News Staff

In Chestertown, the long-delayed activation of the town’s surveillance cameras is underway. The project, which had been stalled for several years, has moved forward in recent weeks with new funding, expert input, and revised cost estimates in place. The Chestertown Spy reports the aim is to have the cameras operational by July 31. In the coming weeks, priority will go to camera locations that are ready for electric power and internet access, while other sites are prepared as needed. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a planning and design approach that aims to reduce crime and improve public safety by shaping the physical environment.

The annual summertime sidewalk sales in downtown Chestertown known as Crazy Days will begin on Thursday, July 24 and continue through Saturday, July 26. The Evening Enterprise reports some stores also will carry specials on Sunday, July 27. Shops will open by 10 a.m. each day and have extended hours. Crazy Days is sponsored by the Downtown Chestertown Association.

Talbot County is reviewing regulations on cannabis operations, but drafted legislation drew concerns from prospective business owners at a recent meeting. The Star Democrat reports as drafted, legislation would bar cannabis growing and processing operations from locating within 500 feet of residential properties. That mark could be reduced for a specific project only if all property owners within that radius agree. At a County Council meeting on July 8, a public hearing on the legislation was opened, during which two state license holders raised concerns. Discussion centered on changing the 500-foot setback to 200 feet.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a 74-year-old woman reported missing from Galena. The Kent County News reports Nikole Lynn Snover was last seen in December, according to Lt. Sean Maloney. The report was made recently by a concerned citizen, he said. Maloney said family members had not been in recent contact with Snover and her vehicles have been accounted for. Police said Snover has no known health concerns and has a history of being out of contact for periods of time.

On July 12, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of trespassing at Castle Marina, located at 301 Tackle Circle in Chester, where an unwanted subject was onboard a private vessel. Turns out that person had apparently been in contact with the owner who was looking to sell the boat, but that owner was out of town and the person on the vessel had no authorization to be there. Authorities say upon inspection, several items aboard the vessel were found to be damaged. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Last week, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy finalized the permanent protection of Southeast Creek Farm, through a donated easement co-held by Maryland Environmental Trust (MET). This new easement, covering nearly 100 acres, marks a conservation win for Queen Anne’s County, which has now exceeded state goals by preserving more than 43% of its agricultural zoned land. Once primarily agricultural, Southeast Creek farm has transformed into a lush and thriving grassland habitat through Washington College’s Natural Lands Project (NLP).

With a public hearing on a proposed ordinance authorizing the purchase of 16,874 square feet of property scheduled for July 23, the Town of Queenstown claimed it has no plans for expansions to the wastewater treatment plant at this time. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports the town is seeking to purchase the back lot of the subdivided property, adjacent to property the town currently owns, according to Queenstown Town Manager Amy Moore. As of now the town has no plans for the property, but Moore noted that a sewer main currently extends underground from Charity Lane to the wastewater treatment plant.

On Sunday, residents, friends, family and individuals from several states came together to support the Puckett family at the Mason and Bentley Puckett Funeral Fundraiser in Caroline County. The Star Democrat reports
Mason, 1, and Bentley, 3, died on June 29 in an accidental drowning, according to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. Less then two days after the tragic news was broken, business owners and residents rallied together to create meal trains and events in support of the Puckett family. The community event Sunday was started by Victor Reynolds, head of communications for CASA of Caroline and Owner of Bayside Hotdogs.

The Kent County 4H Fair runs July 16th to the 19th. Organizers say there is something for everyone as always from great food, arts and crafts, tractor pulls, and midway rides. Also, the 4-H Livestock and Cake Auctions are happening. The focus of the fair is agricultural education and providing educational opportunities for county youth. The greased pig contest, bull-riding, and the 4-H livestock and cake auctions are popular events at this annual celebration supporting the young 4-H members. Find out more at www.kentcountyfair.org.

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, along with partnering agencies, will conduct a Full-Scale Emergency Sheltering Exercise at Centreville Middle School on Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. This important preparedness exercise is designed to simulate a real-world emergency response, including the setup and operation of a public shelter. Residents in the area may notice increased activity at the school, including emergency vehicles, uniformed personnel, and volunteers participating in the exercise.