WCTR News

There are more oysters in the Chesapeake Bay today than at any point in the last two decades, according to Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. WBOC reports the department’s latest research shows the oyster population in Maryland’s portion of the Bay has grown significantly—reaching approximately 12 billion. That’s nearly triple the number of adult oysters recorded in 2005, which was 2.4 billion. Today, that number stands at 7.6 billion adults.

The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, one of Kent County’s most prized natural and recreational resources, is facing an uncertain future due to potential federal funding cuts that could severely impact staffing and operations. The Chestertown Spy reports Bill Burton, President of the Friends of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, spoke to the town council on Monday May 19, warning that while no closure is imminent, the threat of significant budget reductions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could curtail access, compromise conservation efforts, and place the island’s delicate ecosystem at risk.

Mark Zador Jr. is wanted in Queen Anne’s County for Violation of Probation for an original charge of Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely.
Zador is 36 y/o, 6’0, 190lbs., and his last known address was on Chesapeake Estates Drive in Stevensville, MD.
If you have any information related to his whereabout please contact our office at [email protected] or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 410-758-6666. For time sensitive information please call 410-758-0770.

Following a policy change and some heated discussion, the Kent County Board of Education in a split vote earlier this month approved spending down its contingency fund as part of the budget process for fiscal year 2026. The Evening Enterprise reports Option B, which was presented by Superintendent Mary McComas at the May 5 special meeting, would preserve 16 employee positions for the 2025-26 academic year and would use more of the board’s contingency fund to help fill the funding gap.

Kent County’s Local Management Board is seeking board members. The Evening Enterprise reports they serve three-year terms, with a maximum of two terms. To find out more, call 410-810-2673 or fill out the online form, www.kentcounty.com/committees/interestform. Successful applicants are approved by the Kent County Commissioners.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a routine traffic stop for a significant speeding violation. The driver, Vontaye Lamonte Gilbert, was observed traveling at a speed well above the limit, 102 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone. A K9 officer gave an alert and indicated a positive alert, suggesting the odor of an illegal substances.
The driver, Vontaye Lamonte Gilbert, aged 45, was released after being issued criminal and traffic citations.

A proposed ordinance regulating plastic bags in Queen Anne’s County drew community members to the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners on May 13 to voice their opinions. The Star Democrat reports if enacted, the county ordinance would require customers to bring their own bags to retail locations and prohibit establishments from providing plastic carryout bags. Additionally, it would impose a fee of at least 10 cents on each paper bag and reusable carryout bag provided to a customer. Environmental groups such as Queen Anne’s Conservation Association, ShoreRivers, Plastic Free QAC, and the Chesapeake Watershed Semester at the Gunston School highlighted the excess of plastic bags as a major source of litter and its detrimental effects on health, wildlife, and the environment.

Sky Abruzzo has been named the winner of the 2025 Sophie Kerr Prize, an annual literary award bestowed upon a graduating senior at Washington College. The Chestertown Spy reports the announcement was made at a ceremony this evening, following readings by six finalists. Now in its 58th year, the prize continues to be the nation’s largest literary award for a college student and totals more than the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award combined. This year’s prize totaled just over $74,000.

Local watermen along with numerous other charter boat associations from other East Coast states have filed a federal lawsuit against the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) over tightened restrictions on fishing for striped bass, or rockfish. WBOC reports plaintiffs in the lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, May 13, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, include the Delmarva Fisheries Association and associations from Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. Along with the ASMFC, the suit names numerous state and federal agencies as defendants.

Rock Hall’s mayor updates constituents on projects and improvements. Plans include upgraded administrative offices, flexible public meeting spaces, and welcoming areas for community events and engagement. The Town of Rock Hall Mayor & Council will conduct a Public Hearing on its “Comprehensive Plan: 2040” on Thursday, June 12, beginning at 6:00 pm. at the St. John’s Catholic Church Hall, 5621 South Main Street, in Rock Hall, Maryland.