News Staff

Teachers, union members, and community supporters were out in force Wednesday night at a Queen Anne’s County School District Board of Education meeting to protest a proposed budget that could lead to furloughs and layoffs of service staff. WBOC reports the budget proposal aims to address a nearly $2 million shortfall, but many argue that the cuts would have a detrimental impact on the district. Queen Anne’s County Education Association President Cecilia Mitchel warned that the proposed cuts would significantly harm the district’s ability to provide quality education.

The Kent County Commissioners at their recent meeting, approved a name for the new Emergency services and storage facility. Kent County News reports when it’s built, it will be called the Robert B. Rust Jr. Kent County Emergency Medical Services headquarters, dedicated to the 89-year-old public servant for his vision almost 30 years ago. Rust was director of emergency services management in Kent from Oct. 24,1983 to April 12, 2005, a county employee, a dedicated volunteer and Chief of Kent and Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad for 11 consecutive years.

Three people have been arrested and charged following a road rage incident in Queen Anne’s County. According to the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff, on the evening of August 24th, two vehicles were seen speeding and ramming each other on 301 Northbound near Warrington Farm Lane, prompting a traffic stop on one vehicle and a BOLO on the other. The driver of the first vehicle–28-year-old Kyran Steger of Queenstown reported an assault and theft of his phone at Fallen Horse Circle, where the incident began. A second vehicle was stopped on Rt. 213. The driver was 20-year-old Ja’sy Anthony Nichols-Roberts of Cambridge and the passenge was 20-year-old A’Bravi-Yon T’yro De’Angelo Todd also of Cambridge. A search of the vehicle, consented to by the driver, revealed scales, packaging materials, and illegal amounts of marijuana. After reviewing surveillance footage, all involved parties were arrested and charged.

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff is advising residents about a new scam. They say phone calls are circulating in the community in which individuals impersonating Sheriff’s Deputies are extorting money from citizens. These scammers call from a spoofed number and falsely claim that recipients have warrants for their arrest, often citing missed court or federal jury duty. To avoid arrest, they tell victims they must make a payment over the phone immediately.

Over the years, Queen Anne’s County has faced various hazards, prompting proactive measures aimed at reducing risks and future losses. The Department of Emergency Services in Queen Anne’s County is inviting public input on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies potential hazards and outlines projects designed to mitigate or prevent damage before disasters strike. There’s a survey of twenty questions officials are also urging the public to complete. You can find a link to it at qac.org.

Recently, the Town of Chestertown was informed that a supplemental grant award of up to $3,870.00 from the FFY2023 Certified Local Government grant program was approved for Historic District Commission and commission staff education and training purposes. Funding will support a one-day conference held in town hall on October 25, 2024. The conference will look at common points of interest for built infrastructure preservationists and those working on climate challenge resiliency. More information will be forthcoming on the Town of Chestertown Facebook page.

In Kent County, Tuesday, Sept. 3 is the first day of school for grades 1-6 and 9.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 starts the school year for students in grades 1-12, and Thursday, Sept. 5: is day one of the school year for prekindergarten and kindergarten.

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, in partnership with the Queen Anne’s County Department of Health and with funding from the CDC Health Disparities Grant, is proud to announce the launch of a new AED Donation Program. This initiative aims to enhance community safety by providing 10 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to nonprofit organizations within Queen Anne’s County.Nonprofit organizations interested in participating are encouraged to apply online through the AED Donation Program Application. The deadline for applications is September 23, 2024.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is advising rural residents to anticipate a rise in low-flying airplanes, helicopters, and drones through Oct. 10. Kent County News reports farmers participating in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program are using aerial seeding to plant cereal grains and other qualifying cover crops in their fields to protect local waterways from nutrient runoff and enhance their soil’s health for spring crops.

This weekend marks the final days of the US 50/301 Ramp Management Pilot Program, with ramp closures set to be in effect on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Duke Street (Exit 38): Closed at the intersection with Island Plaza Court (Cleet Street). Traffic exiting US 50/301 can still access the gas station at 101 Duke Street and return to US 50/301 westbound. However, traffic from US 50/301 will not be able to access local destinations on MD 18 or beyond. MD 8 (Business Parkway/Romancoke Road, Exit 37): Closed for westbound access. Drivers exiting US 50/301 onto MD 8 and MD 18 will not be able to re-enter westbound US 50 from these locations.