WCTR News

The new budget for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools includes an additional $1.2 million allocation by the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners, the majority of which will go toward teacher salaries and tutors. The Bay Times And Record Observer reports noting the work put in and the financial struggle the district has seen the last several months, Board President Helen Bennett voiced appreciation that specialists will be available throughout the district even if they have to split positions. Board Vice President Richard Smith said more help from the state will be imperative with future budget discussions.

Investigators are still searching for the cause of a structure fire Tuesday night in downtown Chestertown. Crews were called out just before midnight to the 300-block of Cannon Street, between Cross Street and South Mill Street, reports the Evening Enterprise. Arriving firefighters found one shed fully involved and a second partially consumed by flames. Damage estimated at about $10,000.

Maryland State Highway Administration announces they’ll be closing the MD 405 median crossover at US 301 in Queen Anne’s County on Monday, July 15. The closure restricts all movements through the median and will remain in effect until further notice. More information on the Queen Anne’s County Facebook page.

In Rock Hall, final preparations for Thursday’s Flat Five race continue. It’s a nearly five mile foot race entering its 41st year and begins at 8am. The race finishes where it starts — on South Main Street in front of what for many years was the municipal building. The cost is $20 if you register beforehand and increases to $30 on race day.

47 year old John Raum, Jr. of Stevensville faces a slew of charges including DUI, reckless driving and speeding after being pulled over by Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Deputies. Raum was stopped in the area of Cloverfields Dr. and Alva Court and authorities detected the smell of alcohol inside the vehicle. Raum was given a field sobriety test, which he failed, after which he was taken into custody.

A recent blaze that started in a chicken coop and spread to a barn in Rock Hall, causing $20,000 in damage has been deemed accidental by the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. The call came in on the morning of June 28 for a structure fire in the 22000-block of McKinleyville Road in Piney Neck, near the Rock Hall Yacht Club. Betterton Volunteer Fire Company’s Tanker 5, which was in the neighborhood filling a swimming pool, was the first unit on the scene and discovered the flames. No injuries reported.

There will be a “Special Ethics Meeting” at 5:30 p.m., Monday, July 8 at the Liberty Building, Orphan’s Court Meeting Room, Centreville. The meeting is focused on outreach efforts, consideration and resolution of Complaints, and ensuring compliance with public financial disclosure requirements of various County officials and employees. It also addresses oversight of lobbyist registration and annual reporting requirements.

A Chester woman faces a slew of charges including DUI while transporting a minor and reckless driving following a recent incident that unfolded at the Chester Taco Bell. Authorities were called there in reference to a motor vehicle collision, in which the driver, identified as 28 year old Chloe Lawler, had struck a portion of the drive thru. Officers detected alcohol on her breath She refused a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest.

The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office says two people were arrested for drug possession following a stop last week on the Kent Narrows Bridge. A K-9 officer was called in and indicated the presence of drugs, and a search of the vehicle uncovered multiple gel capsules and a vial inside. 46 year old Jehiah Glos and 44 year old Shannon Cottle, both of Cambridge, were charged in the incident.

Queen Anne’s County reminds you Ferry Point will be closed from July 3-5 and the parking area of the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center will be closed the morning of July 4th for the Annual Independence Day Celebration. Find out more on the Queen Anne’s County Facebook page.