Queen Anne's Record-Observer

KENT NARROWS — A truck caught fire outside a hotel early Friday morning, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The truck blaze occurred outside the Best Western Kent Narrows Inn, a press release from the fire marshal said. There were no injuries. According to investigators, a hotel guest discovered the truck fire just before 1 a.m. Friday, July 17. Ten firefighters quelled the blaze in around 20 minutes, the press release stated.

CENTREVILLE — Presenting County Health Department updates, new Queen Anne’s County Health Department Health Officer Brice Strang noted preventive measures and resources as well as upcoming county priorities to the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners March 25.

STEVENSVILLE — Informational displays lined the walls of Kent Island High School's cafeteria Wednesday, laying out narrowed-down options plans for a new Bay Bridge. The self-paced open house welcomed the community to gather information and submit feedback as the Maryland Transportation Authority conducts Tier 2 of the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study. The study, launched in 2017, seeks to examine the state's options when it comes to the aging bridge.

CENTREVILLE — Detailing onsite parking requirements, guest occupancy, annual inspections and amplified music curfew, Queen Anne’s County Commissioners approved an ordinance regulating short term rentals in the county Nov. 26. Making short term rentals permitted in all county zoning districts and dwelling units, the intent of the ordinance is to address short-term rentals in the county with a focus on protecting existing neighborhoods and addressing enforcement.

CENTREVILLE — An overview of the pedestrian bridge plans to connect the Cross Island and South Island trails were presented to the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners Nov. 26. In conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department, Southern Kent Island Trail Extension Project staff obtained preliminary construction cost information for a pedestrian bridge crossing over MD Route 50, Chief Roads Engineer Shane Moore said.

CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) yearly audit found no discrepancies as Chief Financial Officer Whitey Gast and CPA Audrey McKenrick presented the QACPS financial audit for the period ending June 30 to the school Board Nov. 6. Multiple audits occur annually within QACPS, including federal, state, legislative, and MSDE enrollment audits, according to Superintendent Patricia Saelens.

CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne's County County Board of Education election Tuesday won seats for Mathew Drayer, Carrie Sutherland and Kendra Eichler on the school board. With 56% of the votes, Mat Drayer won the contested District 2 seat with 11,458 votes against incumbent Richard “Dick” Smith’s 8,573 votes. Smith has been on the Board of Education for seven years. District 3 and 4 seats were uncontested and won by Carrie Sutherland and Kendra Eichler respectfully.

CENTREVILLE — Exercising their right to vote, either by mail in ballots, in-person early voting, or showing up the day of, Queen Anne’s County let their voices be heard for the 2024 Election Day on Tuesday. The local election at hand this year for three open Board of Educations seats saw Mathew Drayer take the majority over incumbent Richard “Dick” Smith in District 2 and secured the uncontested seats in Districts 3 and 4, with Carrie Sutherland and Kendra Eichler appointed respectfully.

CENTREVILLE — Following favorable recommendation by the Queen Anne’s County Planning Commission, the County Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss a proposed ordinance regulating short term rentals in the county Oct. 22. The intent of the ordinance is to address short-term rentals in the county with a focus on protecting existing neighborhoods and addressing enforcement, according to Stephanie Jones, senior planner.

CENTREVILLE —Queen Anne’s County Parks and Recreation officials and project consultant BerryDunn presented the findings of a community-wide feasibility study for a county recreation center to the county commissioners Oct. 22. In February, the parks and rec department and BerryDunn, launched a feasibility study to determine the optimal location and design for the County’s first indoor recreation center, according to Steve Chandlee, parks and recreation director.