News Staff

Richard and Tara Wood, parents of a recent Washington College graduate, have made a substantial gift to the small liberal arts college on Maryland’s Eastern Shore that will fund endowed chairs in leadership and international business, as well as improvements to the College’s tennis and sailing initiatives.
The $4.5 million multi-year contribution aligns with Washington’s strategic priorities and will be divided into several initiatives with $2.5 million allocated to the creation of the Wood Director of Leadership.

A new poll finds solid support among Eastern Shore residents for offshore wind, with strong majorities convinced wind projects will benefit jobs, improve health conditions and support American energy independence.
The Chestertown Spy reports the poll was sponsored by Shore Progress, an Eastern Shore regional advocacy group, and conducted by Gonzales Research & Media Services, Inc., a respected polling firm based in Annapolis. The poll found that among Eastern Shore residents, 51% support building offshore wind farms off the coast of Maryland, while 37% say they would oppose them, with 12% giving no opinion.

Chestertown Police are investigating numerous vehicle break-ins that were reported over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Evening Enterprise reports areas that were victimized include Campus Avenue, Cannon Street, High Street, Calvert Street and Maple Avenue. CPD asks that any suspicious persons or situations be reported immediately to 410-778-1800 or 911.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a four-vehicle crash that occurred the evening of May 27, in Queen Anne’s County. At approximately 6:40 p.m., MDTA police officers assigned to the Bay Bridge Detachment responded to the westbound lanes of US-50, just before the westbound span of the Bay Bridge. Officers located a black Scion tC, a silver Jeep Wrangler, and a gold Honda Odyssey, which had been involved in the crash. The driver of the Scion suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command. Investigators believe a tractor-trailer was also involved and struck the Scion. The driver of the tractor-trailer did not stop at the scene and continued onto the westbound span of the Bay Bridg

On May 14, 2025, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy First Class (DFC) James Bradley, during his routine patrol, identified a vehicle with visible equipment violations. DFC Bradley initiated a traffic stop on Eastbound Rt. 50 & Outlet Center Drive in Queen Anne’s County. Upon stopping the vehicle, DFC Bradley identified the driver as William Hemsley. While conducting the traffic stop, DFC Bradley noticed controlled dangerous substances (CDS) in plain view inside the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and 24 capsules of suspected heroin and fentanyl, alongside various other CDS and paraphernalia was located.
Hemsley was arrested and charged accordingly with multiple drug offenses.

Kent Attainable Housing reached a signifiicant milestone this past Thursday with the successful setting of two modular homes on its Prospect Street properties. This key development moves the organization closer to delivering two new affordable homes for hardworking, local families. Final construction work will now begin, including utility hookups, interior ?nishes, landscaping, and inspections.

Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office recently took a fraud complaint via telephone. The victim advised earlier in the day a blocked call, allegedly from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, told him he had an active warrant for missing jury duty, and was advised to take out over $17,000 and put it into a bitcoin machine, which he did.

Queen Anne’s County deputies are investigating a shots-fired incident that occurred early Sunday morning, May 25, at approximately 12:17 a.m.in the vicinity of the Royal Farms on Church Hill Road. Kent County News reports a black Range Rover fired several rounds from the roadway of Rt. 213 while passing the store. A gas pump and the tailgate of a pickup truck were struck, though no injuries were reported. A witness stated the vehicle was last seen heading south on Rt. 213. Despite a swift law enforcement response, the vehicle was not located.

The Town of Rock Hall Mayor & Council will conduct a Public Hearing on its “Comprehensive Plan” on Thursday, June 12, beginning at 6:00 pm. at the St. John’s Catholic Church Hall, 5621 South Main Street, in Rock Hall, Maryland. The final report is available for review at the Town’s website at rockhallmd.gov and the Town office at 21447 Rock Hall Avenue. A copy can also be emailed to you upon request. Please call Cheryl at 410-639-7611 ext.101. or email her at [email protected].

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced the best times to travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge as you make your way home from your Memorial Day travels. Eastbound: Monday, May 26th – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m or Tuesday, May 27th – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Westbound: Monday, May 26th – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.or Tuesday, May 27th – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.