St. Mary’s News

Burfield Takes Charge of NAS Pax River at Change of Command Ceremony

Burfield Takes Charge of NAS Pax River at Change of Command Ceremony

Naval Air Station Patuxent River held a ceremony Jan. 10 in which Capt. Douglas Burfield assumed command of the installation from outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Derrick Kingsley. Burfield’s role as NAS Patuxent River commanding officer follows his previous position as the base executive officer, which he took on in June 2022 falls under the...
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Police Seeking Identity of Woman Who Stole from Optimal Vapor in Lexington Park

Police Seeking Identity of Woman Who Stole from Optimal Vapor in Lexington Park

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) is seeking assistance to identify and locate an individual connected with a theft from a local business. At approximately 10:55 a.m., on Monday, December 18, 2023, three individuals, including the female shown in these photos, entered Optimal Vapor on Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, MD, and...
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Police Seeking Identities of Theft Suspects Pictured at California Five Below

Police Seeking Identities of Theft Suspects Pictured at California Five Below

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) is seeking assistance to identify and locate two individuals connected with a theft from a local business. At approximately 11:30 a.m., on Monday, December 11, 2023, the two individuals pictured entered the Five Below retail store in California, MD, filled the store baskets with multiple items, and...
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No Injuries Reported After Oil Truck Overturns in Avenue

No Injuries Reported After Oil Truck Overturns in Avenue

On Friday, January 12, 2024, at approximately 12:22 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to the area of Colton Point Road and River Springs Lane in Avenue, for a serious motor vehicle collision involving hazardous materials. Crews arrived on the scene to find a home heating oil truck overturned with the operator out...
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Prince George’s County Police Arrest Man in Connection to String of Armed Robberies Targeting Taxi Service Drivers

Prince George’s County Police Arrest Man in Connection to String of Armed Robberies Targeting Taxi Service Drivers

Hyattsville Division I detectives identified and arrested a man in connection with a string of recent armed robberies targeting independent taxi service drivers. The suspect is 24-year-old Francisco Chevez-Ramirez of Hyattsville. He is charged with six cases that occurred between January 4, 2024, and January 10, 2024, in the Edmonston area and areas in...
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Chesapeake Bay 2023 Fall Oyster Survey Records Outstanding Spatfall

Chesapeake Bay 2023 Fall Oyster Survey Records Outstanding Spatfall

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Oyster Survey recorded a remarkable year for juvenile oysters in Maryland waters, finding both prolific numbers and a widespread distribution throughout many regions of the Chesapeake Bay. The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a measure of reproductive success and potential population growth for oysters, was 86.8 spat, or juvenile oysters,...
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Maryland’s 2024 Winter Turkey Season Opens Jan. 18th to 20th

Maryland’s 2024 Winter Turkey Season Opens Jan. 18th to 20th

Maryland hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the fall will have another chance to do so during winter season, which runs statewide from Jan. 18-20. Hunting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex. “The winter season provides a...
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Expect Traffic Delays in St. Mary’s County for Large Funeral Procession

Expect Traffic Delays in St. Mary’s County for Large Funeral Procession

Please respect the family and friends as they lay Joseph “Bubby” Knott to rest. Intersections and multiple roadway will be closed by First Responders as family gives Bubby one last ride around his farm and Trading Post properties. Times indicated are estimations only, please expect delays starting between 11:15 and 11:25 a.m., beginning at...
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Three Injured After T-Bone Collision in Charlotte Hall

Three Injured After T-Bone Collision in Charlotte Hall

On Friday, January 12, 2024, at approximately 6:52 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to Three Notch Road and Mohawk Drive in Charlotte Hall, for a serious motor vehicle collision with entrapment. Units from Charles and St. Mary’s County responded with first arriving units reporting two vehicles involved in a T-bone style collision...
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20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Celebration on Monday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. This year’s theme is Living the Dream: Hope, Courage & Unity. The program begins at 8 a.m. in the Campus Center Great Room. An optional...
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Traffic Stop in Lexington Park Results in Drug Arrest of Wanted Dameron Man

Traffic Stop in Lexington Park Results in Drug Arrest of Wanted Dameron Man

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Deputy Tyler Westphal, initiated a traffic stop in Lexington Park that led to a drug-related arrest. At approximately 2:33 a.m., Deputy Westphal stopped a 2005 Honda Civic for operating without a front registration plate and additional safety equipment violations. The operator provided a false name, and CDS paraphernalia was...
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State Police Arrest Ridge Man on Multiple Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

State Police Arrest Ridge Man on Multiple Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Trooper Baden from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack conducted a traffic stop on Three Notch Road at California Blvd, in California. A K9 scan of the vehicle was conducted which resulted in a positive alert. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted which revealed suspected Cocaine,...
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State Police Arrest Wanted Leonardtown Man for Stealing Over $500 Worth of Items at Shoppers in California

State Police Arrest Wanted Leonardtown Man for Stealing Over $500 Worth of Items at Shoppers in California

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Trooper Ruel from the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded to the Shoppers, located at 22599 MacArthur Blvd, California, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed that John Patrick Furey, 42 of Leonardtown, stole approximately $530.00 worth of goods. Furey was found to have one active warrant through...
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No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Strikes Building in California

No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Strikes Building in California

On Monday, January 8, 2024, at approximately 4:22 p.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to the Indian Bridge Kennels & Suites located at 21325 Indian Bridge Road in California, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a structure. Crews arrived on the scene to find a pickup truck struck a bush, fence and...
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Firefighters Respond to House Fire in Helen

Firefighters Respond to House Fire in Helen

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at approximately 9:08 p.m., firefighters from Mechanicsville and Leonardtown responded to 29720 Point Lookout Road in Helen, for a Reduced Structure Fire Assignment for a smoking outlet inside the residence. Chief 2, Chief 2A, Chief 2B, Engine 23, Tanker 2, Tanker 24, and Rescue Squad 2 responded with 23...
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Thomas Johnson Bridge OPEN with Restrictions

Thomas Johnson Bridge OPEN with Restrictions

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration has implemented the following restrictions for the Thomas Johnson Bridge due to sustained winds in excess of 40 mph: House trailers, empty box trucks, empty tractor trailers, and empty oversized vehicles are prohibited from crossing the bridge at this time. The speed limit on the bridge...
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Governor Moore Declares First State of Preparedness Ahead of Dangerous Winter Weather System

Governor Moore Declares First State of Preparedness Ahead of Dangerous Winter Weather System

Governor Wes Moore this morning signed the State’s first State of Preparedness declaration ahead of a potentially hazardous winter weather system that is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding to areas of Maryland. According to the National Weather Service, the significant weather system is expected to impact the region this afternoon, bringing multiple...
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Two Residents Escape Injury After Smoke Alarms Alert Them to Fire

Two Residents Escape Injury After Smoke Alarms Alert Them to Fire

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at approximately 2.50 a.m., firefighters from Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Second District and Leonardtown responded to the 45000 block of Edge Mill Court in Lexington Park, for the reported structure fire. Dispatchers advised they received an alert from an alarm company for a residential smoke alarm sounding, then...
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Calvert County Public Schools Closing 2-Hours Early, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Due to Weather

Calvert County Public Schools Closing 2-Hours Early, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Due to Weather

Inclement Weather Notice – All Calvert County Public Schools will close two hours early and all after school and evening activities are cancelled on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Two-Hour Early Dismissal Schools closed two hours early. 10- and 11-month employees will be released 2 hours before their regularly scheduled end time of their contractual...
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House Fire in Valley Lee Believed to Be Accidental Due to Improperly Discard Smoking Materials

House Fire in Valley Lee Believed to Be Accidental Due to Improperly Discard Smoking Materials

On Monday, January 8, 2024, at approximately 2:50 p.m., firefighters from Second District, Bay District, NAS Patuxent River, Leonardtown and Hollywood responded to the 46000 block of Drayden Road in Valley Lee, for the reported house on fire. Dispatchers advised they received multiple 911 callers reporting the house was on fire. Crews arrived on...
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St. Mary’s County Public Schools Dismissing Early Due to Weather on Tues, January 9, 2024

St. Mary’s County Public Schools Dismissing Early Due to Weather on Tues, January 9, 2024

St. Mary’s County Public Schools has announced that due to forecasted heavy rains, deteriorating road conditions, and heavy winds, All St. Mary’s County Public Schools will dismiss 2 hours early on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Additionally, All SMCPS evening activities will be canceled on January 9. Stay safe. Check out the most recent forecast...
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Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Fire in Leonardtown Residence, No Injuries Reported

Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Fire in Leonardtown Residence, No Injuries Reported

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, at approximately 1:26 p.m., 49 volunteer firefighters from Leonardtown, Hollywood, Seventh District, Second District, Mechanicsville and Bay District responded to the 21000 block of Lake Circle in Leonardtown, for the reported structure fire. The homeowner called 911 reporting the bedroom was filled with smoke. Crews arrived on the scene...
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Firebaugh Charged with Arson After Intentionally Setting Fire in Mechanicsville Residence

Firebaugh Charged with Arson After Intentionally Setting Fire in Mechanicsville Residence

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Deputy State Fire Marshal Valles responded to assist firefighters and the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Deputies at a structure fire located in the 40000 block of Duke Road in Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County. DFM Valles spoke with the incident commander from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department who advised that a...
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Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Mechanicsville

Police Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Mechanicsville

On Sunday, January 7, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., police, fire and rescue personnel responded to the area of 26725 North Sandgates Road in Mechanicsville, for the motor vehicle collision reported serious with one overturned with the occupant possibly deceased. 911 callers reported a single vehicle off the roadway, overturned into woods. Crews arrived...
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UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Mourns Loss of Icon Joseph “Bubby” Knott, age 77

UPDATE: St. Mary’s County Mourns Loss of Icon Joseph “Bubby” Knott, age 77

UPDATE 1/6/2024: Lifelong resident, Joseph Duane (Bubby) Knott, 77 passed away at Medstar SMH in Leonardtown, Maryland with his beloved family by his side. Bubby was born on September 1, 1946 in Leonardtown, Maryland to Joseph Irving Knott and Hazel Theresa Knott (Dyson). He was one of nine children. His parents owned and ran...
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