WCTR News

Delmarva Power on Tuesday, Feb. 4 announced “enhanced support measures” for residential and commercial customers to manage their winter energy bills and provide relief from high costs due to extreme cold, increased usage and the overall cost of energy. Effective immediately Delmarva Power is introducing new bill assistance and payment flexibility options to better support customers. With expanded customer support options, Delmarva Power will implement no late payment fees for January and February 2025 with extended repayment periods of up to 24 months and suspension of disconnections for nonpayment in February 2025.

Chestertown Mayor David Foster is hosting a special public meeting titled “A Call for Fair Taxation” on Feb. 6 at Town Hall. The mayor, along with concerned residents, is advocating for a tax set-off to address the issue of double taxation for services in Kent County.

On Monday, Feb. 3, El Jefe Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar closed its doors in recognition of A Day Without Immigrants, joining a nationwide movement to highlight the critical contributions immigrants make to the United States. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports A Day Without Immigrants is a protest that originated on May 1, 2006, as “The Great American Boycott.” The movement emerged in response to proposed legislation that sought to criminalize undocumented immigrants and those assisting them.

A $68,692 proposal to implement student-led learning programs at three Queen Anne’s County schools failed to gain traction after heated debate at the Board of Education meeting Jan. 15. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports the program, aimed at benefiting about 2,000 students through teacher training at Queen Anne’s County High, Sudlersville Middle and Sudlersville Elementary schools, sparked concerns from board members and teachers about effectiveness and transparency.

Kent Cultural Alliance is announcing the 2025 Independent Artist Grants program, which will provide $25,000 in funding to support artists living and creating in Kent County. The Evening Enterprise reports a total of 50 individual grants of $500 each will be awarded as one-time financial support for artists working in a variety of disciplines. The application period opened Feb. 1 and will close March 2 at 11:59 p.m. Eligible applicants must reside and actively create work in Kent County.

Deputies with the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff have arrested a 21-year-old Sudlersville man, Noah Leager, after a confrontation in a park turned violent. According to police, on Jan. 17, deputies with were dispatched to Sudlersville Park where they met with the victim who stated he had been shot at by a male subject, later identified as Leager. The victim said the two had gotten into a fight which culminated with Leager alletedly sending several incriminating messages to the victim referencing the shooting, including the statements “I’ll kill you” and “Missed that time next one won’t miss”, as well as photos of ammunition.

It’s still going on so the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff is still warning you about a scam in which an individual posing as a Sheriff’s Deputy by the name of “Sgt. Christian Woods” is attempting to extort money from citizens. The scammer will call from a blocked or spoofed number, appearing to be from our office, and falsely claim you have warrants for missed court or jury duty, demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest. In some instances, to sound real, they will claim to be calling on a recorded line, and you will hear a beep in the background.

Friday will feel a little frigid for area first responders. They’ll be taking the plunge into the cool waters of the Chesapeake Bay around 10 a.m. at Sandy Point, participating in the annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge that raises money for the Special Olympics. Kent County News reports
Chestertown Police Chief Ron Dixon and many other first responders have formed an online campaign to raise funds. Team Kent, as they are called, with Dixon as captain, combined with law enforcement and first responders from across the region, has set a goal to reach $315,000 — they are well on their way, with just over 80% of that raised.

Portions of Ferry Point Park will undergo maintenance and may be closed periodically through February 4, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Trail users are urged to exercise caution and remain mindful of workers during this time. These closures are part of our continued efforts to improve the park system using best practices to control invasive vines, shrubs and trees. These plants are non-native to the region and outcompete the native species to which wildlife have adapted and rely upon for shelter and food.

The QAC Goes Purple Opioid Awareness Commercial Competition is back and open through February 14th, 2025! This contest is open to ALL Queen Anne’s County youth groups. Among the prizes being awared:
airing of your commercial across multiple platforms, a $500 stipend award to your organization to purchase needed equipment or materials, and an invitation to a County Commissioners’ Meeting for recognition. Find out more through a link on the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.