A detached garage was destroyed by fire Friday night in La Plata, causing an estimated $70,000 in damage. On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 8:45 p.m., firefighters responded to 10480 La Plata Road for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a 40-by-30-foot detached garage fully engulfed in flames and already collapsed....
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Catherine Mary Littlejohn, 52, of La Plata, has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct following an alleged confrontation with a customer inside the Wawa on Crain Highway in La Plata on July 17, 2026. An officer with the La Plata Police Department was dispatched to the store at approximately 6:58...
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On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 4:23 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 9300 block of West & W Industrial Road in La Plata, for the reported rescue incident with a subject trapped. The 911 caller was Spanish speaking and first advised a crane fell on a subject causing...
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Patrick Wayne Wood, 24, of Chaptico, faces charges of second-degree burglary, theft of property valued from $1,500 to less than $25,000, malicious destruction of property valued at less than $1,000, three counts of possessing a controlled substance other than cannabis and two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia in connection with a Mechanicsville archery shop...
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The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Emerging Leaders Program (LEAP) graduated its fifth class last month at the Jameson-Harrison American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, Md. The 30-member Southern Maryland cohort completed a 6-month community leadership development program featuring monthly, full-day hands-on learning experiences that challenged participants to grow as communicators, collaborators, and community leaders....
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The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office released the following information this afternoon. Well… this isn’t the kind of fugitive we expected today! Bonnie, a 6-foot-tall, approximately 200-pound emu, has decided she’d rather explore northern Calvert County than stay home. She has recently been spotted in the Owings and Chesapeake Beach areas. If you happen to...
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Damian Michael Sisler, 29, of California, faces eight misdemeanor charges tied to alleged thefts at a Lexington Park grocery store and the discovery of suspected crack cocaine during a separate police encounter. The charges include three counts of theft under $100, two counts of theft valued from $100 to less than $1,500, one count...
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Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised of noise-generating testing events scheduled to take place July 27 –July 31, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 7 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 on...
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Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at your Sheriff’s Office? The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2026 Citizens Police Academy, an immersive eight-week program that gives residents an inside look at modern law enforcement through hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations, and direct engagement with the...
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The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is proud to announce that two of its innovative public health initiatives have been recognized with the 2026 Promising Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). NACCHO, the national organization representing over 3,000 local health departments across the country, recognizes innovative programs that...
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The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) are pleased to announce the appointment of Glenn Mains as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO), leading the County’s Information Technology Department. Mr. Mains brings more than 30 years of information technology experience, including over two decades of executive leadership in local government, with expertise spanning enterprise...
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State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced that the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office has been awarded a $72,488 Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG) to combat violent crimes involving the use of firearms. In her first year as State’s Attorney, Sterling quickly embraced emerging advancements in digital evidence by utilizing the grant funding to create...
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Mark was a dedicated public servant who devoted more than 35 years of service to the community through both the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit and the La Plata Police Department. His unwavering commitment, professionalism, and compassion made a significant impact on countless lives. Mark’s legacy of service will be remembered. Funeral arrangements...
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College of Southern Maryland (CSM) graduate Ria Robinson completed her associate degree in just one year and is on her way towards a career dedicated to supporting veterans. Robinson served in the United States Navy for more than six years, earning the rank of E-5 Petty Officer Second Class. Through the Credit for Prior...
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On Thursday, July 23, 2026, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull a vehicle over for excessive speed and crossing the center line. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed before travelling onto Morganza Turner Road. A short time later, the suspect vehicle struck a utility pole in...
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Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Briscoe, this story has ties to Lexington Park, Maryland, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy. “I have many family members who have served in the military and helped explain the benefits and opportunities...
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Sara Ann Elizabeth Hairston, 37, of Lusby, was charged with misdemeanor trespassing on private property after authorities said she refused to leave Buckets Sports Bar following a reported disturbance on July 15, 2026. A deputy with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the business on Rousby Hall Road in Lusby for a report...
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The SkillsUSA Maryland student delegation received 13 medals during the recent 62nd Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta. A team of 165 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students showcased their skills in 92 competitions against more than 6,800 other students. Overall, 76 Maryland students placed in the top 10 nationally. Students...
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On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at approximately 1:53 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Crain Highway and Holly Tree Lane in Waldorf, for the reported motor vehicle collision with one overturned. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a two vehicle collision with one vehicle on its side,...
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Heather Lynn Tingler, 42, of Baltimore, has been charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance other than cannabis and a second misdemeanor involving Suboxone without a valid prescription following a July 6, 2026, traffic stop in Huntingtown. Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:13 p.m. after receiving a report of...
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On Thursday, June 18th, 2026, an audience of 150+ attended the TPP Drone Symposium: Evolving Warfare: Rise of the Drones. It took place at the SMART Building, USMSM, with dynamic panels and speakers, including VADM Jeffrey Hughes, former Deputy Chief of Staff Capability Development, Headquarters, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, and a host of subject...
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The Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will host its Annual Summer Beach Party on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 19330 Piney Point Road in Valley Lee. The family-friendly event will feature food, games, prizes, a water slide and other activities. Admission is free, with food available...
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St. Mary’s County Public Schools is pleased to announce that the 2026-2027 Open House Schedule is now available for online viewing at www.smcps.org/bts. The first day of school for students is on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, with the exception of Chesapeake Charter School, which begins on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. As we prepare for...
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UPDATE 7/22/2026: Maryland Department of Health confirms two measles cases in residents following recent out-of-state travel – Health officials are working to notify people who may have come into contact with the individuals The Maryland Department of Health confirmed today that two cases of measles have been identified in residents of Southern Maryland. These...
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The Maryland Department of Transportation and Maryland State Police continue to urge motorists to Slow the Fast Down and drive safely during the summer travel season and follow these important safety reminders: Obey posted speed limits and slow down, especially in work zones. Move over for any vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down...
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