WCTR News

Turtles in the spotlight in Queen Anne’s County, where June is Turtle Awareness Month. Experts say turtles face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, illegal trafficking, and climate change. Many turtle species are now endangered, and it is our collective responsibility to protect them, and the Chesapeake Tidewater Region, including Queen Anne’s County, is home to a variety of turtles—11 of Maryland’s 19 species, to be exact. Ways you can help them include assisting turtles crossing roads, but only if it is safe for both you and the turtle. Avoid disturbing nesting turtles or those laying eggs. Protect and promote turtle habitats whenever possible, and never remove or transport turtles to different regions.

Monday night’s Chestertown Mayor and Council meeting happens at 6pm with a number of items on the agenda. They’ll discuss payment of bills and operating funds on hand. Also, Steven Atkinson is scheduled to be appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Members and the mayor will hear reports from the town manager and the police chief. Talk will also go to community block grants, energy efficient products and the location of the downtown bathroom.

A final call to share your thoughts on the future of Bloomfield, the historic house in White Marsh Park. Your feedback will help guide a Preservation Plan and future use of the site, but time is of the essence as an online survey about it closes Friday,
June 14. You can find a link to the survey on the Queen Anne’s County Facebook page.

Queen Anne’s County is laying the criteria for its Free Laptop Program. Those eligible must live in the county, show proof of address, and be enrolled in at least one government assistance program or meet specific federal poverty guidelines required by the state. Some laptops are being given away on Family Fun Day, Saturday, June 22nd, from 1p to 4p in Centreville.

Students learning the value of local agriculture were recognized for their essays during the Queen Anne’s County Public School Board of Education meeting recently. Back in April, seventh grade students were invited to participate in hands-on educational experiences to learn about Maryland’s crucial homegrown farming industry. After the two-day event, students penned essays to showcase what they discovered and answer the question, “How did your experience change the way you view agriculture?”

65 year old Paul Koronowski of Rock Hall is charged with driving while impaired by alcohol, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Police say Koronowski was released to a sober driver after being issued the traffic citations. He also was charged with failure to obey properly placed traffic control device instructions, failure to stop at a stop sign and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway when required, reports the Evening Enterprise.

Grasonville Health Services celebrated their grand opening this month with a vendor fair featuring other local services in the area. The Bay Times and Record Oberserver reports the Program’s mission is to provide a range of treatment services to adults residing in Queen Anne’s County and surrounding counties, whose health and well-being has been impacted by the use of drugs.

A former Kent County deputy has been charged with stealing items from the Redner’s Market in Chestertown and not paying for them. The Evening Enterprise reports authorities say 45 year old Stuart Lodge stands accused of charges including theft less than $100 and conducting a theft scheme less than $1,500. He is set to stand trial on Monday, June 17th, with a special prosecutor assigned to the case.

Rock Hall is out with its Annual Water Quality Report. The report is designed to inform residents about the water quality and services delivered to provide a safe and dependable supply of drinking water, say officials. Rock Hall’s ground water source is 3 wells which draw from the Magothy Aquifer. The wells range in depth from 308 to 362 feet. These wells are located within the confines of the treatment plant. You can find a link to the report at www.rockhallmd.com.

Queen Anne’s County is taking part in the Bikeable Baltimore Region (BBR) project, aimed at identifyting the first regional bike network that ensures safe and comfortable biking for people of all ages and abilities across the Baltimore region. From now until July 26th, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback. The BBR project seeks to create a connected bike network that will enhance local communities by providing safe and equitable access to essential destinations such as public transit, schools, workplaces, and parks. Also, there will be a public meeting at the Kent Island Library on Thursday, June 27, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.