in Lexington Park Single-Vehicle Crash

UPDATE 8/21/2024: The passenger of the Jeep Grand Cherokee told deputies the driver was having a medical emergency when the vehicle left the roadway. The driver was transported to the hospital and pronounced deceased. As a precautionary measure, the passenger was transported for a medical evaluation. 8/20/2024: On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at approximately...
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