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County officials say Queen Anne’s County continues to make progress expanding high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas.
An update on the effort was presented at the recent 2026 Economic Outlook event by Megan DelGaudio, IT Support Manager for Queen Anne’s County. Officials say the county has worked with state and federal partners, internet service providers, and local stakeholders to close connectivity gaps since adopting its Broadband Strategic Plan. More than $7.8 million has been invested in broadband infrastructure within the county, including county, state, federal, and private provider funding. Officials noted this total does not include an additional $3.6 million regional investment through partnerships with Choptank Electric Cooperative and the State of Maryland that also benefited parts of Queen Anne’s, Caroline, and Somerset counties. Several broadband projects are currently in various stages of construction and permitting. County leaders say coverage maps show approximate service areas and will continue to be updated as projects move forward. Residents are encouraged to help identify remaining unserved locations by checking their address on the Federal Communications Commission National Broadband Map. Officials also point to assistance options such as the Long Driveway Grant, which may help offset connection costs for homes far from existing infrastructure. More information is available through the county’s Broadband Advisory Council, and residents with questions are encouraged to contact [email protected] A spring election will be held to fill the seat of Sudlersville Town Commissioner Keith Griffith, who was charged in December with multiple offenses related to an alleged theft scheme.
The missing funds were discovered during an audit conducted as part of Queen Anne’s County’s acquisition of the Town of Sudlersville’s water and sewer system. According to Town Clerk Faith Rossing, the town’s attorney, Lance Young of the MacLeod Law Group, reviewed the Sudlersville town charter and determined that it does not provide a mechanism to remove a sitting commissioner from office. Young said Griffith’s term is scheduled to end this spring, at which time an election will be held to fill the position. Town commissioners serve three-year terms. Minutes from the November meeting of the Sudlersville Town Commission indicate that Griffith stepped down as commission president, citing work-related pressures, and nominated Commissioner E.T. Kimble to serve as president for the remainder of the term. The motion was approved, with Kimble abstaining, and Kimble presided over the remainder of the meeting. The next regular meeting of the Sudlersville Town Commissioners is scheduled for February 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, located at 200 South Church Street. A work session focused on budget discussions is also scheduled for January 21 at 6:30 p.m. Town officials also addressed recent rumors regarding potential development in Sudlersville, stating that no formal or informal proposals related to a Dollar General store have been submitted to either the Town Commissioners or the Planning Commission. The Sudlersville Town Commissioners meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and the Planning Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The Maryland Farm Bureau testified Tuesday, January 21, before the Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee, outlining major challenges currently facing agriculture across the state.
Testifying on behalf of the Farm Bureau was Kimmi Lyons, a Harford County cattle farmer and member of the organization’s board of directors. Lyons told lawmakers that while agriculture plays a vital role in feeding communities, preserving open space, and supporting Maryland’s economy, farmers are facing increasing financial and regulatory pressures. Among the key issues raised were the need for consistent funding for cover crop programs and the Maryland Agricultural Cost-Share Program, which help improve soil health, protect water quality, and support Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Lyons also highlighted concerns over land preservation, noting that demand for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation continues to exceed available funding, putting productive farmland at risk of being lost to development. Other priorities included balancing the state’s renewable energy goals with food security, with concerns raised about large-scale solar projects being built on limited farmland, and strengthening wildlife management tools to address crop damage caused by growing deer populations. The hearing was chaired by Marc Korman and Vice Chair Michele Guyton. Additional testimony was provided by representatives from the Delmarva Chicken Association, Horizon Farm Credit, the Maryland Grain Producers Association, and the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts. The Maryland Farm Bureau says it will continue working with state lawmakers throughout the 2026 legislative session to advocate for policies that support the long-term viability of Maryland’s farming industry. 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. |
