News Staff

A new proposal aims to limit police traffic stops, sparking debate over road safety and racial equity.
WBOC reports the proposed legislation seeks to curb so-called “random traffic stops” by narrowing what qualifies as a primary violation—grounds for an officer to pull over a vehicle. If passed, the bill would remove certain infractions, such as non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or tail lights, as well as illegal window tinting, driving without mirrors, driving in bus lanes, and littering, from the list of primary violations. Supporters argue the changes would address racial disparities in traffic stops, which they say disproportionately affect people of color.

If you are a landowner in Kent or Cecil County who is interested in conserving your property, there is funding available through the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s (ESLC) Land Protection Initiative. This initiative is a joint effort between ESLC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Services to increase the amount of land in conservation easements on the Delmarva peninsula. The project focuses on both working land and habitat preservation to enhance the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Washington College is one step closer to finalizing a settlement after a class action lawsuit over data stolen in a ransomware attack was filed this summer. Documents filed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court show more than 13,000 people — current and former students and employees of the school — were affected by the data breach. Though the final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for May, the court granted the plaintiffs’ unopposed motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. The plaintiffs say in filings that Washington College’s data was breached for about a month between February and March 2023, in what the college called “a potential ransomware incident” by an “unauthorized actor.”

The search is on for three suspects in a brazen store robbery last week. Deputies went to the Nike Outlet Store at the Queenstown Outlets in reference to a theft that had just occurred. The complainant advised that three African American women had entered the store and left with approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise that they did not pay for. They left in an unknown direction in a silver sedan. The footage could not be accessed at the time, and Deputy Smith will be following up. The investigation is on-going.

Last week, Deputies responded to Queenstown Bank in Stevensville for a report of a threat. Upon arrival, the complainant advised that a customer kept calling irate about his wife gaining access to their joint account, making threats towards the bank and its staff. The suspect was identified, and contact was made at his residence. He was determined to be heavily intoxicated and advised not to make any further contact with the bank. He was trespassed from the property and the bank closed his account.

Queen Anne’s County announces that Parks and Recreation Ranger, Paolo Palumbo has been awarded the Life Saver Award from the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) for heroic actions that saved a life earlier this year. While conducting routine duties at the Kent Narrows Public Boat Landing in Grasonville, Palumbo observed a vehicle in the water near the boat ramp. The vehicle began to float, drawn toward the Kent Narrows channel by strong currents heightened by coastal flooding that day.
As the vehicle filled with water, the driver climbed onto the roof and called for help. Acting swiftly, Ranger Palumbo immediately contacted 911 and initiated a rescue effort.

Shore Strategies LLC gave an update recently on the Chestertown Recreation Commission 10-Year Master Plan for the parks around town. After several formal meetings, discussions, community surveys, including students at Kent County Middle School, and stakeholders, they are nearing the completion of the draft proposal.
The plan involves all Chestertown parks: Wilmer, Bailey, Gateway, Carpenter and Ajax.

On November 18th, Deputies responded to a business in Stevensville for a report of a past fraud. Upon arrival, Deputies learned the business had been advised by their banking institution that someone tried to cash a washed check from the business for an amount of over $10,000. The bank did not cash the check and is conducting an investigation.

Town Hall will be closed Thursday November 28, 2024, and Friday November 29, 2024, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will reopen on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Red Stag Fulfillment analyzed broadband speeds across Maryland and conducted a survey of 3,000 respondents to pinpoint the places most disadvantaged in securing top Black Friday deals, and Kent County sits atop the list. The reason? Because only 79% of households in the county have broadband access, reports DeepCreek Times. The survey revealed that for many, slow internet speeds can be a dealbreaker – literally. About 43% of people in the survey said they’ve missed out on a deal because of poor connectivity.