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The “dead zones” in the Chesapeake Bay—areas with little to no oxygen in the water—remain a significant concern for aquatic life, with recent reports indicating no reduction in their size. WBOC reports Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) revealed that dead zones in the bay have slightly increased compared to last year’s record lows. According to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, these zones, which harm marine and plant life, were about average this year, affecting roughly 10% to 13% of the bay.

On 11/16 at approximately 8:45PM, detectives responded to Beech Lane in Stevensville for a report of an assault that had just occurred at a party and an unconscious subject. A male subject, identified as 32 year old Joshua Bathras, had refused to leave the home despite being asked multiple times and had become angry when being asked again. Bathras then punched victim one in the face inside of the residence, knocking him unconscious. While outside he then punched victim two in the mouth and threw him into the ditch in the front yard. Victim one was transported by EMS due to the serious nature of his injuries. Batharas was placed under arrest and charged.

ShoreRivers announces the receipt the largest award in the organization’s history —more than $9 million in grant funding for six high-impact restoration projects across the Eastern Shore — through the State of Maryland’s Clean Water Commerce Account Program, administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment. One of these clean water projects will restore 4,143 feet of stream and 9 acres of associated floodplain wetlands in Queen Anne’s County on an active farm that drains directly into the tidal waters of the Wye River/Eastern Bay.

Chestertown’s First Ward council seat has been vacant since the resignation of Tim O’Brien, who had 13 months remaining on a four-year term. According to a legal notice posted on the town website, there will be a special election for the First Ward council seat on Jan. 21, 2025. Residents of the First Ward must be registered with the Kent County Board of Election Supervisors on or before Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. All Chestertown residents currently registered with the county are automatically registered to vote in town elections. The Kent County Board of Election Supervisors is located at 135 Dixon Drive in Chestertown; hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays — except holidays.

Update on a story we told you about last week. The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools are aware of a social media post featuring misinformation, which claims that the unknown individual who visited Matapeake Elementary School on Thursday returned to Matapeake Middle School on Friday in a different vehicle and spoke with a school administrator before leaving.
The allegation was thoroughly investigated by both QACPS and the Office of the Sheriff. Through interviews and a review of the circumstances, it was determined that this claim was a rumor only.

Health Community Alliance is moving The location inside the Rock Community Church is now closed and they will be reopening in our a location December 8th, 21920 Civic Center Road next to the tennis courts. HCA will still be handing out Thanksgiving meals on the 24th, but out of the new location. They also need volunteers to help them move and to hand out the meals on November 24th. If interested in volunteering please go to www.HCAkent.org.

Local environmentalists are expressing concern about the future of the Chesapeake Bay Program under the incoming Trump administration. In the past, President-elect Donald Trump has proposed ending funding for the program, sparking worry among advocates dedicated to restoring and protecting the Bay. WBOC reports during his first term, Trump suggested cutting funds to the Chesapeake Bay Program, along with other ‘geographic’ environmental initiatives, arguing that redirecting these resources would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to focus on national efforts.

The Democratic Club of Kent County will take a look at the results of the November election during a meeting this Thursday, and the public is invited. Dan Nataf, professor of political science at Anne Arundel Community College, will offer an analysis and the program will be presented via the Zoom video conference platform.
DCKC members will receive the Zoom link prior to the meeting. Others should contact the Democratic Club of Kent County, at info@dckcmd.com, for an invitation to attend.

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff is aware of a recent incident at Matapeake Elementary School involving an unknown individual who requested entry into the building.
Thursday morning, an individual claiming to be a former student approached front office staff at Matapeake Elementary School, requesting to tour the building. Per school policy, the individual was not permitted beyond the front office and exited the building. While outside, the individual encountered the assistant principal, who reiterated the school’s request for him to leave the property. He then left the premises without further incident.

State officials are asking for input on the future of the Bay Bridge. Local economic experts say replacing the four-mile bridge that connects Anne Arundel and Queen Anne’s Counties is long overdue. The two main threats to the current spans are congestion concerns and aging infrastructure. MDTA officials are considering six design options for the bridge’s eventual replacement, each features variations in the number and configuration of traffic lanes.