St. Mary’s News

Southern Maryland Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought and Excessive Heat; Emergency Farm Loans Available

Southern Maryland Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Area Due to Drought and Excessive Heat; Emergency Farm Loans Available

Triggering Disaster: Drought and Excessive Heat that occurred 6/22/2024 through 10/22/2024 Application Deadline: 9/15/2025 Primary Counties Eligible: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated St. Mary’s County, along with several other Maryland jurisdictions, as a primary natural disaster area due to drought...
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St. Mary’s County Native Tom Jarboe, Declares Candidacy for County Commissioner President

St. Mary’s County Native Tom Jarboe, Declares Candidacy for County Commissioner President

Former District 1 Commissioner Tom Jarboe has declared his candidacy for St. Mary’s Commissioner President, publicly announcing his intent to file in a post on his campaign’s Facebook page. Jarboe aims to succeed current Commissioner President Randy Guy, who becomes term limited in 2026. Jarboe, a Republican who found repeated success in founding and...
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Leadership Maryland Announces Executive Program Class of 2025

Leadership Maryland Announces Executive Program Class of 2025

Leadership Maryland officially announces the Executive Program’s Class of 2025, consisting of 53 business and community leaders from across the state chosen to participate in the professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland. The Class of 2025, the Executive Program’s 32nd class, reflects a cross-section of the state, including diversity of geographic...
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Local Arts & Craft Vendors Sought for First Landing Wine & Arts Festival on April 12, 2025

Local Arts & Craft Vendors Sought for First Landing Wine & Arts Festival on April 12, 2025

St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division, in partnership with local First Landing Wine Trail wineries, are seeking arts and craft vendors who are located or sell in St. Mary’s County, to participate in the First Landing Wine & Arts Festival at St. Clement’s Island Museum on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to...
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources Introduces Commercial Blue Catfish Pilot Programs

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Introduces Commercial Blue Catfish Pilot Programs

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching two pilot programs in coordination with its Invasive Catfish Advisory Committee aimed at curbing the spread of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Applications are now open for the Blue Catfish For-Hire/Commercial and Mid- and Lower-Bay Finfish Trotline Pilot Programs. Commercial watermen and charter...
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SMECO Sponsors Southern Maryland’s 31st Annual Math Competition

SMECO Sponsors Southern Maryland’s 31st Annual Math Competition

Southern Maryland’s annual MATHCOUNTS competition marked its 31st anniversary on Saturday, February 5, 2025. More than 150 students from 18 schools gathered at Calvert High School in Prince Frederick to test their math skills. A competitive technological world requires a proficiency in mathematics as a foundation for success in science, technology, and engineering. MATHCOUNTS...
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Sports Wagering Contributes $8.2 Million to the State During January 2025

Sports Wagering Contributes $8.2 Million to the State During January 2025

Maryland’s sports wagering market generated $8,244,612 in contributions to the state during January 2025, the fourth-best single-month total since the launch of sports wagering in December 2021. Through the first seven months of FY2025 (July 2024 through January 2025), sports wagering has contributed $54,821,117 to the state compared to $32,840,755 for the same period...
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Erek L. Barron Resigns as U.S. Attorney for Maryland

Erek L. Barron Resigns as U.S. Attorney for Maryland

Erek L. Barron, the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced his resignation on February 12, 2025, effective immediately. Barron had served in the position since October 7, 2021, leading Maryland’s federal prosecutorial office for over three years. In a statement, Barron reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the dedication and professionalism of...
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Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Basement Fire in Hollywood, No Known Injuries Reported

Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Basement Fire in Hollywood, No Known Injuries Reported

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at approximately 5:05 p.m., firefighters from Hollywood, Bay District, Leonardtown, Mechanicsville, and Seventh District responded to the 25000 block of Vista Road in Hollywood, for the reported structure fire. Dispatchers advised the 911 caller had disconnected twice, once after advising there was a chimney fire, then again after reporting...
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STEAM Room Catalyst Event Ignites Hands-On Learning on March 30, 2025

STEAM Room Catalyst Event Ignites Hands-On Learning on March 30, 2025

Imagine a place where young minds don’t just learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM)—they create it. Pure Play Every Day Inc., a Southern Maryland non-profit, is making that vision a reality with the STEAM Room—an innovative children’s museum concept designed by students for students. This one-of-a-kind initiative gives middle and high school...
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Classical Pianist Brian Ganz Reveals Chopin’s Superpowers At Free PianoTalk at SMCM February 18, 2025

Classical Pianist Brian Ganz Reveals Chopin’s Superpowers At Free PianoTalk at SMCM February 18, 2025

St. Mary’s City- February 11 – St. Mary’s College of MD Musician-in-Residence Brian Ganz will continue his popular mid-day PianoTalk series on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:20 a.m. with a free PianoTalk featuring Fryderyk Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. 4. The program, which will take place in the recital...
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Board of Public Works Approves $5.4 Million for Park Improvements and Land Conservation in Garrett, Howard, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Worcester Counties

Board of Public Works Approves $5.4 Million for Park Improvements and Land Conservation in Garrett, Howard, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Worcester Counties

The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ items totaling $5.4 million in grants to local governments to acquire land and improve parks. Nearly $5.4 million in Program Open Space – Local was approved for six projects, including the acquisition of 77 acres for a new park in Howard County that features...
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Save the Date for the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in St. Mary’s County! March 29th, 2025

Save the Date for the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in St. Mary’s County! March 29th, 2025

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is pleased to announce that the annual Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday March 29, 2025, from 12 – 4 p.m. at Lexington Manor Passive Park in Lexington Park, MD. The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a free event offering fun for...
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One Transported to Trauma Center After Head-on Collision with Entrapment in Wildewood

One Transported to Trauma Center After Head-on Collision with Entrapment in Wildewood

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at approximately 2:22 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Wildewood Parkway and Green Acre Lane in California, for a serious motor vehicle collision with entrapment. Fire and rescue personnel arrived on the scene in under 4 minutes to find a two vehicle head-on...
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One Transported to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Flips in Avenue During Snowstorm

One Transported to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Flips in Avenue During Snowstorm

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at approximately 4:41 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Colton Point Road and River Springs School Road in Avenue, for the reported single vehicle collision with injuries. While crews responded, additional callers reported two people were trapped. The incident was upgraded to a...
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Governor Moore Announces Support for Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act to Protect the Bay and Uplift Key Maryland Industries

Governor Moore Announces Support for Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act to Protect the Bay and Uplift Key Maryland Industries

Governor Wes Moore this week announced the Chesapeake Bay Legacy Act as part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s legislative priorities for the 2025 General Assembly. This legislation builds upon the administration’s historic efforts to improve the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality, introduces comprehensive changes to support regenerative agriculture, and streamlines oyster aquaculture — providing new economic...
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Southern Maryland Schools Closed on Wednesday, February 15, 2025 Due to Weather

Southern Maryland Schools Closed on Wednesday, February 15, 2025 Due to Weather

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Schools Closed for the following: ST. MARY’S COUNTY: Code 3 for staff – All Schools and Offices are CLOSED on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Code 3 for staff. No employees should report to work. Administrative leave will be provided for twelve-month employees. Operations and Maintenance Emergency personnel will follow...
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UPDATE: NAS Patuxent River Operating Under Restricted Access/Closed Due to Weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025

UPDATE: NAS Patuxent River Operating Under Restricted Access/Closed Due to Weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025

UPDATE 2/11/2025: NAS Patuxent River Operating under Restricted Access/Closed Due to Weather February 12, 2025 – Due to worsening weather conditions, NAS Patuxent River has updated its operational status for Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 to Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel Feb. 12, 2025. This applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying...
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Royal Farms Expands to Lexington Park, Soft Opening Set for March 5th and 6th, 2025

Royal Farms Expands to Lexington Park, Soft Opening Set for March 5th and 6th, 2025

Royal Farms, the nationally acclaimed convenience store and gas station chain known for its World-Famous Chicken, freshly brewed coffee, and made-to-order meals, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Lexington Park, Maryland on March 10, 2025. Located at 21779 Tulagi Place Lexington Park, MD 20653, this brand-new store will...
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No Injuries Reported After Multiple Motor Vehicle Collisions Across St. Mary’s County

No Injuries Reported After Multiple Motor Vehicle Collisions Across St. Mary’s County

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 2:51 p.m., First Responders were dispatched to the area of Piney Point Road and Glebe Road in Valley Lee, for a motor vehicle collision with one overturned. Shortly after this crash was dispatched, a second separate collision involving an overturned vehicle was dispatched at Point Lookout Road and Park...
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Snow Emergency Plans in Effect for St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties

Snow Emergency Plans in Effect for St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties

The Maryland State Police has activated the Snow Emergency Plan for Calvert County effective at 2:30 p.m. on February 11, 2025. Current weather conditions and/or forecasts indicate that normal vehicular travel is or will become extremely dangerous. Motorists are encouraged to stay off of the roadways. This will allow emergency services and State Highway...
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Jon Hardesty of Leonardtown, Named Food Lion’s Store Manager of the Year

Jon Hardesty of Leonardtown, Named Food Lion’s Store Manager of the Year

Jon Hardesty, store manager of the Food Lion located at 40955 Merchant Lane Leonardtown, MD 20650, was named Food Lion’s 2024 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner. Hardesty was selected from a group of more than 1,100 store managers serving their neighbors across Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Named after one of...
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School Weather Updates – Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Have Early Dismissal on Tuesday, February 11, 2025

School Weather Updates – Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert Have Early Dismissal on Tuesday, February 11, 2025

ST. MARY’S COUNTY: February 11, 2025 – School Day begins on time with 2-Hour Early Dismissal Tuesday, February 11, 2025: All schools begin the day on time and will be dismissed 2 hours early due to the predicted snowstorm arriving in the afternoon. Staff: All 10-11 month employees may conclude their day 30 minutes...
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Maryland Under Winter Storm Warning as Predictions Estimate 4 to 8 Inches of Snow

Maryland Under Winter Storm Warning as Predictions Estimate 4 to 8 Inches of Snow

District of Columbia-Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-St.Marys-Calvert-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Stafford-King George-Northwest Prince William-Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TUESDAY TO 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY. WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 to 8 inches. WHERE…The District of Columbia, central and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia. WHEN…From 1...
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Lexington Park Man Arrested for Interfering with Police at Fatal Crash Scene on Great Mills Road

Corey A. McDowney, 46, of Lexington Park, was arrested on Sunday, February 9, 2025, following a series of disruptive actions at the site of a fatal motor vehicle accident. McDowney faces charges of disorderly conduct, failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order, and obstructing and hindering law enforcement after allegedly interfering with officers...
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