The meeting began with an invocation led by Commissioner Ostrow, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community, seeking guidance for making just and fair decisions, and requesting unity among the commissioners. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag. Commissioner President Randy Guy introduced the commissioners present, which...
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The Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership (HSMP) will host their Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the SMART Building at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland at 44219 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619. All community members are invited to register and attend this free event....
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UPDATE 8/28/2024: A second individual, Kyya Marie Lee, of no fixed address, has been charged in connection with the incident involving two children left unattended at a hotel in California, Maryland. Lee is facing a misdemeanor charge of confining an unattended child under Maryland law, similar to the charges against Gabrielle Theresa McKay. According...
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By Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Vice President and Lieutenant Scot Best: Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility...
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Two current inmates at the detention center in Leonardtown are facing charges after allegedly assaulting each other on August 23, 2024. The arrests were made following an on-view incident observed by authorities, according to documents filed with the District Court for St. Mary’s County. Deyonta Terrell Gross, 31, and James William Blackiston, 31, both...
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UPDATE 8/27/2024: On Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at approximately 11:30 a.m., officials in the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center were alerted that Jordan Taylor Poetzman, 29, of Leonardtown, removed his GPS monitoring device while attending court authorized inpatient treatment at a facility in California, MD. Captain Richard Russell, Special Operations Commander for...
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Carroll I. Norris, a 50, of Hollywood, Maryland, was arrested on August 26, 2024, after allegedly attempting to steal various items from a Target store in California, Maryland. Norris has been charged with several offenses, including theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, Deputy Michael Rycyzyn of the St. Mary’s County...
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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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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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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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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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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 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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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