News Staff

The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office is advising you to be aware of a fraudulent text message scam impersonating law enforcement and traffic agencies. The message claims you have an unpaid traffic citation and threatens license suspension, fines, and legal action unless immediate payment is made via a suspicious link.
Authorities are labeling this a scam and say do not click the link or respond. If you have clicked the link and paid, please contact your banking institution immediately.
If you’re unsure if a message you’ve received is legitimate, please contact the sheriff’s office at 410-758-0770.

Theresa Snyder has retired as executive director of Kent Association of Riding Therapy, the Evening Enterprise reports. KART was founded in 1984 to help children and adults with special needs enhance their social and developmental growth. According to its website, the nonprofit uses a multi-faceted program involving therapeutic horseback riding, grooming and caring for the horse, and comprehensive classroom instruction.

The Easton carnival unexpectedly closed Thursday due to stolen amusement ride wires, though organizers said it would be back on Friday for the event’s Fourth of July finale. The Star Democrat reports six major cables valued at a total of $30,000 were stolen before the carnival opened Thursday. The owner called Easton police and filed a report. The carnival is expected to return Friday, opening at 6 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m. and fireworks are slated to go off after dusk, weather permitting.

Centreville Town Council approved an ordinance to allow the cost of repair, vacating, and/or demolition by the town to be assessed against the property as a lien collectable in the same manner as real estate taxes. MyEasternShoreMD.com reports under the ordinance, town officials or a designated code official may request a warrant from a judge in either the District Court or the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County who may issue a warrant if the town is denied access after reasonable notice or it cannot locate the property owner, tenant, or responsible party.

During its July meeting, the Caroline County Board of Education were presented with preliminary location studies for the new north Caroline County middle school. After hearing the presentations and brief discussions, The BOE did not make a decision on the site, and Board President Michele Wayman said the BOE will “study [the information presented by the project team] and bring questions” at their next meeting in August.
Site options for the new middle school building include property behind the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office on Double Hills Road or behind North Caroline High School in Ridgely.

More than half of onsite sewage subdivision approvals in Kent County over the past decade failed to meet state regulatory requirements, according to a Maryland Department of the Environment appraisal released in April. Kent County News reports from 2015 to 2024, 59% of subdivisions using onsite sewage disposal systems did not comply with regulations, posing moderate to high environmental risks, the report found. These deficiencies could prevent the installation of septic systems, limit future development, and impact groundwater quality.

A Talbot County woman and her family made a record $25 million gift toward Easton’s in-construction medical center, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health announced Tuesday. The Star Democrat reports it’s the largest private donation in Shore Regional Health history and one of the largest ever across the statewide University of Maryland Medical System. The woman, who has requested to remain anonymous, was born over 90 years ago at the former Memorial Hospital in Easton.

Rock Hall has a full slate of events scheduled to mark July 4th. The fireworks display to be held on Thursday, July 3 at Rock Hall Harbor. The parade will be held in Rock Hall on Friday, July 4 at 10 a.m. to feature local bands. Join the celebration afterward for midway games, talent show, and other family-friendly activities. Also, the annual Waterman’s Day celebration takes place on July 6 from noon – 2 p.m., held at the Rock Hall Bulkhead.

Maryland’s Transportation Authority announced the best travel times for drivers crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during the July Fourth travel period.

The following times are recommended for eastbound drivers:

Wednesday before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Thursday before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Friday before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Saturday before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Monday before 12 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
The following times are recommended for westbound drivers:

Wednesday before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Thursday before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Friday before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Saturday before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Sunday before 9 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
Monday before 6 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Those traveling the bridge outside of recommended times should expect significant delays, according to MDTA.

Queen Anne’s County Public Schools started running its own in-house food service program in July 2024, meaning it no longer contracts with an outside company. Despite running a deficit in its first year, the program is expanding and aiming to feed more students through improved offerings and new initiatives. Food Services Coordinator Julie Hickey highlighted program details, expansions and budget expectation to the Board of Education June 18. Myeasternshoremd.com reports the food service program serves nutritious, affordable meals for nutritional standards and promotes healthy eating habits.