News Staff

Following lengthy discussion and community considerations, the Centreville town council announced intentions to demolish the old mill building at 2647 Centreville Road. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports presenting its findings of fact following a recent public hearing, the council on Aug. 7, identified the structure to be a dangerous building that poses a risk to public safety. Presenting the demolition order, the council stated the property owner has 10 days from the Aug. 7 meeting to demolish the building and in the event of failing to do so, the town may cause the structure to be demolished.

The initial public hearing on a proposed solar project in Betterton has been pushed back from next week to next month, according to the Public Service Commission. The developer proposes to build a 5-megawatt alternating current capacity community solar energy generating system using solar photovoltaic modules on single-axis racking with associated interconnection facilities in the town limits of Betterton. The initial public hearing which was to be a virtual meeting, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m., also a virtual meeting.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a new mobile app aimed at providing outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers with resources. WBOC reports the new mobile app, “MD Outdoors”, will replace the current “AccessDNR App”. Users are encouraged to uninstall the previous app because it will no longer be supported. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, MD Outdoors integrates a new and improved licensing system, allowing users to easily purchase hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and boat and off-road vehicle registration renewals.

A Grasonville woman is facing arson and fraud-related charges after investigators accused her of setting her own home on fire. WMDT reports on November 18th, 2024, fire crews responded to 311 Perrys Corner Road, finding smoke coming from the house. Firefighters were able to quickly douse the flames, which caused about $85,000 in damage. No smoke alarms were present. For months, investigators worked the case, concluding that the blaze was set intentionally. 40-year-old Appollonia K. Ryans was arrested Friday, and charged with nine crimes, including first- and second-degree arson, and attempted insurance fraud and theft.

A Church Hill woman was arrested for attempted kidnapping on the opening night of the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Fair in Centreville on Aug. 11. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports according to authorities, a family member and bystanders intervened to prevent the suspect from fleeing the scene before law enforcement arrived. Attendees, a family member of the child, bystanders, and 4-H Fair employees all played a key role in stopping the suspect and ensuring the child’s safety. The attempt was random, and the child was not known to the suspect. Witnesses identified 28 year old Alexandra Kay Dawson of Church Hill, as the primary suspect in the alleged kidnapping attempt.

A highlight of the Caroline-Dorchester Fair this year was the official opening and dedication of a much-needed building extension last week in the 4-H Park on Detour Road outside Denton. The Caroline Review reports local dignitaries cut the ribbon to open a 1,200-foot extension on the east end of the exhibit barn sponsored by Preston Automotive Group and Tri Gas and Oil.

On August 5, a fraud incident was reported to the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office. The victim reported encountering a security warning pop-up on her computer, which caused her system to freeze. Upon further review, she discovered $650 had been withdrawn from her bank account. Following this, the victim was contacted by a suspect who instructed her to withdraw $15,000 and meet in her bank’s parking lot. While at the bank, the suspect redirected the victim to an Annapolis, Maryland location. The victim did not follow the suspect’s instructions. Deputies later contacted the suspect, but the call was ended by the individual.
The investigation into this case remains ongoing.

Kent County Health Officer William Webb has announced his intention to retire effective Oct. 1, the Kent County Health Department announced in a news release. The Evening Enterprise reports the KCHD will conduct a “comprehensive search” for Webb’s successor. If necessary, an interim health officer will be named “to fulfill the duties during the search process.” Webb has served as the health officer here since December 2018.

On Aug. 21, the Democratic Club of Kent County will host Mary Boswell-McComas, superintendent of Kent County Public Schools, for a presentation and discussion about the challenges facing Kent County schools, as well as the district’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The Kent County News reports a key focus of the plan is the construction of a new middle school in Chestertown, along with other priorities for academic growth and community engagement. McComas has been superintendent since July 1, 2024, and has nearly 30 years of experience in public schools. The public is invited to attend.

Police arrested two men from Denton and cited three teenagers following the discovery of a stolen vehicle in Annapolis this week. The vehicle was located unoccupied, with the keys still in the ignition and a BB gun inside. Police spotted a group in the same area matching the descriptions seen on security video. Five individuals were detained for further investigation. One of the individuals was confirmed as the person seen on video with the stolen vehicle. A 55-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, both from Denton, were arrested. Additionally, a 16-year-old male, a 17-year-old male, and a 16-year-old female were cited in connection with the incident.