News Staff

Washington College has secured a significant boost for its Innovation Plant project, thanks to a generous $1,846,000 grant from the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation. The funds will be used to revitalize a portion of the historic Dixon Valve property on High Street in Chestertown, creating a collaborative space for students, entrepreneurs, and community members to engage, work together, innovate and grow as makers and entrepreneurs.

A traffic stop recently in the area of Rt. 213 and John Brown Rd, in Church Hill lead to charges against the driver. Police say Lisa Blizzard had a suspended driver’s license and a K9 scan resulted in a positive alert. A probable cause search was conducted and suspected controlled substances and paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle. Blizzard was placed under arrest and charged.

32 years ago, Herman “Dolly” Callahan was tragically murdered in his home along Route 404 in Queen Anne. Shot at close range with a shotgun, it is believed his killer was someone known to him. The murder weapon has never been found, and the case remains open. It is firmly believed that there are individuals with knowledge pertinent to the murder of Mr. Callahan who have yet to come forward. Anyone with information can reach out to 410-758-0770 or mbassaro@qac.org or call our Anonymous Tip Line at 410-758-6666.

Back to school Monday for kids in grades 1-6 and 9 in Queen Anne’s County. Pre-K, kindergarten, grades 7, 8 and 10-12 start on Tuesday. In Kent County, Tuesday, Sept. 3 is the first day of school for grades 1-6 and 9.
Wednesday, Sept. 4 starts the school year for students in grades 1-12, and Thursday, Sept. 5: is day one of the school year for prekindergarten and kindergarten County health departments across Maryland’s Eastern Shore will offer free immunizations for children returning to school. Queen Anne’s County: 2-3:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 at 206 N Commerce Street in Centreville.

66 year old Lawrence William Simns, Jr. and 42 year old Tiffany Marie Scarpulla, both of Rock Hall, are charged with drug-related offenses including possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a large amount; possession of a narcotic (fentanyl/heroin) with intent to distribute; and possession of paraphernalia. The Evening Enterprise reports Simns and Scarpulla were occupants of a vehicle that was stopped on Ricauds Branch Road for an alleged traffic violation. A K-9 officer alerted to the odor of suspected drugs. Subsequently, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and suspected drugs were seized.

A horse in Kent County tested positive last week for West Nile Virus, the county health department announced in a news release Tuesday, Aug. 20. The horse had been vaccinated for the virus and has recovered, a Kent County Health Department spokesperson told The Evening Enterprise in an email.
An out-of-state veterinarian tested the horse late last week and the results were reported to the Maryland Department of Health on Friday, Aug. 16.

Recently, Mayor Donald Sutton and the Betterton Town Council members Harry Marcy, Wayne Gilchrest and Bob Pyfer held a public hearing for Ordinance 2024-02. Offering counsel was Town Attorney Tom Yeager. The Kent County News reports the measure states that Betterton will provide a temporary exemption from prohibition from firearm discharge in certain areas of the town for the limited purpose of deer and waterfowl hunting season.

The cause of a fire in a single family home in Queen Anne’s County has been determined to be accidental. According to investigators, the flames got their start early Wednesday at the residence on Price Station Road in Church Hill. The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports the cause of the fire to be failure of the branch cable located in the void space of the roof above the bathroom. No injuries, but damages are estimated at about $55,000.

Two Millington men face assault charges. Police say 38 year old John Edward Scott, was also charged with reckless endangerment. He initially was held in the Kent County Detention Center without bond. 59 year old Richard Allen Scott was charged with assault, conspiracy to commit assault and reckless endangerment. According to a sheriff’s office news release, the assault occurred Aug. 7 in the 31000-block of Chesterville Bridge Road, near Millington. The victim was located by a passerby and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of “serious” injuries.

Rock Hall Police have received numerous calls about vandals entering unlocked vehicles, ransacking through them or stealing from them. They advise you lock your vehicles and check your surroundings when arriving home for anything looking suspicious. Call 911 if you suspect anything or 410-639-7222 for the Rock Hall Police Department.