The Betterton Volunteer Fire Company responded to the 13000 block of Fishing Valley Road in Worton last Tuesday for a structure fire which broke out at a single-family home that was still under construction. A construction crew discovered the fire and called it in.  The home was not occupied, so no one was displaced.  The home did not have a smoke alarm installed, and there was no fire alarm or sprinkler system either, since the home was still being built.  Damage to the structure is estimated at $300,000. The cause of the fire and the area where it started are both still under investigation.  Anyone with information about this fire is asked to call the Upper Eastern Regional Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal at 410-822-3500. 

Queen Anne’s County leaders are considering how a multi-sport tourism complex could impact the local economy. The County Commissioners awarded a $45,000 contract to Kemper Sports for a feasibility study and market analysis during their August 11th meeting.  Department of Economic and Tourism Development Director Heather Tinelli says the study will look to develop a 10-year sports tourism growth forecast and annual profit estimates, in addition to determining details of cost, construction and a potential location.  County officials have asked the study include features like soccer fields, baseball fields, a 3,00 seat baseball stadium, a mountain bike park, social gathering spaces, restrooms, concession stands and seating.  Officials did not specify a timeline of when the feasibility study could be completed or what the next steps could be for the potential sports complex.