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St. Mary’s County Health Department Selected for National Initiative to Modernize Local Public Health Data Systems

St. Mary’s County Health Department Selected for National Initiative to Modernize Local Public Health Data Systems

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has been selected to participate in the CDC Foundation’s Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI), a national program designed to strengthen public health data and technology systems at the local level. Through this initiative, SMCHD will receive additional technology and data expertise to improve how the department manages and...
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14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

14 Charles County Teachers Earn National Board Certification

Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers recently earned National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The 14 educators who earned the designation have shown they are effective and accomplished teachers. The following CCPS teachers achieved National Board Certification in December 2025. Teachers are listed by certification area, position...
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Greenbelt Man Hopes to Put $50,000 Lottery Prize to Good Use

Greenbelt Man Hopes to Put $50,000 Lottery Prize to Good Use

A longtime Maryland Lottery player from Greenbelt is celebrating a big win after scratching his way to a $50,000 prize. The winner visited Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore on March 3 to claim his prize and share the story behind his win. The winner has been playing Lottery games for about 10 years and...
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University of Maryland Medical System Opening New Urgent Care Location in La Plata

University of Maryland Medical System Opening New Urgent Care Location in La Plata

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is opening a new University of Maryland Urgent Care location in Charles County on Monday. UM Urgent Care at La Plata, located in the Potomac Shopping Center off southbound Route 301, across the street from Applebee’s and Safeway, is scheduled to open March 9th, 2026. The center...
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UPDATE: Four MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection to Murder of Missing 14-Year-Old Who Was Found Dead in Prince George’s County

UPDATE: Four MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection to Murder of Missing 14-Year-Old Who Was Found Dead in Prince George’s County

UPDATE 3/8/2026: Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson has announced that Jose Merlos-Majano, Alan Josai Garcia-Padilla, William Cuellar Gutierrez, and a 17-year-old have been indicted on charges including first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and participation in a criminal organization in connection with the death of 14-year-old...
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2-Year-Old Female Flown to Children’s Center After Being Run Over by Church Van in Great Mills

2-Year-Old Female Flown to Children’s Center After Being Run Over by Church Van in Great Mills

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Living Hope First United Pentecostal Church located on Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. 911 callers reported a 4-year-old female was run over by a church van...
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White Plains Man Arrested, 9-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After High Speed Pursuit Ends in 100 MPH Crash

White Plains Man Arrested, 9-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After High Speed Pursuit Ends in 100 MPH Crash

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m., police attempted to pull over a white Mercedes-Benz C43 sedan for a traffic violation on Middletown Road at Ethridge Drive in Waldorf. When the deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, the suspect vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed, with the deputy...
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The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

The bees knees! Middle School Students Compete in 48th Annual Charles County Spelling Bee

Knees were bouncing with anxious jitters and hearts were racing as students waited for their turn to approach the microphone in the middle of Piccowaxen Middle School’s gym Wednesday evening for the 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee. The top spellers from eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle schools were represented by a team...
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2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

2025-2026 School System Operational Calendar Adjustments for St. Mary’s County

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the 2025-2026 operating calendar adjustments made by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 4, 2026, as follows: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) will be a school day due to an inclement weather make-up day The calendar for the Chesapeake Public Charter School...
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Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

Secretary’s Message: Potomac River Update – March 2026

On January 19,  a break in a 72-inch sewer main known as the Potomac Interceptor caused an overflow into the Potomac River. The release of sewage from aging federal infrastructure was an emergency and people were understandably worried about both short-term and long-term effects. Maryland state and local authorities immediately closed off areas that...
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St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award

The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 Bubby Knott Philanthropist of the Year Award and the 2026 Bubby Knott Non-Profit of the Year Award, recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the community. Both awards will be presented during the Chamber’s annual gala scheduled for May 14, 2026....
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Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Drive-Thru Car Wash and Sweet Treats to Support Our Firefighters!

A drive-thru car wash fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 8, beginning at 12 p.m., to 2:00 p.m., at 28165 Hills Club Road in Mechanicsville. The event is donation-only, with no set price, allowing visitors to give what they can while supporting local volunteers. Each vehicle will receive a full hand wash, with...
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UPDATE: Bodycam in Fatal Charles County Officer Involved Shooting is Released

UPDATE: Bodycam in Fatal Charles County Officer Involved Shooting is Released

Warning: This video contains violent and graphic material that may be disturbing and is not suitable for all viewers. Please proceed with caution. UPDATE 3/8/2026: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has released the body-worn camera footage from the fatal police-involved shooting involving the Charles County Sheriff’s...
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No Injuries and Minimal Damage After Early Morning Kitchen Fire at Rucci’s in Leonardtown

No Injuries and Minimal Damage After Early Morning Kitchen Fire at Rucci’s in Leonardtown

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at approximately 1:43 a.m., police responded to the Rucci’s located at 22685 Washington Street in Leonardtown, for the automated motion detection alarm. Deputies arrived on the scene at 2:09 a.m., to find nothing evident and waited for a keyholder to arrive on the scene to access the interior of...
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Waldorf Man Charged After Police Say He Shot Himself in Groin With Illegal Handgun

Waldorf Man Charged After Police Say He Shot Himself in Groin With Illegal Handgun

Erick Nicohlas Gage, 26, of Waldorf, is facing multiple firearm and ammunition charges after investigators say he illegally possessed a handgun and later admitted the weapon discharged while inside his clothing during a New Year’s Day incident. According to court documents filed in the District Court for Charles County, Gage is charged with illegal...
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Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Tickets for Tails: Blue Crabs Launch Ticket Campaign to Support Humane Society of Charles County

Ahead of their single game tickets going on sale on March 6th, The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced today a special community partnership with the Humane Society of Charles County to support the non-profit animal shelter, who is facing potential closure due to financial issues. The Humane Society of Charles County, which has served...
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Woman Transported to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Waldorf, Police Make Quick Arrest

Woman Transported to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Waldorf, Police Make Quick Arrest

On Friday, March 6, 2026, at approximately 2:40 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Hampton Inn Waldorf, for the reported stabbing. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 48-year-old female suffering from a serious laceration to the thigh, and applied two tourniquets to the victim. EMS transported the victim...
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Lexington Park Man Charged After Allegedly Exposing Himself to Cleaning Crew in His Home

Lexington Park Man Charged After Allegedly Exposing Himself to Cleaning Crew in His Home

Matthew John Julian, 49, of Lexington Park, is facing three charges of indecent exposure after investigators say he exposed himself and masturbated in front of three women hired to clean his home in February 2026, according to court documents. The charges stem from an incident reported on February 16, 2026, at his home in...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Rollover Collision in Chaptico

One Flown to Trauma Center After Rollover Collision in Chaptico

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, at approximately 3:03 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Manor Road and Knotts Farm Lane in Chaptico, for the serious motor vehicle collision. Crews arrived on the scene to find a single vehicle overturned with citizens having removed the single trapped occupant. EMS...
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Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

Maryland Health Officials Provide Update on Recreational Water Advisories for Counties Impacted by Potomac Interceptor Spill

RELEASE: Effective immediately, Charles and Prince George’s counties will lift the recreational water advisories in effect from late January. Montgomery County’s advisory will remain in effect until further notice. There continues to be no recreational water advisory necessary for the Potomac River in St. Mary’s County. Working in close coordination with local health officials,...
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Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit Proudly Announces Partnership with 30X30 Fundraising

Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit Proudly Announces Partnership with 30X30 Fundraising

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit is proud to announce a new partnership with 30×30 Fundraising to provide continuous nonprofit support for the department’s K9 equipment purchasing. Through this collaboration, 30X30 Fundraising will assist in securing resources to help acquire essential K9 equipment, protective gear, training, continuing education, program upgrades, and advanced technology....
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Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening in Waldorf, Maryland on March 11th, 2026

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opening in Waldorf, Maryland on March 11th, 2026

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is bringing more of its authentic New England-style lobster rolls to the Old Line State with its first store in Waldorf. The new Waldorf location will open its doors on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 with a grand opening celebration starting at 11:00 a.m. To celebrate, guests can enter to win FREE LOBSTER ROLLS for...
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Colonoscopy Confusion May Be Driving Missed Cancer Screenings, Says New Survey From MedStar Health

Colonoscopy Confusion May Be Driving Missed Cancer Screenings, Says New Survey From MedStar Health

More than 75% of Americans are unsure when or how often to get a colonoscopy. That’s according to new survey results just released by MedStar Health. One thousand U.S. adults participated in the national survey, which revealed colorectal cancer misconceptions: More than 36% of those eligible say they’ve skipped colorectal screening. Doctors recommend starting...
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Jimmy Richardson, 59

Jimmy Richardson, 59

James “Jimmy” Richardson, born October 10, 1966, and a lifelong resident of Mechanicsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer for over six years. He passed at the young age of 59. A loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, James shared...
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Two North Beach Residents Arrested After Mailing Methamphetamine to Calvert County

Two North Beach Residents Arrested After Mailing Methamphetamine to Calvert County

Tyson Wayne Black, 37, and Julia Lynn Bennett, 31, both of North Beach, were arrested on March 3, 2026, and charged in connection with an alleged drug distribution investigation conducted by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, according to court documents. Black is charged with CDS: Import Into State, conspiracy to import into the state,...
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