St. Mary’s News

Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

Chesapeake Life Center’s Pet Loss Workshop Returns to Perfect Pet Resort

In response to continued community interest and the deep need for support after the loss of a beloved pet, Chesapeake Life Center is pleased to bring back its popular Pet Loss Workshop, offering comfort, connection and healthy coping strategies for grieving adults. The free workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m....
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Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

Regional Forum to Support Efforts to “Grow Our Own” Southern Maryland Workforce

The public is invited to participate in a regional Southern Maryland Forum: Growing Our Own Workforce on Thursday, Mar. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland SMART Building (Bldg. 3), 44219 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619. This interactive and action-oriented event, part of Leadership Southern...
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St. Mary’s County Health Department Selected for National Initiative to Modernize Local Public Health Data Systems

St. Mary’s County Health Department Selected for National Initiative to Modernize Local Public Health Data Systems

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has been selected to participate in the CDC Foundation’s Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI), a national program designed to strengthen public health data and technology systems at the local level. Through this initiative, SMCHD will receive additional technology and data expertise to improve how the department manages and...
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2-Year-Old Female Flown to Children’s Center After Being Run Over by Church Van in Great Mills

2-Year-Old Female Flown to Children’s Center After Being Run Over by Church Van in Great Mills

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Living Hope First United Pentecostal Church located on Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. 911 callers reported a 4-year-old female was run over by a church van...
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2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the 2025-2026 operating calendar adjustments made by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 4, 2026, as follows: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) will be a school day due to an inclement weather make-up day The calendar for the Chesapeake Public Charter School...
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Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

On January 19,  a break in a 72-inch sewer main known as the Potomac Interceptor caused an overflow into the Potomac River. The release of sewage from aging federal infrastructure was an emergency and people were understandably worried about both short-term and long-term effects. Maryland state and local authorities immediately closed off areas that...
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St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award, recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the community. Both awards will be presented during the Chamber’s annual gala scheduled for May 14, 2026....
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

A drive-thru car wash fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 8, beginning at 12 p.m., to 2:00 p.m., at 28165 Hills Club Road in Mechanicsville. The event is donation-only, with no set price, allowing visitors to give what they can while supporting local volunteers. Each vehicle will receive a full hand wash, with...
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No Injuries and Minimal Damage After Early Morning Kitchen Fire at Rucci’s in Leonardtown

No Injuries and Minimal Damage After Early Morning Kitchen Fire at Rucci’s in Leonardtown

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 1:43 a.m., police responded to the Rucci’s located at 22685 Washington Street in Leonardtown, for the automated motion detection alarm. Deputies arrived on the scene at 2:09 a.m., to find nothing evident and waited for a keyholder to arrive on the scene to access the interior of...
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Lexington Park Man Charged After Allegedly Exposing Himself to Cleaning Crew in His Home

Lexington Park Man Charged After Allegedly Exposing Himself to Cleaning Crew in His Home

Matthew John Julian, 49, of Lexington Park, is facing three charges of indecent exposure after investigators say he exposed himself and masturbated in front of three women hired to clean his home in February 2026, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident reported on February 16, 2026, at his home in...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Rollover Collision in Chaptico

One Flown to Trauma Center After Rollover Collision in Chaptico

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, at approximately 3:03 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Manor Road and Knotts Farm Lane in Chaptico, for the serious motor vehicle collision. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle overturned with citizens having removed the single trapped occupant. EMS...
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Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. Working in close coordination with local health officials,...
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Colonoscopy Confusion May Be Driving Missed Cancer Screenings, Says New Survey From MedStar Health

Colonoscopy Confusion May Be Driving Missed Cancer Screenings, Says New Survey From MedStar Health

More than 75% of Americans are unsure when or how often to get a colonoscopy. That’s according to new survey results just released by MedStar Health. One thousand U.S. adults participated in the national survey, which revealed colorectal cancer misconceptions: More than 36% of those eligible say they’ve skipped colorectal screening. Doctors recommend starting...
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Southern Maryland Counties Celebrate the Power of Engineering with CSM during National Engineers Week

Southern Maryland Counties Celebrate the Power of Engineering with CSM during National Engineers Week

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) engineering students joined local leaders as Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties recognized National Engineers Week to raise awareness for an industry working behind the scenes to build a better world. National Engineers Week, or EWeek, is observed Feb. 22 – 28, 2026. Its purpose is to highlight the...
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Maryland’s 2026 Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties Due to Winter Weather Setbacks

Maryland’s 2026 Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties Due to Winter Weather Setbacks

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one-week extension to the 2026 muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington. The revised season will now close March 22, 2026, to make up for unfavorable weather conditions in January and February, including extensive ice coverage, that impacted trapping in...
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Maryland Board of Public Works Approves $204 Million in State Spending

Maryland Board of Public Works Approves $204 Million in State Spending

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis today for a meeting of the Board of Public Works. During the meeting, the Board of Public Works approved more than $204 million in state spending supporting projects and initiatives across Maryland. In all, the Board approved 93 items representing a total state expenditure of $204,604,283.39. This includes grant agreements supporting community...
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Cricchi Named New NAVAIR Deputy Commander

Cricchi Named New NAVAIR Deputy Commander

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, MD: Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), has announced Steve Cricchi will take the role as deputy commander, NAVAIR, effective Feb. 26. Cricchi replaces NAVAIR Deputy Commander Tom Rudowsky, who will officially retire March 2. Cricchi transitions into the role after serving...
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Noise Advisory – NAS Patuxent River Sets Nighttime Noise Advisory for March 4, 2026

Noise Advisory – NAS Patuxent River Sets Nighttime Noise Advisory for March 4, 2026

Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that a nighttime noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place March 4, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs) with a tiltrotor aircraft. FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the...
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UPDATE: Suspected Medical Emergency Leads to Head-on Collision on TJ Bridge Involving Ambulance

UPDATE: Suspected Medical Emergency Leads to Head-on Collision on TJ Bridge Involving Ambulance

UPDATE 3/4/2026: Deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the crash investigation, however, it is currently believed to be accidental, and caused by a suspected medical emergency. The operator of the pickup truck was transported to an area hospital in Calvert County with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. The operator and one...
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March Madness First Friday Comes to Leonardtown – March 6th Through 8th, 2026

March Madness First Friday Comes to Leonardtown – March 6th Through 8th, 2026

The Leonardtown Business Association invites the community to kick off March in championship style at March Madness First Friday, happening Friday, March 6, 2026 and extending throughout the entire weekend in Leonardtown. Leonardtown businesses are joining the excitement with a variety of specials, promotions, and fun happenings inspired by the energy of March Madness. Shoppers and visitors...
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School-Based Health Centers Now Offering Rapid Respiratory Testing

School-Based Health Centers Now Offering Rapid Respiratory Testing

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now offering rapid respiratory testing at its School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), giving families faster answers during cold and flu season. The SBHCs have added a new testing platform that can detect more than 14 common respiratory viruses and bacteria, with results available in about 15 minutes....
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Two Transported to Trauma Centers After Two Vehicle Crash in Leonardtown

Two Transported to Trauma Centers After Two Vehicle Crash in Leonardtown

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11:18 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Budds Creek Road and Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the serious motor vehicle collision with entrapment and rollover. Multiple 911 callers reported a Jeep rolled multiple times with one victim laying on the ground....
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UPDATE: Co-Defendant Sentenced to Life for Murder of 23-Year-Old Man in Lexington Park

UPDATE: Co-Defendant Sentenced to Life for Murder of 23-Year-Old Man in Lexington Park

UPDATE 6/8/2026: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Joseph Daren Brooks, Jr., 23, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to LIFE in prison for the 2024 murder of a 23-year-old man. On February 26, 2024, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired near Fox Ridge Road...
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Jaymi Sterling Seeks a Second Term for State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County

Jaymi Sterling Seeks a Second Term for State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that she is seeking reelection as State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County, pledging to continue to aggressively prosecute violent crime to ensure public safety for our community. With more than 17 years of prosecutorial experience, Sterling was elected as the County’s top prosecutor in 2022. She took office as State’s...
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UPDATE: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling Testifies on Jamari’s Law to Strengthen Penalties for Manslaughter by Vehicle, Here’s How You Can Help

UPDATE: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling Testifies on Jamari’s Law to Strengthen Penalties for Manslaughter by Vehicle, Here’s How You Can Help

UPDATE 3/1/2026: State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling is set to testify in support of House Bill 0873 — known as “Jamari’s Law” — before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 4 at 1 p.m. The proposed legislation would double the maximum penalty for vehicular manslaughter in Maryland, increasing it from 10 years to 20...
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