St. Mary’s News

Great Mills Man Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop in Lexington Park

Great Mills Man Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop in Lexington Park

On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, while conducting proactive patrol operations in Lexington Park, a deputy from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office initiated a stop for a traffic violation on a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe and discovered a quantity of controlled substances (CDS) in the vehicle and on the driver. Additional units, including K-9, responded...
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Striped Bass Spawning Success Not Limited by Zooplankton, DNR Study Suggests

Striped Bass Spawning Success Not Limited by Zooplankton, DNR Study Suggests

The availability of tiny plankton that larval striped bass eat during their first weeks of life does not appear to be a leading factor for the recent poor spawning success of the fish in Maryland, according to a new study by scientists at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The findings suggest that one...
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Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for SDB II on Super Hornet

Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for SDB II on Super Hornet

The U.S. Navy recently declared initial operational capability for the Small Diameter Bomb II on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, marking a significant advancement in the fleet’s precision-strike technology. The weapon, also known as the StormBreaker, saw its first operational use on the Super Hornet during a limited early operational capability in 2025, proving real-world...
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DNR Extends Maryland Commercial Oyster Season for Two Additional Weeks Due to Weather and Ice

DNR Extends Maryland Commercial Oyster Season for Two Additional Weeks Due to Weather and Ice

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with a two-week extension of the commercial  oyster season to help watermen make up for lost harvesting opportunities after many waterways and parts of the Chesapeake Bay froze during frigid temperatures in January and early February. The change will extend the state’s commercial oyster season to...
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SMADC Launches “So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide” to Connect Local Producers and Buyers

SMADC Launches “So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide” to Connect Local Producers and Buyers

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is proud to announce the launch of the So.MD Livestock Breeders Guide. This new online resource is designed to bridge the gap between farm and field, connecting farmers, homesteaders, and consumers with reputable livestock breeders across the region. Sourcing...
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Honoring The Legacy of Historic Bluegrass: The Country Gentlemen – March, 22nd, 2026 Concert

Honoring The Legacy of Historic Bluegrass: The Country Gentlemen – March, 22nd, 2026 Concert

The next concert in the Southern Maryland Bluegrass Series will take place on Sunday March 22 and will feature Calvert County’s own, Mike Phipps and his band The Country Gentlemen Show. It’s the fifth concert of the season and will take place at the Calvert Elks in Prince Frederick, located at 1015 Dares Beach...
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St. Mary’s County Government Announces February 23rd Closures – Public Schools Closed – NAS Patuxent River Restricted Access for all but Mission Essential Personnel

St. Mary’s County Government Announces February 23rd Closures – Public Schools Closed – NAS Patuxent River Restricted Access for all but Mission Essential Personnel

The Winter Storm Warning in effect for St. Mary’s County until through 10 a.m., February 23, 2026. Schools are closed. NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons remains under Restricted Access for all but Mission Essential Personnel. SMECO remains working throughout the region with over 13,000 without power and over...
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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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