On October 18, 1972, the Clean Water Act officially went into effect. This revolutionary law, which was passed in response to decades upon decades of toxic, industrial pollution and sewage being dumped into our nation’s waters, finally put restrictions on the companies making our water unsafe for human contact. It allowed community members to hold polluters accountable and set precedent for future efforts to ensure clean water for all Americans—an essential human right. It’s also a vital tool for groups like ShoreRivers, that work to protect and restore our waterways.

On Friday, November 11 at 6:00 p.m. Kent School is hosting an Empty Bowls event to benefit The Kent County Food Pantry. Empty Bowls is an international project to fight hunger, personalized by artists and art organizations on a community level. Kent School’s event is open to the public and admission is free. Guests will enjoy a variety of homemade soups and breads with the purchase of a student-made ceramic bowl. Each bowl is $10. All proceeds from the sale of the bowls will go to The Kent County Food Pantry. This event is a collaboration between the Kent School’s Art Department and the Student Government Association.

Kent County Middle School inducted 19 students into the National Junior Honor Society this fall.

Dressed in a ballgown she fashioned out of brightly colored plastic bags, artist Kayti Didriksen had a big moment in the spotlight Friday afternoon, Sept. 23 when a mural she created with local students was unveiled at Rock Hall Elementary School. The three-panel mural hangs along the school's brick entryway, greeting students, staff and visitors with a tableau celebrating music, movement and color.

Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing Marina in Chestertown has begun the installation of new state-of-the-art floating docks. The new docks will replace two fixed docks adjacent to the popular Jellyfish Joel’s Beach Bar, and will feature 104 floating slips that can accommodate yachts up to 60 feet in length.

The Board of Directors of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) has approved a plan by UM Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) to submit a Letter of Intent next month to the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) to construct a new Regional Medical Center in Talbot County.

Kent County High School's athletic trainer was recognized Monday, Sept. 12 for his dedication to students. Bryan McCabe received the monthly Golden Anchor Award at that evening's Kent County Board of Education meeting. The Golden Anchor Award is given to staff members or groups of employees who exemplify the mission and core values of Kent County Public Schools.

Joseph (Joe) Goetz, a longtime resident of Kent County, Maryland and President of the Kent County Board of Education, was sworn in October 7th as President of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE), a leading advocate for public education in Maryland since 1957. MABE, whose ongoing vision is to champion excellence in public education, is comprised of all 24 Maryland boards of education.

The Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday, October 20, at the Kent County Family YMCA will offer a wealth of information, including a gymnasium full of exhibitors and seven talks by local educators on important and timely health topics.

Members of the Kent County High School FFA have a big trip planned for next month. From Oct. 25 to 29, they will be in Indianapolis, Ind. attending the 95th annual National FFA Convention and Expo.