WCTR News

Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff reports Andrew Wilkins is wanted for Failure to Comply on original charges of Unlawful Taking of a Motor vehicle, Theft $1,500 to under $25,000, Theft $100 to under $1,500, Stealing Another’s Credit Card, and Credit Card Charge of Another Person’s Card $100 to under $1,500.
He is 44 y/o, 5’10, 160lbs, and his last known address was on Fallen Horse Circle in Queenstown, MD.
If you have information related to his whereabouts please contact our office at Sheriff-Info@qac.org or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 410-758-6666. For time sensitive information please call 410-758-0770.

Maryland’s second case of the H5N1 bird flu has been detected at a poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Officials learned of the bird flu after conducting a routine sampling of the farm. The birds on the properties are being “depopulated” to prevent the spread of the disease and will not enter the food supply, according to the AG Department. Officials have detected the bird flu at four commercial poultry farms in the Delmarva region.

Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff says be aware of a Smishing Scam affecting our area. Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages posing as a road toll collection service, claiming you have an outstanding balance and are at risk of a late fee. If you click the link and complete the form, please immediately contact your financial institutions to secure your personal information and accounts, and dispute any unfamiliar charges.

In solidarity with the National People’s March being held in Washington on Saturday, Jan. 18, and in communities all over the country, a Chestertown March will be held from 1-2 p.m. on that day, beginning in Memorial Park on High Street in Chestertown. The walk will proceed to Queen Street and Wilmer Park, where short presentations will be take place. The Kent County News reports all are invited to participate in the national day of action.

The League of Women Voters of Kent County will host a public forum for the open First District council seat in Chestertown on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. in town hall. The Evening Enterprise reports candidates Shelia Austrian and Dawson Hunter will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and then answer questions from the audience. The forum will be recorded and can be viewed on the LWV website at lwvkcmd.org.

62 year old Harry Risdon Lister III of Grasonville, received a 10-year sentence with all but 27 days suspended for a second-degree assault conviction. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports a judge also ordered Lister to serve 30 months of supervised probation, undergo a mental health evaluation, complete any recommended treatment, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and avoid contact with the victim. Lister entered an Alford plea, maintaining his innocence while acknowledging prosecutors had enough evidence for a conviction.

A Chestertown man charged with multiple counts of malicious destruction of property stemming from a New Year’s Day window- and door-shattering spree on South Cross Street now has a preliminary hearing February 7th in Kent County District court. 32 year old Brandon Phillips is accused of damaging the front window at Empty Hangers consignment shop, the glass door and alarm system at Boyer’s Jewelers and the front window at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company, all in the 100-block of S. Cross Street. He also allegedly destroyed two flag poles at Sultana Education Foundation located at 200 S. Cross St.

A staff report from the Chestertown Town Manager to the Mayor and Town Council, originally proposed for the (postponed) January 2, 2025 town council meeting, will now be submitted to the town council at their January 13, 2025 meeting. According to the Chestertown Spy it defines past and current initiatives, and states that the town will provide weekly updates through its website

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff advising residents of a recent phone scam circulating in thecommunity where individuals impersonating Sheriff’s Deputies are extorting money from citizens. These scammers call from a spoofed number, making it appear to come from the sheriff’s office and falsely claim that recipients have warrants for their arrest, often citing missed court or federal jury duty. To avoid arrest, they demand immediate payment over the phone.
In some cases, scammers may also send emails that appear legitimate, further convincing victims by using official-looking logos and language.

Health education classes are being offered this year by the Rural Health Care Transformation initiative at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. Three classes will be offered in a series of sessions that begin this month, beginning with, “Don’t Worry, Be Healthy,” a five-session class beginning Jan. 13 that offers tips for infection prevention, fire and burn prevention, medication safety, diabetes prevention and fall prevention.