One of four candidates for an open seat on the Ridgely commission has withdrawn his name just days before the election, citing an election environment filled with personal attacks.Ralph Hurley, a retired sergeant major in the U.S. Army, made the announcement to residents Friday afternoon via social media. The Star Democrat reports Hurley’s decision leaves three candidates to vie for the open spot on the town’s commission: incumbent Brad Sears and challengers Allison Morris and Jamie Romph. Voting is open on Monday, April 27 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting this week to open its new location in Queenstown on the Eastern Shore. WMAR reports the camp's aim is to bring joy, connection, and “a different kind of healing” to children with serious illnesses and their families.The opening is just phase one of the renovations at the Queenstown location. Key updates include a family gathering space, a parent relaxation room, a barrier-free theater, accessible residential rooms with climate control, and a modern medical center with three overnight observation rooms, a reception area, and a pharmacy.

In recent weeks, several developments have emerged that will shape funding for construction of a new Kent County Middle School. According to the Kent County News, Kent County Public Schools Superintendent Mary McComas and Director of Finance Kreigh Kirby updated county officials, including Chief Financial Officer Pat Merritt, on progress ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget during a regularly scheduled commissioner’s meeting. School officials said they are getting closer to a clearer understanding of that cost share, with construction project costs estimated at about $70 million.

Two pedestrians were injured Wednesday, April 22 after being struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk in downtown Chestertown, police said. According to the Kent County News, it happened in the 300 block of High Street at Cross Street. Police said an 80-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were legally crossing High Street in a crosswalk when a 2011 Buick Enclave turning left from South Cross Street into the northbound lane struck them.The woman sustained minor injuries to her lower extremities, while the man suffered more serious injuries to his upper and lower body. The driver, identified as Amanda Marie Wilson, 43, of Queenstown, was cited for failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk and driving on a suspended license, police said.

According to Ward 4 Councilman Stephen Lozar, Kent Center Inc. — shuttered earlier this year following multiple state regulations code violations of the and the loss of its Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration license — has announced a new business venture.The organization aims to open a 24/7 homeless shelter with 60 beds. The Kent County News reports Maryland health officials moved to suspend the organization’s license in late January. Lozar who was invited to tour the Kent Center facility at 215 Scheel Road in Chestertown, during which Executive Director Tom Killian relayed plans, under a new name — Mollitiam — to reopen in late summer or early fall as a homeless shelter.

The Kent County chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center is proud to announce the return of the Chestertown Pride Festival, a two-day celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, community and allyship [sic], taking place Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at Wilmer Park. Kent County News reports the festival marks the return of Pride to Chestertown, building on the legacy of the region’s first celebration in 2019 and continuing a growing tradition of inclusion and visibility across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.Festivities kick off Friday, May 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a high-energy dance party, followed by the main festival Saturday, May 2, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Chestertown Police Department and Kent County Behavioral Health’s Prevention Office are participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25.At the downtown Farmers Market on High Street, from 8 a.m. to noon, Chestertown police officers will be on-site to collect unused or expired prescription medications, which pose a serious public safety issue if they are not disposed of properly. The Evening Enterprise reports items that can be dropped off include unwanted medications, vitamins and supplements. Vape pens, inhalers, sharps and needles will not be accepted. This program is anonymous; no questions asked, no identification required.

In 1957, Kenneth Walley opened the Walley Funeral Home at 207 Calvert St. in Chestertown, achieving his high school ambition of becoming a mortician. As the first Black mortician and embalmer in Kent County, Walley served his community with care and compassion. The Evening Enterprise reports as part of its observance of National Library Week, with a focus on local history, Kent County Public Library is inviting the public to celebrate the revitalization of the building and the legacy of the Walley Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m.

State transportation officials will host a public meeting Monday to provide updates on the planned Frederick Douglass Rail-Trail Project along Cordova Road between Tuckahoe State Park and Black Dog Alley in Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. The Star Democrat reports the meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Queen Anne–Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company meeting hall at 13512 1st St. in Queen Anne. At the meeting, members of the State Highway Administration project team will provide information about a planned bicycle and pedestrian rail trail path within the project limits. This hard surface trail of approximately 9.5 miles would provide a recreation and transportation amenity, connecting residents and visitors to Tuckahoe State Park and communities along the corridor.

A Denton man was killed in a crash involving a lawn mower and a pickup truck Wednesday afternoon, according to Maryland State Police. The Star Democrat reports authorities said the victim, identified as 42-year-old Joel Garcia, was operating a John Deere lawn mower at the time of the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. on April 15 along Burrsville Road near Garland Road. Investigators said the lawn mower was traveling on the westbound shoulder when, for unknown reasons, a Toyota Tundra left the roadway and struck it.