News Staff

A suspect has been identified in the smashing of glass windows and a door along Cross Street in Chestertown during New Year’s celebrations. The act of vandalism occurred around midnight, Jan. 1, on three businesses: Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company, Empty Hangers and Boyer’s Jewelers, where their glass door was smashed. Flag poles were damaged by the same perpetrator at Sultana Education Foundation. Police say charges are forthcoming.

A decision was reached recently to keep current recrational fishing regulations in place for this year during an Atlantic State Marine Fishery Commission meeting. Capt. Rob Newberry, chair of the Atlantic Fishery Association who has appeared before Kent County Commissioners numerous times over these issues, is not convinced the commission needs to take any action now or in the future. Ultimately they will reduce limits in recreational and commercial, adjusting seasons, setting limits and no-harvesting or no-targeting closures.

The Town of Rock Hall will hold a municipal election on Saturday, March 1, 2025, to elect two (2) Councilmembers. Voting will take place at St. John’s Catholic Church Hall, 5621 South Main Street, Rock Hall, Maryland, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. There is an ongoing registration until Monday, February 3, 2025, of qualified persons not registered to vote

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is increasing work zone speed violation penalties with a new tiered fines system to be put in place in 2025. Part of the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act passed in Maryland designed to protect highway workers went into effect in June of 2024, with speed cameras placed in more work zones across the state. Larger work zones may have more than one camera, according to SHA.
The new law also increased speeding fines from $40 to $80.

A 25-year-old Glen Burnie man was transported to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown for treatment of injuries suffered in a single-vehicle crash Saturday morning, Dec. 28 in the 300-block of Maple Avenue. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office says lost control of his 2004 Chevrolet Blazer in the area of the Super Soda Center, ultimately striking a utility pole and gas pumps. Utz was treated at the Chestertown hospital and then released. He’s facing charges in the crash.

Recently, Deputies responded to a home in Chestertown to check on the welfare of an individual whose family member hadn’t heard from them for a number of hours. Upon receiving no answer at the door despite signs of occupancy, Deputies checked windows and doors and saw the individual on the floor. Deputy Mills made entry into the home with minimal damage to a door, and provided assistance to the person until EMS transported them for medical care.

A proposed water and sewer amendment to supply a potential affordable housing development in Grasonville gained support during a public hearing. According to the Bay Times and Record Observer, the proposal is to amend the property’s water and sewer services to accommodate the development of 72 townhomes and 218 single family lots.

As Maryland’s hunting season gets underway, Modern Stone Age Kitchen and the Eastern Shore Food Lab are encouraging hunters to take their harvest to the next level with a captivating culinary experience, “Making the Most of Your Hunt: An Introduction to Nose-to-Tail Wild Game Cooking.” The hands-on event happens Sunday, Jan. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. with Modern Stone Age Kitchen founder Dr. Bill Schindler helping participants through the process of maximizing the value of their hunt.

RiverArts announces completion of the move to 200B High Street where the administrative office and RiverArts Store are now located (next to the Clay Studio). Additional improvements are also coming to the new location at 343 High Street. The grand opening of RiverArts’ Community Arts Center will take place in February. Also announced, new leadership for RiverArts in 2025. Chris Neiman has accepted the role as executive director and Kris Kelley as assistant director.

If you come across Impero Foods & Meats raw pork sausage products in your travels, take a closer look before buying. Some was manufactured by the Baltimore-based company without federal inspection.
The recalled items were from between Oct. 3, 2024, and Dec. 19, 2024. The following products are subject to recall :
10-lb. white cardboard box cases containing a plastic bag of “Old World Italian Sausage” with “rope” handwritten on the case. Also, 10-lb. white cardboard box cases containing a plastic bag of “Old World Italian Sausage” with “link” handwritten on the case.