St. Mary’s News

Historic Sotterley Hosting First 2021 Event on May 1 and May 2, 2021 – Sotterley Market and Day on the Farm

Historic Sotterley Hosting First 2021 Event on May 1 and May 2, 2021 – Sotterley Market and Day on the Farm

Historic Sotterley is holding its first event of 2021 on May 1st & 2nd — Sotterley Market and Day on the Farm. This will be the first of three Market and Day on the Farm events this year, and the theme of the May event is Preservation. We look forward to sharing preservation in...
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St. Clement’s Island Museum Presents Free Family Friendly Authentic American Civil War Era Concert Featuring the Federal City Brass Band During Black Diamond Weekend Commemoration

St. Clement’s Island Museum Presents Free Family Friendly Authentic American Civil War Era Concert Featuring the Federal City Brass Band During Black Diamond Weekend Commemoration

Saturday, April 24, at 4:00 p.m., visitors are welcomed to St. Clement’s Island Museum for a free authentic American Civil War era concert on the beautiful waterside lawn of the museum during the weekend commemorating a forgotten tragedy of the Civil War – the Black Diamond Disaster, which happened right in the Potomac River...
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St. Mary’s County Public Schools Releases Statement Following Death of Leonardtown High School Student Peyton Ham

St. Mary’s County Public Schools Releases Statement Following Death of Leonardtown High School Student Peyton Ham

The St. Mary’s County Public Schools released the following statement. “On April 13, 2021, at approximately 1:30 p.m., St. Mary’s County Public Schools was informed of an officer-involved shooting in Leonardtown. It was later reported that the shooting resulted in the death of a 16-year-old male, identified as Peyton Alexander Ham, a sophomore at...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Suspect in Ridge Theft

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Suspect in Ridge Theft

UPDATE 4/14/2021: The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect. Updates will be provided when they become available. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the suspect shown in a theft investigation. On Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 11:47 p.m., the suspect stole several pallets from behind the...
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Official Statement From the Family of Peyton Ham, the 16-Year-Old Shot and Killed by Police in Leonardtown

Official Statement From the Family of Peyton Ham, the 16-Year-Old Shot and Killed by Police in Leonardtown

This is the official statement provided by Mr. Christopher T. Longmore, attorney for the Boyle family, for distribution on behalf of Peyton Ham’s Family, Michael & Kristee Boyle, (Birthfather Jason Ham Haight) Peyton Alexander Ham is an incredibly smart, gifted sweet young man. Peyton is an honor student who enjoyed attending Leonardtown High School....
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Leonardtown Man Arrested for Sex Offense Involving a Minor

Leonardtown Man Arrested for Sex Offense Involving a Minor

In March of 2021, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor that occurred in the late 1990s. The suspect was identified as Allen Briscoe Weiland, 59 of Leonardtown. During the course of the investigation evidence was obtained supporting the allegations. The investigation was presented...
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Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine, Maryland Halting Use of Vaccine

Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine, Maryland Halting Use of Vaccine

As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen ) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. In these cases, a...
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The American Jobs Plan and The Need for Action in Maryland

The American Jobs Plan and The Need for Action in Maryland

The Need for Action in Maryland; For decades, infrastructure in Maryland has suffered from a systemic lack of investment. The need for action is clear, Maryland’s infrastructure received a C grade on its Infrastructure Report Card. The American Jobs Plan will make a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure. ROADS AND BRIDGES: In Maryland there...
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The Black Diamond Disaster Event, American Civil War Commemoration Weekend to be Held at St. Clement’s Island Museum on Sunday, April 25, 2021

The Black Diamond Disaster Event, American Civil War Commemoration Weekend to be Held at St. Clement’s Island Museum on Sunday, April 25, 2021

On Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m., the St. Mary’s County Museum Division will remember the 87 lives lost in a tragedy during the American Civil War in a military ceremony with remarks from the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Commander and wreath laying on the waterfront at St. Clement’s Island Museum. Further...
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Despite Lower Travel Volumes During Pandemic, Motor Vehicle Fatalities Increase 6.4% in 2020

Despite Lower Travel Volumes During Pandemic, Motor Vehicle Fatalities Increase 6.4% in 2020

Despite fewer drivers on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic, motor vehicle crashes on Maryland roadways claimed 569 lives in 2020, an increase of 6.4% compared to 535 deaths the previous year. Preliminary data released today by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) also shows an increase in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, from...
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Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Host Flight Paramedic Virtual Open House on Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Maryland State Police Aviation Command to Host Flight Paramedic Virtual Open House on Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Experienced paramedics seeking a rewarding career will have an opportunity to get a glimpse into the everyday life of a Trooper Flight Paramedic from the safety of the computer screen. The virtual open house is set for 6 p.m. on May 19, 2021. The recruiting event will provide a look into the operations and...
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The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Sadly Announces the Passing of Retired K9 Bruno

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Sadly Announces the Passing of Retired K9 Bruno

K9 Bruno retired with his handler Corporal Shawn Cathcart and previously battled cancer. On Monday, April 12, 2021, K9 Bruno crossed the Rainbow Bridge and will be greatly missed. In 2014, Cpl. Cathcart and Bruno were awarded the Meritorious Action Award for apprehending a fleeing felon. After leaving the Sheriff’s Office, Shawn Cathcart and...
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Missing 42-Year-Old Charlotte Hall Woman Located Safe and Unharmed

Missing 42-Year-Old Charlotte Hall Woman Located Safe and Unharmed

4/13/2021 @7:30 a.m.: UPDATE – Missing person, Chrissy Tippett, has been located safe and unharmed. 4/12/2021: Charles County Sheriff’s officers are seeking the public’s help in locating Chrissy Herbert Tippett, 42, of Charlotte Hall. Ms. Tippett left a residence in the 9600 block of Meredith Road in Charlotte Hall on Sunday, April 11, 2021,...
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Verizon Recalls 2.5 Million Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hotspots Imported by Franklin Wireless Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Verizon Recalls 2.5 Million Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hotspots Imported by Franklin Wireless Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Description: This recall involves Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots imported by Franklin Wireless Corp. The recalled Jetpacks are dark navy plastic oval devices that are about 3.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall. “verizon” is printed below the digital display window on the front of the device. The charger provided with the recalled Jetpacks has...
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Live Virtual Announcement: Joint COVID-19 Vaccination Initiatives for St. Mary’s County

Live Virtual Announcement: Joint COVID-19 Vaccination Initiatives for St. Mary’s County

The Office of Delegate Brian Crosby, Safeway, Inc., the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), and St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) will host a live virtual announcement to inform the community about joint vaccination initiatives for St. Mary’s County. WHO:      Delegate Brian Crosby, Safeway, Inc., SMCHD and SMCPS WHEN:    Monday, April 12,...
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Maryland State Police, Allied Agencies Address Distracted Driving As Part Of Statewide Initiative

Maryland State Police, Allied Agencies Address Distracted Driving As Part Of Statewide Initiative

Maryland State Police issued hundreds of citations and warnings related to distracted driving violations as part of a statewide effort Thursday to combat the issue on Maryland roads. The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office and AAA Mid-Atlantic as part of...
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Conducting Training Burn on Sunday, April 11, 2021

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Conducting Training Burn on Sunday, April 11, 2021

The Mechanicsville VFD, along with the Leonardtown VFD will conduct a Live Fire Training Exercise on Sunday, April 11, 2021. This training will be held on Baptist Church Road just prior to Burning Oaks Drive. Please use caution driving in the area, and expect some slight delays periodically during the drill. During this exercise,...
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Joseph Lee Somerville, Sr., Funeral Services and Obituary

Joseph Lee Somerville, Sr., Funeral Services and Obituary

Joseph Lee Somerville, Sr., affectionately known as “Joe Lee”, was born on November 19, 1939 to the late Rosia “Rosie” Q. M. Somerville and William S. Herbert in Loveville, Maryland. He departed this life peacefully on April 1, 2021 at his home. Joe Lee attended St. Joseph Colored School in Morganza, MD, and Banneker...
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Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Statement Regarding Death of Off-Duty Deputy

Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Statement Regarding Death of Off-Duty Deputy

Statement Regarding Death of Off-Duty Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputy The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened to announce the sudden death of Deputy First Class William ‘Wes’ Beisel, a school resource officer (SRO) assigned to Northern High School (NHS) in Owings. Beisel was found deceased at his residence in St. Mary’s County, on...
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FEMA to Cover up to $9,000 in COVID-19 Funeral Expenses, Applications Open Monday, April 12, 2021

FEMA to Cover up to $9,000 in COVID-19 Funeral Expenses, Applications Open Monday, April 12, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Identity of Theft Suspect in California Walmart

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Identity of Theft Suspect in California Walmart

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person shown in a theft investigation. On Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 3:15 p.m., the suspect placed two Vankyo movie projectors into his backpack and left the California Walmart store without paying for them. On Saturday, April 4, 2021, at 1:57 p.m.,...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Summons for February and March 2021

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Summons for February and March 2021

On Feb. 2, 2021, Joel Andrew Pease, 29 of Mechanicsville, was issued a criminal summons for Second-Degree Assault by Deputy Zachary Jerew. Case # 00018-21 On Feb. 3, 2021, Andrew Nickolas Fenwick, 23 of no fixed address, was issued criminal summonses for Theft: $100 to $1,500 and Rogue and Vagabond by Deputy Jessica Wilson....
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St. Mary’s County to Hold Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 27, 2021

St. Mary’s County to Hold Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 27, 2021

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County will hold a Public Hearing Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650 to consider adoption of: #1 Constant Yield Tax Rate (“Real Property Tax Increase”) #2 St. Mary’s County Fees & Charges a) Aging & Human Services –...
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Letter to the Editor – “In the Same Boat as Me”

Letter to the Editor – “In the Same Boat as Me”

“In the Same Boat as Me” By Meghan Cobourn On the surface, it would appear that Evan McCarthy is your average, talented sailor. With years of experience on Broadneck High School’s racing team and a US Sailing Level 2 Instructor certification under his belt, it would be easy to think that he was born in...
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Target Commits to Spending More Than $2 Billion with Black-Owned Businesses by 2025

Target Commits to Spending More Than $2 Billion with Black-Owned Businesses by 2025

As part of its commitment, retailer plans to: Add products from more than 500 Black-owned businesses across its multi-category assortment Increase its spend with more Black-owned companies, such as marketing agencies, construction companies, facilities maintenance and more Establish new resources, including the Forward Founders program, to support Black-owned companies and help them grow their...
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