July
Events celebrating Independence Day are held throughout the county from July 2 through the 4th.
The Good As New Shop, run by the hospital auxiliary to benefit Union Hospital, moves from Main Street to North Street in Elkton.
County sewer connection fees are cut by 50%.
In a program in the Cecilton library, Phillips Mushroom Farms is described as the largest mushroom facility in the nation. It is located between Cecilton and Warwick.
Local residents are pleased to hear that the county is considering the purchase of much of the old Brantwood/Bittersweet golf club. The property will become a county park.
County officials are asked to help develop a strategy to stop homelessness.
Recycling awards are presented in the county with many certificates. Chesapeake City wins for their efforts for another year. Elkton’s Department of Public Works also receives an award. Other awardees include Junkbeegone.com, Elkton Recyclers, Waste Management, Bestrans, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates and Chesapeake Ridge Apartments.
The Cecil County Fair is held in Fair Hill.
Beacon Point in Perryville gets new stop signs.
Perryville officials ask people to stop tampering with life saving equipment on the town dock.
Union Hospital is named one of HealthCare’s most wired for 2017 in recognition of their focus on security and patient engagement through information technology. The announcement was made by the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum.
The county approves the rezoning of land near the MD 272/MD 273 intersection for a Dollar General Store.
Local innkeeper, JoAnn Dawson, unveils a book about her life and running a bed and breakfast. She and her husband, Ted, run Fairwinds Farm.
Fair Hill International is selected by the U.S. Equestrian Federation to become a top level four-star event. They await the vote of the international organization in November.
The State Highway Association continues work on a $4.6 million street improvement project in Port Deposit.
August
There is an evening paddle at Elk Neck State Park.
Chalk the Walk is held in downtown Elkton where anyone and everyone has the opportunity to grab some chalk and create artwork on town sidewalks.
Mt. Harmon Plantation has their annual Lotus Blossom Art & Nature Festival.
The 55+ Healthy Lifestyle Expo is held.
The county’s home building market is still in a slump, but there are many home renovations and additions.
The County Council considers two bond authorization packages. One $42 million bond issue is to cover work on county school buildings. The second one permits the refinancing of bonds to save money.
Westown Movies in Middletown shows a movie with the proceeds benefitting the historic Elk Landing Foundation in Elkton.
“The Last Five Years” opens at Milburn Stone Theater at Cecil College.
The Cecil County Chamber of Commerce holds their annual mixer with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce in Chesapeake City.
The Rising Sun Chamber of Commerce donates $2,500 to the Cecil College Foundation.
The state announces that it will fund a pilot program to figure out the best ways to remove and repurpose the sediment behind the Conowingo Dam.
Elkton Diner celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Chesapeake City Little League is looking for ways to expand their facility.
The town of Elkton completes a new promotional video.
The final easement is received from a Rising Sun area landowner that completes conservation of a local historic farm that has been cultivated since colonial times.
People in Cecil County join other people in the nation in experiencing the solar eclipse.
Although auditors question the cost of public school bus service, school officials defend their contracts and the hard work of the bus service contractors.
County officials attend the annual summer conference of the Maryland Association of Counties.
Port Deposit receives a working waterfront grant.
Former Chesapeake City Mayor Findlay McCool tells the town council he will file legal papers against the town if they do not properly maintain town land adjoining his home.
Brian Miller is named as the new Director of Information Technology for the county.
Brookbend Interiors offers design services and unique decorating accents in downtown Elkton.
The Cecil County Council and county administration considers amending mandatory sewer connection regulations in areas where the county is expanding sewer service.
As Cecil County begins developing breweries, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is trying to reform the brewery industry in the state.
The Cecil County Planning Commission agreed that North East, LLC which has 170 acres along US40 and Mechanics Valley Road should be zoned from Low Density Residential to Business General.
Elkton Ford Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center has a ribbon-cutting.
Cohen Furniture opens along US40 in Elkton.
Cecil College STEM students get the opportunity for internships at the ODEC power generation facility in Conowingo.
Chesapeake City Mayor Dean Geracimos announces he will resign from office, effective in early December.
BEPAC welcomes 97 new teachers at a reception held at Principio Mansion.
The producers of the television show “When Murder Comes To Town,” films in Chesapeake City about a 2009 home invasion murder case.
After many years in the Big Elk Mall in Elkton, the KMart store closes.
September
Red Hill Road and Muddy Lane are closed in early September for the State Highway Administration to construct a traffic circle.
Rising Sun has a Friday movie presentation in the park featuring “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Brown Box Theatre Project presents “Hamlet” in Pell Gardens in Chesapeake City.
“Back To The 70s” is the theme of the Fall Fest in downtown Elkton in mid-September. The theme was selected to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the movie “Saturday Night Fever.”
The Friends of the Cecil County Library hold their 4th annual fundraising Crab Crawl in North East.
Walt’s Tavern in Elkton has a charity Poker Run.
Cecil College has a Little Black Dress event.
After considerable renovation, historic Rodger’s Tavern in Perryville is once again open to visitors.
Bainbridge Day is held to showcase the history of the former Naval training center in Port Deposit.
The Carol White Retrospective opens at Cecil College’s Elkton Station.
Chesapeake City has their annual remembrance tribute in Pell Gardens.
West Cecil Health Center is the only federally-qualified health center in the county. They announce a new dental clinic in the Perryville area.
Rising Sun gets title to an old railroad track right of way which will be used for trails.
Perryville High School has an artificial turf installed over their football field thanks to a partnership with county government.
Cecil Cares, a countywide day of service, is held in the county with many projects.
Union Hospital’s Foundation holds their annual lobster feast at Woody’s in North East to benefit hospice care services. Jimmy Ciamaricone wins the Camaro!
Emergency Services Director Richard Brooks is the guest speaker at the Elkton Chamber/Alliance luncheon, urging people to always be prepared for possible emergency situations.
The County Council is tentative when it comes to a proposal to streamline the approval of legislation.
Citizens demonstrate at the county administration building against the state regulations requiring connections to public sewer systems installed near peoples’ homes.
Jeff Coale, Chief of Wastewater Services at the county Department of Public Works, retires after nearly 40 years of service.
Cecil County’s 7th Annual Recovery Walk and Block Party is held in Elkton.
LeeAnn Nelson Physical Therapy in Elkton celebrates 15 years.
The Cecil Land Trust hires Beth Burnam as its executive director.
October
As organizers wait for word from an international equestrian organization on their four-star bid, Fair Hill International attracts many who enjoy the equestrian and other events at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area.
Cecil College hosts a career fair.
After the County Council appears to agree on zoning changes to better regulate future concentrated animal feeding operations, such as large-scale chicken houses, the Council also decides to wait several months to impose them, causing some citizens to complain about the delay.
The former Elk Manor Winery on Elk Neck is now known as Bohemia River Overlook. It has reopened as an upscale event venue.
The town of Perryville implements water conservation measures as work is being completed at the water plant.
The Cecil County Council recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Local residents visiting the wine country of California get cornered by a wildfire and have many stories to relate to the “Cecil Guardian.”
The Cecilton Lions Club has been in existence for 65 years.
County officials meet with state transportation officials and the delegation to Annapolis.
The second annual Grand Prix style race is held in downtown Elkton.
A Unity soccer tournament is held at the Cecil Soccer League’s Elkton area facility.
As of the end of September, 56 people have died of overdoses in Cecil County.
More than 300 people participate in Union Hospital’s Breast Center 5K.
After 132 years of providing pharmacy services in downtown Elkton, Lyon’s Pharmacy closes.
A ghost hunting event is held at Elk Landing.
Elkton’s annual evening Halloween Parade attracts hundreds of spectators.
Local officials work with the homeless population as Elkton prepares to evict people from homeless encampments on town land.
Local magician Wayne Gonce entertains people in downtown North East prior to a showing of two outdoor movies.
County Executive Alan McCarthy extends an offer to the towns to develop cost-saving procurement opportunities.
November
CASA plans a Festival of Trees fundraiser in downtown Elkton.
Chesapeake City asks for volunteers to help set up their annual lights for Winterfest.
Citing public health concerns, Elkton officials post eviction notices in homeless encampments on town properties and then go in to clean up the vacated areas.
Business expert Barbara Wold visits Cecil County to talk about how small retailers can survive in an Amazon world.
The town of North East helps the Shop With a Cop pay to rent the North East Fire Company’s banquet hall.
Chuck Platt of Elkton Carpet & Tile has been named Elkton’s Small Business Person of the year.
Work continues on the MD 272 bridge over Amtrak. State Highway Administration officials said the work is on schedule. Work was delayed for months when the first contractor left the job site and a new contractor was hired.
The Calvert Neighborhood Alliance is working on a Health Impact Assessment of concentrated animal feeding operations and asked the County Council to seriously consider the results of the study.
Parks continue to grow in Cecil County with the Calvert Regional Park still seeing improvements. The park welcomed more than 10,000 for weekend lacrosse tournaments.
Elkton Chamber/Alliance starts their annual Cash For Christmas contest.
The county’s Office of Economic Development loses staff as Susan O’Neill leaves her position as the county’s Economic Development Manager to become the new Executive Director of the Upper Shore Regional Council. Jason Zang has left the office to pursue other interests, including real estate and the development of a brewery set to open soon in Chesapeake City.
School Superintendent Dr. D’Ette Devine is named Maryland’s Superintendent of the Year.
Elkton’s parking meters take a holiday for the holiday.
Charlestown’s Charter Committee holds a meeting.
The County holds a hearing on mandatory sewer connections.
Santa Claus comes to Chesapeake City during the annual Pet Parade.
Upper Bay Ruritan Club supports nine additional Cecil College students.
Entry level manufacturing training is made available through the Susquehanna Workforce Network.
Two candidates file for the position of Mayor in Chesapeake City – Harry Sampson and Rich Taylor.
Perry Point Veterans Museum opens in the historic grist mill on Veterans Day. It contains many artifacts from the history of the property which served as a farm, munitions plant and as a hospital for veterans’ care.
Richard and Blanca Makola’s property is named the best yard in Elkton.
A two hour public hearing focused on mandatory sewer hook-ups with many people speaking against the state regulation.
The state’s Board of Public Works looks at how they will dispose of the Donaldson Brown mansion, located on a cliff overlooking the Susquehanna River. A group of local people have proposed a spa and related uses for the property. An adjoining property owner, who did not submit a proposal, thinks the mansion should be used for agriculture education.
The North East Rotary Club announces winners of their popular annual Soup Cook Off fundraiser.
Master craftsman Robert L. McKeown is nearing the completion of special garden structures that will be featured at Winterthur Museum in the spring.
An architect is selected for the North East library.
Cecil County maintains its high bond rating.
Rising Sun holds a Christmas tree decorating event in the town square.
City Pharmacy in Elkton is sold to the CVS chain. It is the second independent pharmacy to shut down in Elkton in as many months.
Cecil County Tourism won the Best Printed Promotional Material of 2017 at the Maryland Tourism Conference for its new nature brochure.
Cecilton residents will be getting bus service to Middletown, Delaware.
The Sassafras River Association, Chester River Association and the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy have merged.
Port Deposit gets funding for a new sewer plant.
Heritage Pregnancy and Family Health Center holds a ribbon cutting event and open house in downtown Elkton. They offer advice and assistance to people who are pregnant or have young children.
Flu vaccination clinics are held for Cecil County students.
December
More than 100 individuals and groups participate in the annual Cecil County Christmas Parade.
Cecil County’s budget can handle two snow events.
Rich Taylor is elected mayor of Chesapeake City in a special election held after the resignation of Mayor Dean Geracimos. The town Council moves to lessen the power of the office of Mayor in town.
The Stuff-a-Truck event at Cecil County collects goods for the needy in time for the holidays.
Mount Harmon Plantation has their Yuletide Festival with Williamsburg-style holiday decorations, tours of the mansion, hearth cooking demonstrations and other special activities.
The Cecil Choral Society performs their holiday concert series.
A Santa Tour and tree lighting is held in Charlestown.
Toys For Tots collects toys throughout the county.
Rising Sun has a carol sing in the downtown area.
The Union Hospital Auxiliary has a day of holiday festivities with poinsettia sales and vendors to help raise money to benefit the hospital.
Fair Hill International does not receive a higher event designation from the international equestrian organization – yet. The international group is changing the top designation from four to five stars and will vote on Fair Hill International during their 2018 conference.
Research is part of the initial architectural process for the new North East library. The architect is meeting with various stakeholders to get ideas for what is needed in the new library building.
Santa was stuck in a scissor lift in downtown Elkton and he could not get down until people donated enough toys to help the Elkton VFW Memorial Post #175.
Public hearings were held to discuss the expanding sewer lines along the US 40 growth corridor.
Cecil County’s Master Gardeners host a natural ornament workshop.
Perryville has an open house at their new, 8,000 square foot police station. On the same day, there is the annual tree lighting in Lower Ferry Park and Rodger’s Tavern has a holiday open house.
About 500 shoppers entered $80,000 in receipts from downtown Elkton businesses in the annual Cash For Christmas contest.
Perryville’s downtown area becomes the Maryland Main Street program affiliate member.
Cecil County’s Shop with a Cop program is awarded the William Donald Schaefer award.
Union Hospital is going to generate its own power.
School superintendent Dr. D’Ette Devine announces she will retire at the close of the current school year.
The County Council looks to hire fiscal consultants to help them assess the next County Executive’s budget.
The county has filed a civil suit against opiate distributors.
County Council members Jackie Gregory and Dan Schneckenburger want to hold off on increases in county park staffing as the county is set to finalize the purchase of the former Brantwood/Bittersweet golf course in early 2018. County officials say this will delay the opening of the park.
Joanne Young, who has been the agriculture coordinator in the county Office of Economic Development for 17 years, has retired.
Port Deposit has a Christmas Eve event at the tree in the center square.
Santa Claus visits with youngsters in both Chesapeake City and North East during the final weekend before Christmas.
