Michael Reid Journalist Profile

Articles

Session ends with opposing views on budget

2 weeks ago | somdnews.com | Marty Madden |Michael Reid |Matt Wynn

Is it relief or just more discomfort for Maryland’s taxpayers? It may take awhile for the impact of the state government’s fiscal 2026 budget and the ramifications of legislation passed by the Democratic majority during the 2025 session to be realized. The latest 90-day General Assembly session ended Monday. At least three Southern Maryland lawmakers believe the senators and delegates will be coming back for a followup session later this year.
Southern Maryland's leaders react to Moore budget cuts

Jan 17, 2025 | somdnews.com | Matt Wynn |Michael Reid |Marty Madden

Amidst a fiscal crisis, Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced his plan to cut $2 billion in spending to help address a $3 billion deficit faced by state government. Despite the cuts, there are some benefits to Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties. About $1 million is being allocated to continue studies of the Maryland Route 4 at the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge connecting St. Mary’s and Calvert counties.
Couple arrested for animal cruelty involving three dozen dogs

Jan 16, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid

Two people have been charged with animal cruelty after authorities removed 36 dogs from a home in Charlotte Hall Wednesday. The dogs were discovered living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions, and many of the dogs appeared malnourished, underweight and lacking medical care. “Our primary focus is ensuring these animals receive the care they need,” St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services Director Jen Utz said in a release.
Snow removal, housing, YMCA among topics voiced at St. Mary's session

Jan 15, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid

The recent snowstorm, housing, an eyesore and a "thank you" for the future YMCA were all brought up an open forum with the St. Mary’s commissioners Tuesday night in Leonardtown. Commissioners Eric Colvin (R) and Mike Alderson Jr. (R) were not in attendance at the public comment session, which featured six speakers. Terri Doughty of Lexington Park voiced her concerns over the unplowed sidewalks on Great Mills and Pegg roads.
Legislative bills head to Annapolis

Jan 15, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid

The 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly kicked off last week, which prompted St. Mary's County Deputy County Attorney John Houser to take the dais during the Jan. 14 commissioners' meeting for the first of what will be weekly legislative updates on the goings-on in Annapolis. Maryland has 47 districts represented by 47 senators and 141 delegates. Houser said a total of about 650 bills have been filed to this point, only a week into the session.
St. Mary's board tackles housing voucher woes

Jan 14, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid

After a Jan. 7 meeting was snowed under, the St. Mary’s County commissioners returned to work Tuesday and cleared a path through an agenda highlighted by housing and the arts. Commissioners Eric Colvin (R) and Scott Ostrow (R) were not present at the Jan. 14 meeting. The remaining commissioners signed an environmental assessment for the Villas at Lexwoods Low-Income Housing Project to enable the receipt of Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers (PVBs).
St. Mary's school board mulls new, deleted courses

Jan 14, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid

Emerging technology and the need to adapt to it is playing a role in how students are being taught, as outlined during a presentation Jan. 9 on proposed revisions to the high school program of studies.
Artists' exhibit honors Historic Sotterley

Jan 14, 2025 | stardem.com | Michael Reid

An exhibit at the Leonardtown library is helping to tell the story of Historic Sotterley. “Moments in Time” features the works of watercolor painter Pamela Callen, photographer Damien Wilkinson and multi-disciplinary Joi Lowe. “I want people to know who Sotterley is, what it is and I just want them to get a glimpse of the history because I don’t want that to be erased,” said Lowe, who helped set up the exhibit.
The official arts agency

Jan 14, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid

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Schools close for three days; chance of more snow Saturday morning

Jan 9, 2025 | somdnews.com | Michael Reid |Jesse Yeatman

While by no means a “historic” snow fall as totals go, Monday’s snowstorm that dumped up to 10 inches in some parts of Southern Maryland disrupted the region, closing schools for three days. With little to no measurable snow the last couple years, the half-foot plus of snow took several days to clear in some areas as temperatures stayed at or below freezing. The continued cold for the next few days, at least, meant that the snow that fell wasn’t going anywhere on its own.