News Staff

Heather Tarr, 30, from Arnold, Maryland, has been arrested and charged in connection with a theft scheme at the Target store in Stevensville. The total value of the reported thefts exceeds $4,500. On June 18, at approximately 3:48 p.m., Deputy Meehan responded to a report of theft at the Stevensville, Maryland, Target. Dispatch informed him that the suspect had left the store and was seated in a vehicle in the parking lot. Tarr was allegedly found with about $500 worth of stolen goods, but that other thefts of the same store in May by Tarr had netted about $4,500 in stolen goods.

With a major heat wave the past few days, Maryland’s new heat safety standards for workers are being put to the test, including in Easton. Dustin Otto, construction division manager for the Town of Easton, helped create a health safety and prevention plan for Easton’s public works employees. It outlines the steps the town will take to protect its outdoor workers during periods of extreme heat, incorporating the state’s new standards.

On June 16th, 2025, at approximately 9:33PM, deputies with the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff were dispatched to the Hilton Garden Inn in Grasonville, for a report of child neglect.
Upon arrival, deputies met with a hotel employee who advised that two patrons, identified as James Grant of Laurel, and Carrie Zauner of Columbia had allegedly left their child unattended in their hotel room while they went to The Jetty Restaurant and Dock Bar. Deputies found the couple in the bar and escorted them back to the hotel, where a welfare check was conducted. The child was found asleep in the room, unattended. A family member was contacted and responded to take custody of the child. Grant and Zauner were placed under arrest, and each charged with Reckless Endangerment and Neglect of a Minor.

On June 21, a structure fire occurred in the 5600 block of South Main Street, in Rock Hall, Kent County, Maryland, involving a two-story single-family dwelling. The incident was reported at approximately 4:49 A.M. and was discovered by the occupant of the home.
The Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company responded with a total of 25 assisting firefighters to contain the fire. One alarm was raised, and the fire was brought under control within 25 minutes. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of this fire.

Cooling Centers are open in Queen Anne’s County through June 28th. If you’re aware of a vulnerable community member without access to a cool environment please call the QAC Department of Community Services at 410-758-0848. The list of cooling centers is up on the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Although an official ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags in Queen Anne’s County did not pass due to a tie vote recently, County Commissioner Phil Dumenil announced a campaign encouraging the community to none-the-less bring their own bags when shopping during the commissioners’ roundtable discussion June 10. The Star Democrat reports the entire community is encouraged to continue efforts for reusable bags and limit single use plastics as they join in the campaign

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the state is experiencing higher-than-average numbers of marine animal strandings compared to previous years. According to DNR, the five-year average from January to May was 10 marine mammal stranding cases. In 2025 so far, DNR says their stranding program has responded to 29. Animals found stranded included bottlenose dolphins, grey seals, a humpback whale, loggerhead sea turtles, and a minke whale, DNR says.

The Little Free Pantry on Main Street in Rock Hall is being upgraded this week. The Evening Enterprise reports the pantry was purchased by No Child Goes Hungry, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of childhood hunger, one kid, one meal at a time. The Little Free Pantry is located in the driveway at 5764 N. Main St., behind the spiral staircase and Little Free Library. The pantry provides resources such as nonperishable food, dry goods, feminine care products and diapers to Kent County residents and visitors.

The Shelter Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimrose Goodall as Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. Founded in September 2024, The Shelter Alliance aspires to establish and operate a 24/7/365 shelter in Kent County, Maryland. Since its inception, The Shelter Alliance has provided emergency accommodations in local motels, o?ering temporary shelter to those in need. To date, it has provided 97 bed nights to 38 individuals.

Half-day field tours will be held in three locations across Delmarva for farmers and others interested in the latest research on weed management options in corn, soybean, and vegetables, according to MyEasternShoreMD.com. Attendees will have the opportunity to see research plots and learn about successful programs for problematic weed species like Palmer amaranth. The tours will take place on June 25th.