News Staff

The Washington College Electric Boat Team has etched their names into the history books by breaking the world record for the longest distance traveled on a single battery charge by an electric boat without using solar. In a feat of student ingenuity and a testament to the potential of environmentally conscious boating, the team successfully set the new record over the Labor Day weekend, with a dramatic 2:30 a.m. finish, shaving nearly 24 miles off the current Guinness World Record which was set in 2001 by the Thames Electric Launch Company on the Thames River in England. The team, comprised of six students and two college staff members, began their attempt last Friday afternoon.

Queen Anne’s County Commissioners meet Tuesday at 5:30 PM and the public is encouraged to attend in person at 107 N Liberty Street in Centreville. The meetings are also streamed live at www.qac.org/live, on QACTV Facebook and YouTube and broadcasted on QACTV’s channel on Breezeline cable channel 7 or in HD 507.

Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff has been getting calls for an increase in off-road vehicles being driven on road. Vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs, and dirt bikes are intended for off-road use only and cannot be driven on public roads. Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are permitted on certain roadways, but only under specific conditions: They must be four-wheeled and have a maximum speed of over 20 mph but less than 25 mph. LSVs must comply with safety standards, including having a windshield, turn signals, headlights, brake lights, and seatbelts, and they require proper registration and title, and the driver must possess a valid driver’s license and may only be operated on roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less.

Queen Anne’s County Animal Services announces a new interactive program designed specifically for high school students aged 16 to 18, offering students the opportunity to dive into the inner workings of an animal shelter. Participants will assist and shadow staff throughout the day, gaining insight into the daily operations of the shelter. Highlights of the program include involvement in the adoption process, direct interaction with animals, and a first-hand look at surgeries. For more information about this exciting new program, please contact Megan Stalb at mstalb@qac.org.

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.