Good News

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Invites Community Input on Proposed California Sports Complex at Public Meeting

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Invites Community Input on Proposed California Sports Complex at Public Meeting

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) will host a public meeting to gather resident input on a proposed Sports Complex, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the CSMC meeting room, located on the 1st floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. In February...
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CSM Celebrates Its 2025 Health Career Readiness Graduates

CSM Celebrates Its 2025 Health Career Readiness Graduates

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students who have chosen to pursue careers in health care were lauded and celebrated Jan. 16 during the college’s Health Career Readiness Recognition in La Plata. Ninety-six students were recognized for completing programs to become certified nursing assistants, geriatric nursing assistants, dental assistants, phlebotomy technicians, certified clinical medical assistants,...
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Charles County Duo Dance with Joy after $100,000 Scratch-off Win

Charles County Duo Dance with Joy after $100,000 Scratch-off Win

Earlier this week, Lottery officials met a husband and wife team who turned $10 into $100,000. They spent $10 to play Mega Bucks, a scratch-off game that debuted in November, and three days later discovered that they had a top-prize winner. The Charles County pair, one an office worker and the other a delivery...
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50 CSM Students Receive Nursing Pins for Completing Degrees  ‘With Hands to Care and Hearts to Serve’

50 CSM Students Receive Nursing Pins for Completing Degrees  ‘With Hands to Care and Hearts to Serve’

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated 50 nursing graduates at the La Plata Campus last week with a time-honored pinning ceremony that allows CSM faculty to welcome their students as peers and colleagues in the field of nuring. “Success in nursing school is not an accident or gift, it’s hard work, perseverance, hours upon...
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Governor Moore Signs Proclamation to Enshrine Reproductive Freedom in Maryland’s Constitution

Governor Moore Signs Proclamation to Enshrine Reproductive Freedom in Maryland’s Constitution

Governor Wes Moore signed a proclamation officially enshrining into Maryland’s constitution “an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” The constitutional amendment—sponsored by House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson—passed by over three-quarters of Maryland voters on Election Day 2024, provides the highest level of protection of abortion rights. The Governor was...
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Bubby’s Christmas Farewell Brings in Over $320,000, Knott Family Donates All to Our Schools, Organizations and Volunteer Fire Departments

Bubby’s Christmas Farewell Brings in Over $320,000, Knott Family Donates All to Our Schools, Organizations and Volunteer Fire Departments

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Knott family hosted a check presentation for our local nonprofits, organizations and three of our communities completely volunteer Fire/EMS departments. “Thanks to your generosity and the Knott Family’s incredible donation, we’re proud to announce the distribution of funds to these amazing local nonprofits! Each organization plays a vital...
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A Wonderful Addition to Leonardtown Square: Meow Dyer Cat Cafe!

A Wonderful Addition to Leonardtown Square: Meow Dyer Cat Cafe!

Join them for their grand opening celebration from January 10th to 12th, with doors open daily from 12 PM to 7 PM. Owner Shannon Myles Obedoza has partnered with Feral Cat Rescue to create a cozy, welcoming space where rescue cats can thrive while waiting for their forever homes. The cafe offers a calm...
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Calvert County Man Claims Top Price in Bonus Match 5 Drawing

Calvert County Man Claims Top Price in Bonus Match 5 Drawing

A Southern Maryland resident who plays Lottery games every Friday for fun arrived at Lottery headquarters last week only days away from losing a $50,400 prize. The loyal player said he routinely allocates a small amount each week toward his favorite games and saves any winning tickets. That has been his routine for so...
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St. Mary’s Ryken High School Sophomore Skyler Graham Selected for Prestigious HOBY Leadership Seminar

St. Mary’s Ryken High School Sophomore Skyler Graham Selected for Prestigious HOBY Leadership Seminar

St. Mary’s Ryken High School (SMR) is proud to announce that sophomore Skyler Graham has been selected as this year’s representative for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar. Skyler expressed gratitude to the SMR School Counseling Team for the nomination, saying, “I am thrilled about this opportunity to obtain more leadership skills and...
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From the Yellow Farm House to the White House: A Journey of Conservation and Connection

From the Yellow Farm House to the White House: A Journey of Conservation and Connection

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, By Ranger Sarah Milbourne – Ranger Sarah Milbourne and “Mo,” one of Maryland’s bald eagles from the Scales & Tales program, visit the White House in 2023. Photo courtesy the White House. I can vividly remember the first time I saw a bald eagle in the wild. I was...
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Suttler Post Farms 6th Annual Holiday Open House Is A Record-Breaking Year!

Suttler Post Farms 6th Annual Holiday Open House Is A Record-Breaking Year!

The Suttler Post Farm held their 6th Annual Holiday Open House on December 14th and 15th, 2024. They are pleased to announce they welcomed over 2,700 visitors which brought in over $80,000 for the Hospice House of St. Mary’s, located in Callaway. All proceeds from the event go toward enhancing the hospice house in...
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“You Are My SON-Shine” 2025 Mother Son Dance Registration Now Open!

“You Are My SON-Shine” 2025 Mother Son Dance Registration Now Open!

Mark your calendars and polish your dancing shoes! St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is thrilled to announce that registration for the 2025 Mother Son Dance is now open. Open to boys ages 4 and up, this semi-formal dance is set for Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 7 p.m. –...
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CSM Freshman Sara Allwine Earns Spot on NJCAA D2 Third All-American Soccer Team

CSM Freshman Sara Allwine Earns Spot on NJCAA D2 Third All-American Soccer Team

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Freshman Sara Allwine, of St. Leonard, follows her debut season with CSM’s women’s soccer team by earning a spot on the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) D2 Third Team All-American list this December. In playing for CSM, Allwine scored 27 goals, made eight assists, was responsible for 62...
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Good Advice Leads Charles County Caregiver to Big Win!

Good Advice Leads Charles County Caregiver to Big Win!

A Southern Maryland caregiver gathered information from two important people in her life, using it to visit the specific Lottery retailer and pick the specific numbers that would produce a Keno windfall. Hats off to her for recognizing good advice when it was given to her, and despite rarely buying tickets, immediately following it...
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UPDATE: Bubby’s Legacy Lives On – $320K Raised Through Knott Family’s Generosity and Community Support

UPDATE: Bubby’s Legacy Lives On – $320K Raised Through Knott Family’s Generosity and Community Support

UPDATE: The spirit of giving reached new heights during “Bubby’s Christmas Farewell,” thanks to the incredible efforts and generosity of The Knott Family. The beloved local family not only led the fundraising effort, helping to collect an impressive $120,291.13 from the community, but also made an extraordinary donation of $200,000—well beyond their pledge to...
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Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Proudly Places New Engine in Service and Dedicates Apparatus to Charter Members

Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Proudly Places New Engine in Service and Dedicates Apparatus to Charter Members

On the morning of Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2024, at 10:13, Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Engine 71 was placed In-Service, ready to serve St. Mary’s County! The designation “Engine 71” has been taken out of retirement, and bestowed upon our newest engine as a dedication to our Charter Members. Two of our operational Charter...
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La Plata Police Ensure a Merry Christmas by Catching the Grinch

La Plata Police Ensure a Merry Christmas by Catching the Grinch

Officers reported that they took a mischievous man into custody who calls himself the Grinch. This Whoville troublemaker was up to no good, but don’t worry—he won’t be causing any more trouble this holiday season. With the Grinch behind bars, Santa Claus can deliver presents to all the boys and girls without any interruptions....
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VIDEO: Spreading Holiday Cheer: A Grateful Message from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office

VIDEO: Spreading Holiday Cheer: A Grateful Message from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office

This holiday season, the Southern Maryland News Net would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible community of St. Mary’s County and the dedicated men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. They put together a video featuring a few of the many voices of community leaders, businesses, and residents...
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$50,000 Powerball Win Changes Waldorf Woman’s Dinner Plans

$50,000 Powerball Win Changes Waldorf Woman’s Dinner Plans

A Charles County woman told Lottery officials a story that began with her sitting down at a restaurant to order dinner from a waiter and ended with her eating the food hours later at home. What interrupted her meal? Why, it was Powerball! It seems that discovering that one has won $50,000 can just...
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Happy Charles County Mom Gets Early Christmas with $50,000 Scratch-Off Win

Happy Charles County Mom Gets Early Christmas with $50,000 Scratch-Off Win

Southern Maryland player plans to use scratch-off prize to pay bills, enjoy the holidays A Southern Maryland woman sprang into action after discovering she was the first $50,000 top-prize winner on the new Cash to Go scratch-off. The loyal player said she was “moonwalking” with excitement after she discovered her big win. “I couldn’t...
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Calvert County Man’s Retirement Plan Gets $500,000 Lottery Boost!

Calvert County Man’s Retirement Plan Gets $500,000 Lottery Boost!

A commuter from Southern Maryland already has his calendar marked for retirement in the first half of 2025, but a $500,000 win on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off will make the transition to regular relaxation extra smooth. “It couldn’t happen at a better time,” the winner said on Dec. 16 after claiming his prize at...
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The Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums Receive $10,000 from Maryland Humanities, Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant Program 2024

The Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums Receive $10,000 from Maryland Humanities, Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant Program 2024

The Friends of St. Clement’s Island & Piney Point Museums, the non-profit organization that supports the historic sites overseen by St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division, was recently awarded $10,000 from Maryland Humanities through the Hatza Memorial SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) Grant Program for general operating funds. “We are...
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St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Athletics & Recreation Awarded 2025 NCAA/MOAA Division III Award for Diversity and Inclusion

St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Athletics & Recreation Awarded 2025 NCAA/MOAA Division III Award for Diversity and Inclusion

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Athletics & Recreation has been awarded the 2025 NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion, recognizing their outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within the athletics community. St. Mary’s College joins Division I Villanova University and Division II Southern Connecticut State...
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Secretary Haaland Establishes Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge to Conserve Vital Habitat and Support Recreation

Secretary Haaland Establishes Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge to Conserve Vital Habitat and Support Recreation

NANJEMOY, Md. — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams today joined partners and community members to celebrate the establishment of Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge as the 573rd and newest unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System. A newly acquired 31-acre parcel is the first of...
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Exciting New Openings in Southern Maryland!

Exciting New Openings in Southern Maryland!

Tia’s Cantina Southern Maryland’s newest Mexican-inspired dining destination has officially opened its doors! Located in the Wildewood Shopping Center (23415 Three Notch Road, Suite 2060, California, MD), Tia’s Cantina offers a vibrant atmosphere with authentic cuisine, freshly made margaritas, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive tequila selection. Experience the warmth of traditional Mexican hospitality starting...
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