Monthly Archives: September 2024

Traffic Safety: A Comprehensive Five-Year Crash Data Analysis – Part 1, Calvert County

Traffic Safety: A Comprehensive Five-Year Crash Data Analysis – Part 1, Calvert County

As Calvert County grows and develops, traffic safety remains a significant concern for residents, law enforcement, and policymakers. Understanding vehicle crash patterns and causes is essential to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Recent data from the Maryland Department of Transportation provides a detailed overview of crash trends from 2019 to 2023, offering valuable...
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Police Arrest Middle School Teacher with Stolen Handgun in Charles County After DUI

Police Arrest Middle School Teacher with Stolen Handgun in Charles County After DUI

On August 31, 2024, Dhonte Jamar Ford, 30, of Indian Head, was arrested following a traffic stop on Crain Highway in Waldorf. According to court documents ,at approximately 2:17 AM, Deputy Gordon was patrolling the area of Crain Highway when he observed a red Nissan Altima driving southbound without the required lights on. The...
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U.S. Navy Awards $24 Million Contract to BAE Systems for Redesign of AN/UPX-50 Assemblies

U.S. Navy Awards $24 Million Contract to BAE Systems for Redesign of AN/UPX-50 Assemblies

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, MD: The U.S. Navy awarded a $24 million contract to BAE Systems for the continued redesign of the AN/UPX-50(C) digital interrogator assemblies. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract is a modification to a previously issued basic ordering agreement to address parts obsolescence and implement solutions to achieve compliance with the latest...
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Leonardtown Native Ruthie Hornbuckle Serves The U.S. Navy Osprey Squadron

Leonardtown Native Ruthie Hornbuckle Serves The U.S. Navy Osprey Squadron

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach: Lieutenant Ruthie Hornbuckle, a native of Leonardtown, Maryland, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM-50). Hornbuckle graduated from Leonardtown High School in 2015. Hornbuckle graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019 with a degree in operations research. Hornbuckle joined the Navy...
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St Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Life Member Daniel Baker Jr.

St Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Regrets to Announce Passing of Life Member Daniel Baker Jr.

It is with great sadness that the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Past Chief, Past President, and Life Member, Daniel “D.O.” O. Baker Jr. D.O. joined our department in 1987, bringing invaluable knowledge that helped our newly opened station hit the ground running. His insistence on training led us to...
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16-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After Dirt Bike Crash in Lexington Park

16-Year-Old Transported to Hospital After Dirt Bike Crash in Lexington Park

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 47000 block of Silver Slate Drive in Lexington Park, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. Crews arrived on the scene to find a 16-year-old male laying in a driveway after crashing a dirt...
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Hughesville Man Arrested After Breaking Police Officer’s Jaw at Waldorf McDonald’s

Hughesville Man Arrested After Breaking Police Officer’s Jaw at Waldorf McDonald’s

Jordan Christopher Williams, 21, of Hughesville, was arrested on August 30, 2024, following a disturbance at a McDonald’s located on Mall Circle in Waldorf, Charles County. According to court documents, Williams faces multiple charges, including assault, resisting arrest, and failing to obey a lawful order. Officers responded to a call about a disturbance at...
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La Plata Man Arrested After Breaking and Entering at Steeple Chase Community Center

La Plata Man Arrested After Breaking and Entering at Steeple Chase Community Center

On August 31, 2024, Patrick Lionel Adams, Jr., 30, of La Plata, was arrested and charged with burglary and trespassing after an incident at the Steeple Chase Community Building in La Plata. According to court documents, Officer J. Shaur of the La Plata Police Department was dispatched to the Steeple Chase Recreational Center around...
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James F. Vergura, Sr., age 85,

James F. Vergura, Sr., age 85,

James F. Vergura, Sr., age 85, died on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Calvert Hospital in Prince Frederick, MD, surrounded by his loving family. James was born on October 25, 1938 in Elizabeth, NJ, son of the late Louis and Mary (Doran) Vergura. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years; retiring...
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Loretta (Lori) Hipsley Yestramski

Loretta (Lori) Hipsley Yestramski

Loretta (Lori) Hipsley Yestramski died peacefully in her sleep on August 25, 2024. Lori was born on January 20, 1958, and she was the only daughter and middle child of Sylvia and John Hipsley. She is survived by two brothers, Bruce Bobick of Florida and Paul Hipsley of Australia; six children, Michael, Patty (Kenny),...
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Ryan McDowell Paxton

Ryan McDowell Paxton

Ryan McDowell Paxton was born at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital on October 22, 1983 and was transferred to Georgetown University Hospital. Ryan passed away at his home of 33 years on August 24, 2024 with his mother by his side. Ryan is survived by his mother Cathy, brother Corey, and sister Mandy. He is...
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Nancy Lynne Caplinger

Nancy Lynne Caplinger

Nancy Lynne Caplinger, of Lusby, MD, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital August 24, 2024 with her devoted husband and other family by her side. She was 61.  She is survived by her husband (Kenneth DeHenzel), her father (Brahm Muller) and many other family members.   Lynne was born in Norfolk, Va and grew up...
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James Blackwell Talbott, Jr., 74,

James Blackwell Talbott, Jr., 74,

James Blackwell Talbott, Jr., 74, of Lothian passed away on August 22, 2024 at home surrounded by family. He was born February 21, 1950 in Lothian, MD to Lillian and James Blackwell Talbott, Sr. Jim graduated from Southern High School, Class of 1968. In 1969, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an...
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LCDR Troy Michael Johnson, USN (Ret.), 61,

LCDR Troy Michael Johnson, USN (Ret.), 61,

LCDR Troy Michael Johnson, USN (Ret.), 61, of Mechanicsville, MD passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024 at his home with his wife and three daughters surrounding him with love. He was born on May 1, 1963 in San Bernardino, CA to the late Raymond Johnson and Sharron Brown Johnson of Sauk Centre, MN....
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Gaye Frances Dugan, 72,

Gaye Frances Dugan, 72,

Gaye Frances Dugan, 72 of Leonardtown, MD passed away peacefully at home August 23, 2024 surrounded by her family.  She was born February 14, 1952 in El Paso, Texas to the late E. Tracy Smith and Charles Robert Lee.  She grew up in a military household and lived throughout the US.  She cherished spending...
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Barbara Ann Quade, 78,

Barbara Ann Quade, 78,

Barbara Ann Quade, 78, of Hollywood, MD passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024 at her home with her loving family at his side. She was born on November 21, 1945 in Maddox, MD to the late Lewis Benjamin Quade and May Kathleen Unkle Quade. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family. Her love...
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Robert “Bob” Allen Padgett, Sr., 79,

Robert “Bob” Allen Padgett, Sr., 79,

Robert “Bob” Allen Padgett, Sr., 79, of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away on August 21, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Bob was born on June 8, 1945, to Lawrence and Margaret Padgett in Maryland. Bob proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years, he was honorably discharged in 1967. He later worked...
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Join us for the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Fall Carnival!

Join us for the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Fall Carnival!

Mark your calendars for a fantastic family event! The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department is thrilled to host our annual Fall Carnival from September 13th to 15th, 2024. This exciting event is perfect for families and children, featuring a variety of rides, games, delicious food, and great prizes! Event Details: Dates & Times: – Friday,...
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No Injuries Reported After House Fire in Clements, Cause Remains Under Investigation

No Injuries Reported After House Fire in Clements, Cause Remains Under Investigation

On Monday, September 2, 2024, at approximately 7:18 p.m., firefighters from Seventh District, Leonardtown, Hollywood, Hughesville, and Mechanicsville responded to the 24000 block of Long Road in Clements, for the reported residential structure fire. Dispatchers advised the first 911 call was the home owner/resident reporting smoke coming from the residence with all occupants being...
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The Alarming Rise of Roadway Deaths in Southern Maryland

The Alarming Rise of Roadway Deaths in Southern Maryland

As we move through 2024, Southern Maryland is facing a troubling increase in deadly accidents on our roads. This past Labor Day weekend, instead of being a time for family and fun, sadly added to the growing number of fatalities. Multiple people died in crashes over the holiday, showing how important it is to...
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SMECO Helps Stock Food Bank

SMECO Helps Stock Food Bank

SMECO recently helped fight hunger in the region by supporting the Southern Maryland Food Bank. Through donations of food and cash by its employees, the cooperative was able to stock the charity’s shelves with more than 3,100 pounds of food. The donations will enable the food bank to feed more than 140 families. The...
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Supporting Our Community Together

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Supporting Our Community Together

September marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the complexities of suicide and promoting resources for prevention. Suicide is a significant public health issue, affecting individuals and communities across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 11th leading cause of...
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Get Ready for the 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair!

Get Ready for the 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair!

The much anticipated 77th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair is just around the corner, taking place from September 19th to 22nd, 2024, at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown, Maryland. This event, steeped in tradition and community spirit, is a celebration of our rural heritage and the vibrant culture of Southern Maryland. Whether...
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9-Year-Old Flown to Children’s Center After A Reported Tree Cutting Accident in Mechanicsville

9-Year-Old Flown to Children’s Center After A Reported Tree Cutting Accident in Mechanicsville

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at approximately 2:43 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 29000 block of Oak Road in Mechanicsville, for the reported long fall. Dispatchers advised all responding units the 911 caller reported a 9-year-old male was helping his father cut down a tree when a “branch came...
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Police Investigating Serious Motor Vehicle Collision in Prince Frederick That Injures Three

Police Investigating Serious Motor Vehicle Collision in Prince Frederick That Injures Three

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 10:34 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Hallowing Point Road and Adelina Road in Prince Frederick, for a motor vehicle collision with injuries. Shortly after dispatch, all responding personnel were advised by dispatchers that multiple 911 callers were now reporting this as...
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