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Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency as a winter storm is expected to impact the state from this evening through Monday morning.
Officials are urging residents to complete storm preparations and avoid travel if possible, as hazardous weather conditions develop late tonight and tomorrow. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Monday morning for heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. A suspect is in custody following a reported threat made toward Washington College, according to Chestertown Police.
Authorities say a credible threat was reported around 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, prompting the implementation of lockdown procedures to protect students and staff. The college notified the campus community through its emergency alert system via text and email. Washington College officials said they were treating the situation seriously and working closely with law enforcement to ensure campus safety, particularly as it was the first day of classes following winter break. Shortly after 10pm, the college confirmed that the lockdown had been lifted and students were no longer required to shelter in place. Officials said no students were harmed during the incident and credited law enforcement agencies for quickly resolving the situation. Chestertown Police confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody and said additional details will be released in a forthcoming press release. A 17-year-old male is in custody and has been charged as an adult with attempted murder following a shooting reported Thursday night in Centreville.
Police say the incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. in the area of Bradley Drive and the Willows apartment complex. According to Centreville Police Chief Rob Hobbs, the shooting stemmed from a prior dispute between the suspect and the victim. Officers arrived at the scene after the suspect had fled but were able to gather information from multiple witnesses. Using those statements, police located the victim, who has a familial relationship with the suspect. Authorities say the victim reported no injuries. The suspect was taken into custody later that evening, and the handgun believed to have been used in the incident was recovered. Police say the teen faces 14 charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and multiple firearm-related offenses. The investigation remains ongoing. Queen Anne’s County officials have announced the availability of warming centers for residents during upcoming periods of extreme cold.
The warming centers provide a safe, heated environment with access to restrooms and drinking water for individuals who need relief from low temperatures. Warming centers will be available at the following locations: Senior Centers Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grasonville Senior Center 4802 Main Street, Grasonville 410-827-6010 Kent Island Senior Center 891 Love Point Road, Stevensville 410-604-3801 Sudlersville Senior Center 605 Foxxtown Road, Sudlersville 410-438-3159 County Libraries Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Centreville Branch 121 Commerce Street, Centreville 410-758-0980 Note: The Centreville Branch back entrance and parking lot are closed due to construction. Visitors must use the front entrance. Kent Island Branch 200 Library Circle, Stevensville 410-643-8161 Officials warn that warming center availability may change due to weather-related closures. Residents are encouraged to check facility hours before traveling, monitor weather updates, and follow official county communications. Community members are also urged to check on neighbors, particularly older adults and individuals without reliable heat, during periods of extreme cold. Updates on weather impacts and facility availability will be shared through qac.org, county social media channels, and local media outlets. County officials are reminding residents about the local Extreme Weather Ordinance, which limits how long dogs can be left outdoors during severe weather conditions.
Under the ordinance, dogs must be brought inside a home, building, or other suitable shelter within 30 minutes of the onset of extreme weather. Extreme weather is defined as temperatures above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or during active weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service. The ordinance applies to all dog owners in the county and is intended to protect animals from dangerous weather conditions that can lead to serious health risks, including hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or frostbite. Officials encourage pet owners to monitor weather conditions closely and ensure animals have adequate shelter, warmth, and access to water during periods of extreme heat or cold. Residents with questions about the ordinance or concerns about animal welfare are encouraged to contact local authorities. The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services is urging residents, visitors, and travelers to prepare for an approaching winter storm expected to bring snow, reduced visibility, and dangerous travel conditions.
Officials say the storm could impact roads, utilities, and daily activities. Snow and ice may develop quickly, making travel difficult or unsafe, and power outages and delayed emergency response times are possible. Commissioner President Jim Moran encouraged residents to prepare now and stay informed through official county updates. Emergency Services recommends limiting travel during the storm when possible, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and having enough food, water, medications, and essential supplies for several days. Residents are also urged to check on family members, neighbors, and those who may need extra assistance, secure outdoor items, and keep flashlights and batteries available. Officials remind residents that emergency services will remain operational, but response times may be longer during severe weather. Calls to 9-1-1 should be reserved for emergencies. The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services says it will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services will hold its next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic course beginning in April at the Queen Anne’s County Library – Kent Island Branch.
The no-cost course covers personal preparedness, community safety, and bystander first aid. No prior experience is required. Participants of all ages are welcome, though those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The eight-session course will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on April 21 and 28; May 5, 13, 20, and 26; and June 2 and 9. All sessions will take place at the Kent Island Library, located at 200 Library Circle in Stevensville. Consistent attendance is encouraged, though makeup options may be available. Registration is available at www.qac.org/1313/CERT or by calling 410-758-4500 ext. 1451. Questions can be directed to Shae Parsley at [email protected] or 410-758-4500 ext. 1451. Middle and high school students in Queen Anne’s County are invited to participate in the 2026 Opioid Awareness Poster Contest, a countywide initiative focused on promoting awareness and prevention through positive messaging.
The contest is open to students in grades 6 through 12 enrolled in public, private, or homeschool programs. Participants are asked to create original posters that promote prevention, hope, and community awareness related to opioid misuse. Artistic experience is not required, and submissions may include drawings, photography, or AI-generated images, provided they follow contest guidelines. Each participating school or group will select one winner. Middle school winners in grades 6 through 8 will receive a $300 Amazon gift card, while high school winners in grades 9 through 12 may choose a $300 Amazon gift card or a free driver’s education course. Entries must be submitted by February 14, 2026, at midnight. Posters may be submitted as a hard copy through a student’s school or digitally as a print-quality PDF. Winning posters may be featured in countywide outreach efforts and will be recognized at a spring meeting of the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County. Full contest details are available at QACGoesPurple.org. The contest is funded by the Queen Anne’s County Drug Free Coalition and the County Commissioners. This is not a Queen Anne’s County Public Schools event. |
