WCTR News

For the month of August, adoption fees will be waived for all participating animal shelters and rescues across Maryland as part of the Maryland 3000 adoption challenge. 2024 has been a difficult year for animal shelters across the country, with most seeing a sharp increase in the number of animals entering shelters. Queen Anne’s County Animal Services is no exception, experiencing a 50% increase in their cat population from just one year ago. Campaigns such as the Maryland 3000 hope to encourage residents to adopt from their local shelters or rescue organizations.

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved 49 new Maryland Agricultural Preservation Foundation easements during their August 7 meeting. The easements will permanently preserve 4,998 acres of prime farmland in several counties, Kent and Queen Anne’s County among them. The total investment among all counties is more than $25 million.

The Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park was the recipient of a total $1.5 million grant from the Rural Economic Development Fund, in partnership with the state of Maryland in 2022/2023. The monies were also approved by the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners. The funding facilitated significant infrastructure improvements within the 4-H Park property located on Route 18, between Centreville and Queenstown.

At the August 5, 2024 mayor and town council meeting in Chestertown, there was a presentation on a proposed prototype public restroom facility for the downtown area. According to the town Facebook page, as presented, that bathroom facility would cost, all inclusive, more than $300,000 or a per square foot unit cost well in excess of $1,100. This is a cost higher than that of new residential construction for an entire family home. The mayor and council have directed town staff to develop other options at a more reasonable cost.

It has been over 11 years since the suspicious death of Robin Pope in Queen Anne’s County. Her family and friends, as well as law enforcement, are still actively seeking answers regarding the circumstances of her death, and her case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit at 410-822-3101 or the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 410-758-6666.

On Sunday, September 15, ShoreRivers will host its 20th Ride for Clean Rivers—a chance for cyclists to ride the beautiful back roads of Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties in support of the organization’s work for thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities. Riders of all ages and levels are welcome to register for fully supported Metric Century (62-mile), 35-mile, or 20-mile routes. Find out more at shoreivers.org

Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office have charged 34 year old Kwame Custis with the Threat of Arson. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a shed fire at 341 Cannon Street in Chestertown. Shore News reports on July 2, in the late evening hours, a fire caused approximately $10,000 in damages to the shed and its contents. Following the incident, a warrant for the Threat of Arson was obtained on July 26. Custis was taken into custody Friday with the assistance of the Chestertown Police Department. He was released on an unsecured $5,000 bond.

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff is scheduled for a site-based assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. The program requires agencies to comply with standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. As part of the assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments via a public access portal. There’s a link to it on the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

An arrest warrant issued for 40 year old Darryl Edward Cooper Jr. of Worton. He’s charged with first- and second-degree assault; reckless endangerment; and drug and firearm offenses. The offenses are alleged to have occurred June 24 in the 600-block of Washington Avenue, Chestertown.

36 year old Amanda Woody of Church Hill is charged with DUI of Alcohol and Driving Without a License.
On July 29th, deputies were dispatched to the area of Loverlee Ln, in Queenstown, for a medical call assist for a subject who appeared to be in some type of medical emergency. Upon arrival, Deputies met with the suspect, Amanda Woody, who had pulled into someone’s driveway, exited her vehicle, and appeared to be in distress. While speaking with Woody, DFC Keller detected signs of impairment. Woody was asked to perform Field Sobriety Testing and due to the results of the testing, Woody was placed under arrest and charged accordingly.