WCTR News

Washington College is one step closer to finalizing a settlement after a class action lawsuit over data stolen in a ransomware attack was filed this summer. Documents filed in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court show more than 13,000 people — current and former students and employees of the school — were affected by the data breach. Though the final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for May, the court granted the plaintiffs’ unopposed motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. The plaintiffs say in filings that Washington College’s data was breached for about a month between February and March 2023, in what the college called “a potential ransomware incident” by an “unauthorized actor.”

The search is on for three suspects in a brazen store robbery last week. Deputies went to the Nike Outlet Store at the Queenstown Outlets in reference to a theft that had just occurred. The complainant advised that three African American women had entered the store and left with approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise that they did not pay for. They left in an unknown direction in a silver sedan. The footage could not be accessed at the time, and Deputy Smith will be following up. The investigation is on-going.

Last week, Deputies responded to Queenstown Bank in Stevensville for a report of a threat. Upon arrival, the complainant advised that a customer kept calling irate about his wife gaining access to their joint account, making threats towards the bank and its staff. The suspect was identified, and contact was made at his residence. He was determined to be heavily intoxicated and advised not to make any further contact with the bank. He was trespassed from the property and the bank closed his account.

Queen Anne’s County announces that Parks and Recreation Ranger, Paolo Palumbo has been awarded the Life Saver Award from the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) for heroic actions that saved a life earlier this year. While conducting routine duties at the Kent Narrows Public Boat Landing in Grasonville, Palumbo observed a vehicle in the water near the boat ramp. The vehicle began to float, drawn toward the Kent Narrows channel by strong currents heightened by coastal flooding that day.
As the vehicle filled with water, the driver climbed onto the roof and called for help. Acting swiftly, Ranger Palumbo immediately contacted 911 and initiated a rescue effort.

Shore Strategies LLC gave an update recently on the Chestertown Recreation Commission 10-Year Master Plan for the parks around town. After several formal meetings, discussions, community surveys, including students at Kent County Middle School, and stakeholders, they are nearing the completion of the draft proposal.
The plan involves all Chestertown parks: Wilmer, Bailey, Gateway, Carpenter and Ajax.

On November 18th, Deputies responded to a business in Stevensville for a report of a past fraud. Upon arrival, Deputies learned the business had been advised by their banking institution that someone tried to cash a washed check from the business for an amount of over $10,000. The bank did not cash the check and is conducting an investigation.

Town Hall will be closed Thursday November 28, 2024, and Friday November 29, 2024, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will reopen on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Red Stag Fulfillment analyzed broadband speeds across Maryland and conducted a survey of 3,000 respondents to pinpoint the places most disadvantaged in securing top Black Friday deals, and Kent County sits atop the list. The reason? Because only 79% of households in the county have broadband access, reports DeepCreek Times. The survey revealed that for many, slow internet speeds can be a dealbreaker – literally. About 43% of people in the survey said they’ve missed out on a deal because of poor connectivity.

In Queen Anne’s County, last week, Deputies responded to a home in Chester for a report of fraud. Upon arrival, Deputies made contact with the victim who advised that someone posing as a police officer contacted him and stated that he had charges against him. To fix the charges, the victim needed to go to a Bitcoin machine and transfer money. The victim is out $2500. The investigation remains open.

Kent Reserve, the area’s first cannabis dispensary, is getting closer to opening. Set in the former BB&T Bank on Cypress Street in Millington, Kent Reserve will provide high-quality, affordable cannabis in a welcoming and inclusive space to medical and recreational customers aged 21 and over. The Chestertown Spy reports
Kent Reserve is led by longtime Millington resident Rahul Dutta and will proudly operate under a social equity license awarded to minority and women-owned cannabis businesses through the Maryland Office of Social Equity.