Wicomico County Council honors Megan Barrientos for Spelling Bee victory

The Wicomico County Council convened on April 1, 2025, for a legislative and open work session, highlighting community achievements and discussing important legislative matters. The meeting began with a proclamation recognizing Megan Barrientos, a student from Wicomico Middle School, for her victory in the 2025 Maryland Eastern Shore Regional Spelling Bee. Council member Josh Hastings, who has dyslexia and dysgraphia, read the proclamation, celebrating Megan's accomplishment and wishing her luck as she advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Following the recognition, the council shifted focus to a public hearing regarding Legislative Bill 2025-04. This bill aims to amend the Wicomico County code to include the right to conduct commercial seafood operations under the existing Right to Farm Act. The proposal, initially introduced by Mr. Wynne, seeks to establish new membership positions on the Right to Farm and Commercial Seafood Operation Reconciliation Committee and expand notification requirements for seafood operations.

Mr. Benson explained that rather than creating a new committee, the bill integrates seafood operations into the existing framework, streamlining the process. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reviewed the bill and raised no objections, allowing the council to proceed with the public hearing.

During the public comment period, Captain Joe Laffin, a local waterman and chairman of the Westside Community Task Force, expressed his support for the legislation. He emphasized the importance of providing assurance to the dwindling number of local watermen, highlighting the need for support in both farming and aquaculture.

After concluding public comments, the council moved to vote on Legislative Bill 2025-04. The bill passed unanimously, reflecting strong support from council members. The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment, both in recognizing local talent and advancing legislation that supports the agricultural and seafood industries in Wicomico County.