St. Mary’s News

UPDATE @ 7:45 a.m.: 100 Active Outages for SMECO Leaves 13,000 Without Power – Crews Continue to Work After Winter Storm Causes Damage Across Region

UPDATE @ 7:45 a.m.: 100 Active Outages for SMECO Leaves 13,000 Without Power – Crews Continue to Work After Winter Storm Causes Damage Across Region

UPDATE @ 7:45 A.M.: SMECO currently has over 100 active outage reports, affecting over 13,000 customers. SMECO remains working throughout the region with over 13,000 without power and over 100 active outages. Some workers have been on shift working to restore outages for over 13 hours. View active outages or report an outage by...
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Maryland Under State of Emergency, Liberal Leave in Effect for Maryland State Government As Winter Storm Hits

Maryland Under State of Emergency, Liberal Leave in Effect for Maryland State Government As Winter Storm Hits

Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency as the threat of a powerful winter storm impacts Maryland through Monday, February 23. Travel tonight and overnight will be extremely hazardous, especially in areas under a blizzard warning. Marylanders are urged to avoid travel, to follow local forecasts, to stay prepared for winter storm hazards,...
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School and Government Closures for Southern Maryland on Monday, February 23, 2026

School and Government Closures for Southern Maryland on Monday, February 23, 2026

CALVERT: Calvert County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. Code RED for staff. CHARLES: Charles County public schools will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. There is a Code Two, which is a two-hour delayed arrival, for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff who follow the code system. If needed, CCPS...
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UPDATE: Winter Storm Warning in Effect With 3 to 8 Inches of Snow Expected for Southern Maryland

UPDATE: Winter Storm Warning in Effect With 3 to 8 Inches of Snow Expected for Southern Maryland

UPDATE 2/22/2026 @ 6:45 A.M.: The National Weather Service has upgraded our winter storm watch to a Winter Storm Warning in effect from today, to Monday morning, for Portions of north central, northeast, and southern Maryland WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and  10 inches. Locally higher amounts up to 14 inches are...
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Future Engineers on Display as CSM Hosts Regional Robotics Tournaments

Future Engineers on Display as CSM Hosts Regional Robotics Tournaments

Hundreds of students from across the region traveled to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in January and February to showcase their engineering skills during a series of VEX Robotics competitions. Separate tournaments were held on the CSM La Plata Campus for elementary and middle school, high school, and college level teams. Competitors demonstrated...
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UPDATE: Karen Krenzler age 69, Killed in Mechanicsville House Fire – Investigation Ongoing

UPDATE: Karen Krenzler age 69, Killed in Mechanicsville House Fire – Investigation Ongoing

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues after a house fire claimed the life of a Mechanicsville woman early Friday morning. On Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., firefighters from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding departments responded to...
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CSM Hosts “Private Sector Pivot” to Share Resources with Federal Employees and Veterans

CSM Hosts “Private Sector Pivot” to Share Resources with Federal Employees and Veterans

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) hosted a virtual program last month for federal employees and military veterans to explore opportunities and local resources available to help begin a career in the private sector. More than 70 residents from across the region registered for ‘Private Sector Pivot,’ organized by CSM and local partnerships including...
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Governor Moore Signs Legislation to Prohibit Maryland Jurisdictions from Deputizing Officers for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement

Governor Moore Signs Legislation to Prohibit Maryland Jurisdictions from Deputizing Officers for Federal Civil Immigration Enforcement

Governor Wes Moore this week signed legislation to prohibit State and local jurisdictions from deputizing officers for federal civil immigration enforcement activity. The law, created under SB 245/HB 444, is effective immediately. “In Maryland, we defend Constitutional rights and Constitutional policing—and we will not allow untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable ICE agents to deputize our...
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Be Part of NAVAIR’s 60-Year History: Focused. Faster. Fiercer.

Be Part of NAVAIR’s 60-Year History: Focused. Faster. Fiercer.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is celebrating its 60th anniversary of supporting naval aviation this year and wants to tell your story. We are searching for current and former employees who have insightful, interesting or unique stories about their time in NAVAIR for use in videos, podcasts, feature stories, social media and more. Were...
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VA Pauses Enforcement of New Disability Rating Rule After Nationwide Backlash

VA Pauses Enforcement of New Disability Rating Rule After Nationwide Backlash

The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted enforcement of a newly issued rule that would change how disability compensation is calculated, following widespread criticism from veterans and advocacy groups who warned the policy could reduce benefits. The interim final rule, titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication,” amends 38 CFR § 4.10 within the VA...
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Great Mills vs. Leonardtown Staff Basketball Game to Benefit Pediatric Cancer Research

Great Mills vs. Leonardtown Staff Basketball Game to Benefit Pediatric Cancer Research

Students at Great Mills High School are inviting the community to pack the gym on March 12, 2026, for a staff basketball showdown that will raise money for pediatric cancer treatment and research. The Great Mills High School Mini-THON club will host a charity basketball game featuring Great Mills High School staff taking on...
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NAS Patuxent River’s Gate 1 and Webster Outlying Field’s Main Gate Closures This Morning – Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

NAS Patuxent River’s Gate 1 and Webster Outlying Field’s Main Gate Closures This Morning – Friday, Feb. 20, 2026

NAS Patuxent River’s Gate 1 and Webster Outlying Field’s Main Gate will experience closures Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 for scheduled maintenance. NAS Pax River Gate 1 – Closed Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Drivers should use Pa River Gate 2 during this time. Webster Field Main Gate – Closed Feb. 20, 1...
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Lexington Park Man Charged with First-Degree Assault After Hotel Knife Incident in St. Mary’s County

Lexington Park Man Charged with First-Degree Assault After Hotel Knife Incident in St. Mary’s County

Michael Ryan Norfolk, 36, of Lexington Park, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, and carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, following an incident on February 11, 2026, in Lexington Park. According to court documents, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8:44 p.m....
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Maryland DNR Offers Enhanced Trout Stocking Program for 2026

Maryland DNR Offers Enhanced Trout Stocking Program for 2026

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has spent the cold winter preparing for trout fishing, one of spring’s most anticipated traditions. Based on feedback from angler surveys, the department is making some changes to the put-and-take trout stocking program to enhance angler experience, opportunity, and catch. Adjustments to trout stocking timing, allocations, and...
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Board of Public Works Approves $7.1 Million for Recreation Centers and Land Conservation in Seven Maryland Counties

Board of Public Works Approves $7.1 Million for Recreation Centers and Land Conservation in Seven Maryland Counties

The Board of Public Works today approved more than $7.1 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and land trusts for recreation centers and land conservation in Allegany, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and St. Mary’s counties. More than $3.6 million in Program Open Space – Local funding was...
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Two Dameron Men Swapping Names Arrested After Fentanyl Seized During Late-Night Traffic Stop in Solomons, Calvert

Two Dameron Men Swapping Names Arrested After Fentanyl Seized During Late-Night Traffic Stop in Solomons, Calvert

Christopher Michael Cable, 35, and Nicholas Daniel Lokey, 32, both of Dameron, are facing multiple drug and obstruction charges following a February 12, 2026 traffic stop in Solomons, according to court documents. Cable is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing and hindering a police officer,...
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UPDATE: Investigation Ongoing – No Injuries Reported After Abandoned Trailer Fire in Lexington Park

UPDATE: Investigation Ongoing – No Injuries Reported After Abandoned Trailer Fire in Lexington Park

2/15/2026: On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:35 a.m., firefighters from Bay District, Leonardtown, NAS Patuxent River, Hollywood and Second District responded to 21000 block of Suburban Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported trailer on fire with unknown occupancy. Investigation determined the residence, an abandoned single wide mobile home in a wooded area...
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Traffic Stop in Prince Frederick Leads to Multiple Charges for Lexington Park Woman

Traffic Stop in Prince Frederick Leads to Multiple Charges for Lexington Park Woman

Lisa Marie Thompson, 36, of Lexington Park, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after deputies say she provided a false name during a traffic stop and was found in possession of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, the charges stem from a traffic stop conducted by a deputy with the Calvert County...
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New Members Sought for St. Mary’s County Boards, Commissions & Committees

New Members Sought for St. Mary’s County Boards, Commissions & Committees

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are seeking applications from residents who are interested in serving on a local Board, Committee, or Commission. Volunteering to serve as a member of these groups is an excellent way to meet new people while contributing to the successful operation and development of our community! Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/boards for board...
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Maryland Families Advocate for Children’s Behavioral Health

Maryland Families Advocate for Children’s Behavioral Health

More than 100 families from all corners of Maryland, from Garrett County to Worcester County and from Cecil County to St. Mary’s County, gathered in Annapolis on February 12th for the Maryland Coalition of Families’ Family Day in Annapolis, sharing their experiences with lawmakers and advocating for stronger children’s behavioral health services and protections....
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Man Accused of Torturing Cat, Assaulting Girlfriend in St. Mary’s County

Man Accused of Torturing Cat, Assaulting Girlfriend in St. Mary’s County

Casey Wayne Bridgett, 28, of no fixed address, is facing charges of aggravated cruelty to an animal, animal cruelty, animal cruelty—cause or authorize, and second-degree assault following an alleged domestic incident in Mechanicsville, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident reported on July 17, 2025, at Medley’s Lane in Mechanicsville. A...
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Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives Charge Three Suspects in October Murder Case at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West

Charles County Sheriff’s Detectives Charge Three Suspects in October Murder Case at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West

Detectives charge three suspects in October 2025 murder at Westlake Dash-In on Smallwood Drive West: Charles County Sheriff’s detectives charged three suspects in connection with an October 2025 murder case. On October 29 at 12:14 a.m., officers responded to the Westlake Dash-In in the 2000 block of Smallwood Drive West in Waldorf for a...
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Runway Expansion & Terminal Upgrades at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Runway Expansion & Terminal Upgrades at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport

On behalf of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, together with the Departments of Public Works & Transportation and Economic Development, you are cordially invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of the runway expansion project and recent upgrades at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be...
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2026 Dinner & Cruise Series at St. Clement’s Island Museum Expands Cruise Types, Routes, Themes & More with Debut of New Water Taxi Vessel

2026 Dinner & Cruise Series at St. Clement’s Island Museum Expands Cruise Types, Routes, Themes & More with Debut of New Water Taxi Vessel

The St. Mary’s County Museum Division is pleased to announce that the 2026 Dinner & A Cruise series will kick off this spring with a brand-new water taxi vessel, expanded routes, and even more cruise types. These themed cruises offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a fun evening cruising on the St. Clement’s Island Water Taxi,...
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DNR Seeks Public Input for Upcoming Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

DNR Seeks Public Input for Upcoming Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed changes to the 2026-2028 hunting and trapping seasons and the proposed 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Bag Limits. The public can view the proposed regulations and comment online, as well as view and comment on the proposed migratory game bird seasons and bag limits now through February 28. “We thank...
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