WCTR News

The Denton Town Council has introduced ordinances that will raise water and sewer rates beginning in 2026. The proposed increases, discussed and approved for introduction during the Council’s November 6 meeting, are part of a three-year plan designed to stabilize the town’s utility funds and address upcoming infrastructure costs. The new rates will take effect on January 1. Sewer rates for in-town customers will rise from a $50 base fee to $60.50 in 2026, with the per-1,000-gallon charge increasing from $8 to $9.68.

Easton and county officials cut the ribbon last week on the renovated Doverbrook Apartments, a staple affordable housing project in town that was complete for months but sat vacant. The Star Democrat reports formerly an aging complex made up of seven buildings, a nearly $26 million redevelopment effort added 14 units to the existing 50 to accommodate more low-income residents and families. Funding came from many partners, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Talbot County and Town of Easton.

Small business support in Chestertown. It starts tonight with the annual Ladies’ Night, sponsored by the Downtown Chestertown Association. Local shops will be open until at least 7 pm with discounts and specials, with many offering complimentary refreshments. The day after Thanksgiving is the Kent County Holiday Parade — Friday, Nov. 28 at 5:30. Santa will be in his house from 10 a.m. to noon the following Saturday, Nov. 29 and Saturdays in December: 6, 13 and 20. Nov. 29 is Small Business Saturday — another reason to shop local and support your neighbors, your downtown shops.

A Stevensville man was arrested after allegedly fleeing from deputies during a traffic stop, then calling 911 to report his vehicle stolen, according to the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports 23 year old Erik Perez Cinto was taken into custody Nov. 7 after deputies said he ran from a traffic stop shortly before 11 p.m. the previous night in the Kent Towne Market area.
Deputy First Class Doyle was conducting routine patrol and registration checks when he identified a black Dodge Charger with suspended registration and an insurance lapse. The registered owner, later identified as Perez Cinto, was also found to have no valid driver’s license, the sheriff’s office said.

Three juveniles have been charged with calling in a fake shooting to 911 on Sunday, according to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office. The Star Democrat reports around 2 p.m. Sunday, police and emergency responders rushed to the 4300 block of Lovers Lane in Trappe after a shooting was reported in a 911 call. Police searched the residence, and after further investigation, determined the 911 call was a false report. Police identified three juveniles responsible for the false report. Under Maryland law, their names cannot be released, police said. They were charged with filing a false police report, reckless endangerment, misuse of 911 and other offenses, according to police.

Chestertown Police served an arrest warrant charging Thomas Dennis Wall, 77, of Chestertown with obtaining property valued at more than $100,000 from a vulnerable adult. Wall also is charged with conducting a theft scheme (of more than $100,000) and two counts of forgery of private documents. He is being held in the Kent County Detention Center without bond. The victim is identified as a 96-year-old woman.

The Democratic Club of Kent County will meet Thursday, Nov. 20, at The Kitchen, 208 High St. The Kent County News reports Chestertown Mayor David Foster will speak on the county’s political, economic and educational history and discuss why change is needed to ensure quality services while preserving Kent’s most valued features.
The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by a business meeting and election of officers at 6:45 p.m. Foster’s presentation will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

The Easton Police Department arrested two on Sunday in connection with theft from the local Walmart.
On Nov. 2, officers responded to Walmart following the report of a suspicious individual who was believed to be stealing merchandise. Upon arriving on the scene, officers observed the subject running through the parking lot towards Dover Road. The suspect was later identified as 51-year-old Joshua Medler of Camden, Delaware.
During an investigation by police, Walmart staff advised authorities that Medler had in fact stolen multiple items, totaling over $2,000, and placed them in a vehicle in the parking lot. Medler was apprehended in the parking lot and placed under arrest. Upon a search of his person, Medler was found to be in possession of a substance, suspected to be methamphetamines.

A 78-year-old man was transported by ambulance to an area hospital on Wednesday night, Nov. 5 after being struck by a vehicle in downtown Chestertown. The man suffered what were described as non-life-threatening injuries, and he was taken to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware as a precaution, reports The Evening Enterprise. No charges have been filed. The pedestrian-involved incident occurred at 5:35 p.m. in the 300-block of High Street at Spring Avenue.

A Chestertown man has been indicted and arrested in connection with the theft of funds from a 96-year-old woman following a joint investigation by the Chestertown Police Department and Kent County Department of Social Services’ Adult Protective Services. Investigators determined that 77 year oldThomas Dennis Wall had been stealing money from the victim since 2022 by using her debit cards and writing unauthorized checks on her bank account. A Kent County grand jury indicted Wall on Oct. 30, and he was arrested the following day. He is being held without bail pending further court action.