overhead photo of Matapeake Clubhouse and beach

The Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks and Recreation announces the temporary closure of several areas at Matapeake on or about March 6 to April 6, 2025, for a dredging and beach replenishment project conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). News Flash • Temporary Closure of Matapeake Areas for Dredgi

News

boats in a storage yard covered with white plastic shrinkwrap

Each year, as boating season kicks off in Queen Anne’s County, a significant environmental challenge emerges: disposing of the plastic shrinkwrap used to winterize boats. With an estimated 5,000 recreational boats in the county, many of which rely on this single-use material, the result is a substantial contribution to landfill waste. Recognizing this issue, Queen Anne’s County Government is continuing its proactive efforts to reduce the ecological footprint of boating by expanding its shrinkwrap recycling initiative. News Flash • Queen Anne’s County Takes Action to Reduce Plas

Budget

Draft Budget will be presented to the County Commissioners at their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25 starting at 5:30 PM

Its the start of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Time! Click on the image above to see all of the dates and important steps along the way to adopting this coming years budget.

https://www.qac.org/DocumentCenter/View/21641/FY26-Budget-Schedule---FINALpdf

A budget work session is a key step in county government’s budget preparation. Officials review revenues, expenses, and department funding requests to ensure a balanced budget that aligns with community priorities. These sessions allow for open discussions on funding public safety, infrastructure, and services. While informal, they are open to the public to ensure transparency. Stay informed and engaged in your county’s budget process!

Queen Anne’s County Releases Independent Review of Public Schools Budget Process

Queen Anne’s County has released an independent review of the budgetary process for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) for fiscal years 2023 through 2025. Conducted by SB & Company, LLC, the report outlines key financial management concerns and provides recommendations for improved oversight and accountability.

The review identifies challenges in budget development, financial monitoring, and expenditure controls, including unanticipated shortfalls, staffing turnover, and discrepancies in salary and benefit budgeting. Notably, the report highlights multi-year budget deficits that have led to a decline in the school system’s available fund balance.

"Queen Anne’s County is committed to supporting our public schools and ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to benefit our students, teachers, and families. This independent review highlights areas where we can improve financial oversight and planning, and we are ready to work collaboratively with the Board of Education to find solutions. By working together, we can strengthen our school system’s financial stability and continue providing quality education for all students in Queen Anne’s County." Said County Commissioner President Chris Corchiarino

To read the report visit Queen-Annes-County-Public-School-AUP-report

Events

Kent Island Heritage Society is marking its 50th anniversary with a special Golden Anniversary General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m. at Historic Christ Church in Stevensville. This event is free and open to the public.

Join KIHS President Jack Broderick and Isle of Kent Newsletter Editor & Outreach Coordinator John Conley as they take a journey through the Society’s remarkable five decades of dedication to preserving Kent Island’s rich history. The evening will feature a dynamic presentation highlighting the organization’s milestones, including the creation of the new Kent Island Heritage Center.

Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A and discussion with some special Island “Originals” who have been part of this historic journey.

Come celebrate 50 years of accomplishments, adventures, and community spirit!

Mark your calendars- Midshore Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day is coming!

Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 8 am to 2 pm. This will be at the Nicholson Drop-Off Center, 23750 Larney Nick Rd, Chestertown, MD. This event is free to Midshore County residents (Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties). For questions on the program please contact Maryland Environmental Service at (443)685-4073.

Click on the image above to see more details.

It may still be chilly, but "Kitten Season" is right around the corner! Interested in assisting us with kittens this year? Consider joining us at our Foster Kitten Summit on Sunday, March 30th from 11am to 1pm in our conference room! New and experienced kitten fosters are encouraged to come discuss fostering, mingle with fellow fosters & learn how to care for the most vulnerable shelter population like a pro!

Check out the event & RSVP HERE>> https://www.facebook.com/share/1XxQ8RdK2a/

Queen Anne's County Department of Health will be offering a Rabies Clinic for cats, dogs, and ferrets on April 16, 2025 from 4-6PM at their location in Centreville. Queen Anne's County Department of Health (parking lot) 206 N Commerce Street in Centreville. $5.00 per animal - please bring exact cash or check along with previous vaccination records. Please ensure all dogs are on leashes and cats and ferrets are in carriers. Maryland law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets over the age of 4 months be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be 12 weeks old to receive vaccination. Rabies vaccine is good for one year without prior vaccination and is good for 3 years with prior vaccination. Vaccine is good for only one year for ferrets.