News Staff

In Queen Anne’s County, a Hurlock man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute nearly 12,000 grams of cocaine. The Dorchester Star reports, according to State’s Attorney Lance Richardson, Ta’Bron Latray Todd entered the plea of guilty earlier this month for possession with the intent to distribute and the serious traffic offense of fleeing and eluding a police officer on foot. Todd was sentenced to serve 18 years for the drug offense and one year, suspended, consecutive, for the traffic offense.

Kent County Schools Superintendent Mary McComas wants to hear from families, staff members and the community at large about what the future of Kent County Public Schools should look like. The Evening Enterprise reports the school system has scheduled “community conversations” throughout October and November. They happen Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Galena Elementary School, Thursday, Oct. 24 at H.H. Garnet Elementary School, Chestertown, Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Kent County High School, Worton, Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Rock Hall Elementary School and Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Kent County Middle School, Chestertown.
The meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the schools’ media centers.

A Nottingham woman is under arrest in Queen Anne’s County after being found with drugs during a traffic stop. 39 year old Danielle Prefach was in a vehicle pulled over E/B on Rt. 50 in the area of Main St., Grasonville after a sheriff deputy’s License Plate Recognition System alerted him of a vehicle with a suspended registration.
During a search o fthe vehicle, the deputy located 27 wax paper folds with suspected fentanyl powder inside, as well as other paraphernalia inside a bag belonging to the passenger, identified as Danielle Maria Prefach. Prefach later admitted the powder was in fact fentanyl. She was placed under arrest and transported to the Office of the Sheriff for processing, then to the district court commissioner.

The Town of Betterton invites feedback from residents and property owners in to update the Betterton Comprehensive Plan, also, documenting the Sustainable Communities Plan, and setting priorities for future grant funding opportunities. The survey is divided into two parts:
• Part One consists of 20 multiple-choice questions focusing on your views about town services and the direction you believe Betterton should take.
• Part Two consists of a list of projects that may help Betterton become a more sustainable community.
Completed surveys should be turned in to the town office no later than Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Find the survey at townofbetterton.com.

The Town of Chestertown has partnered with Washington College’s Geospatial Innovation Program (GIP) to create a comprehensive tree survey to create a detailed inventory of public and street trees within the town, providing valuable data for future planning and preservation efforts. The project includes an interactive dashboard that allows town residents to view and explore the survey data. This tool will provide real-time information on tree locations, species, and health conditions, enabling citizens to stay informed about the town’s green spaces.

The website Niche ranks Queen Anne’s County Schools as an A-, putting them as the 9th best district in the state. Among Elementary Schools, Grasonville Elementary School, Church Hill Elementary School, Bayside Elementary School and Matapeake Elementary School get grades of A-. Kennard Elementary rates a B+.
Matapeake Middle School receives an A-, while Centreville Middle School and Stevensville Middle School receive B+ rankings and Sudlersville Middle School gets a B. Kent Island High School receives an A- and
Queen Anne’s County High School a B+.

Washington College is expanding its commitment to fostering economic development thanks to a $1 million grant from the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative (MEI). The College will match the grant, bringing the total investment to $2 million to establish a new Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
“With this Chair, Washington College will expand its ongoing efforts with Chestertown and the surrounding Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties to provide economic development opportunities,” said Provost and Dean Kiho Kim.

Putting the county at over $14 million in easement acquisitions for the year, Queen Anne’s County Commissioners approved a Rural Legacy Grant Agreement with Lands End LLC at Island Creek Road in the amount of $1,062,189 recently. The Star Democrat reports the Maryland Board of Public Works approved funding for the FY25 Rural Legacy grant in August. No county funds were used in the easement acquisition.
Queen Anne’s County surpassed the state’s “30 by 30” goal to conserve at least 30% of the country’s lands and waters by 2030 16 years ahead of schedule

The invasive northern snakehead — recently given the name Chesapeake Channa — may be breeding twice each season, according to biologists with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Kent County News reports the non-native fish species is on DNR’s most wanted list, urging anglers to catch as many as possible and to destroy them — if not eaten — rather than returning them to Maryland waters.

Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office is holding an open house, Saturday October 26th, from 9am to 2pm, to help community members learn more about what it does day to day. There will be a prescription drug takeback, a live crime scene demonstration, and information about employment and volunteer opportunities. Also on hand will be Queen Anne’s County Animal Services, Queen Anne’s County Library, QAC Goes Purple, QAC Drug Free Coalition, and more. The event happens at the Sheriff’s Office, 505 Railroad Ave., Centreville.