WCTR News

Kent County commissioners are weighing whether to build a new middle school as residents challenge the state funding formula they say unfairly treats the county as wealthy despite being one of Maryland’s poorest. Kent County News reports during a recent meeting, hestertown resident Mike Waal presented research showing Kent County ranks near the bottom in total wealth but third highest in wealth per pupil — a discrepancy he says costs taxpayers millions. The issue has taken on new urgency as commissioners decide whether to build a new Kent County Middle School. The state would cover about two-thirds of the cost, or $35.1 million.

Preservation Maryland has awarded Sumner Hall in Chestertown its 2025 Stewardship Award. This award is presented to individuals or organizations in recognition of exemplary stewardship of Maryland’s historic buildings, collections, landscapes, and archeological sites. Preservation Maryland recognized Sumner Hall for its “ongoing preservation and interpretation of African American heritage in Chestertown, including its role as one of the few surviving Grand Army of the Republic halls built by Black veterans of the Civil War.”

The Easton Police Department (EPD) and Maryland State Police (MSP) are investigating a hit and run that killed a cyclist over the weekend. WMDT reports at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Saturday, officers discovered numerous pieces of vehicle debris and the body of a 68-year-old man under a tree. Officers report they attempted life saving measures without success. A preliminary investigation, initiated by EPD and the MSP Crash Team, found that the victim was struck by either a tractor trailer or box truck earlier in the day. The suspected vehicle has front
passenger side damage, including a missing mirror.

University of Maryland Shore Medical Center (UM SMC) at Chestertown recently acquired a new state-of-the-art MRI machine at its diagnostics center located at 100 Brown Street. The new MRI replaces an older machine and represents substantial advancements in patient imaging technology. The new MRI increases access and comfort for larger patients and for those who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia. The Chester River Health Foundation has committed $1.2 million toward the purchase and renovations.

Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fraud case involving the attempted purchase of a puppy. A victim reported they had been scammed during an online transaction. Easternshoreundercover.com reports the victim reported being in communication with an unknown suspect regarding the purchase of a Pitbull puppy. As part of the agreement, the victim sent $100 to the suspect as a down payment. The suspect had arranged to meet with the victim to complete the transaction and transfer the puppy. The suspect failed to appear at the scheduled meeting location. Following the missed appointment, the suspect terminated all contact with the victim. The victim has not received the promised puppy or a refund of the down payment.

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office announced they arrested Tyler Davis, 22, for murder after emergency services responded to a man in cardiac arrest on Sept. 29. WBOC reports officials say at about 9:30 a.m. that morning, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Caroline County Department of Emergency Services and the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Company responded to 310 Maple Avenue for a 65-year-old man in cardiac arrest. They say it was immediately obvious that the victim was deceased and had injuries consistent with assault. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division then responded to the scene. Police say they determined there was a physical altercation between the victim and Davis of Ridgely, who also lived in the house.

Carla M. Thorpe, MSA, LBSW, CPRP, has been named the Acting Health Officer of the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). As of October 1, 2025, Thorpe will serve in an acting capacity while a comprehensive search for the next Health Officer is conducted. Thorpe, a lifelong resident of the Kent County area, has over 30 years of healthcare experience. She has been the Director of the A.F. Whitsitt Center for the past 4 years, and this year she was named Director of the Developmental Disabilities program as well. Prior to joining KCHD, she was the Program Director and part of the Executive Leadership Team at Crossroads Community, Inc., a nonprofit providing community-based mental health services throughout the Midshore region.

Police have arrested two people for hindering a drug investigation in April, alleging they made a fake report to 911 that there was a shooting at the Easton Walmart. The Star Democrat reports 38 year old Elon Black of Easton, and Lacira Wilson, 39, of Worton, are both facing charges in connection to a drug investigation on April 4.
They were arrested on Sept. 18 and 19 for intent to distribute drugs, obstructing and hindering, and making false statements to police officers. Officers stopped Black’s vehicle in the area of U.S. Route 50 and Cecil Drive on April 4. A K-9 search discovered “suspected heroin/fentanyl mix,” crack cocaine and ecstasy.

State Police are reminding drivers of new speed monitoring fines taking effect Oct. 1, bringing the new maximum from $40 to $425. The new tiered penalty system, established through House Bill 182, will apply to speed monitoring systems statewide. Previously, those driving 15 mph over the speed limit faced the same $40 civil citation as those speeding by 45 mph. The new civil citations look like this: 12-15 mph over: $40, 16-19 mph over: $70 and 20-29 mph over: $120.

The Samaritan Group of Kent County is launching a major fundraising and volunteer recruitment campaign to expand its emergency winter shelter, which is traditionally open at three churches in Chestertown — First United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, and Chestertown Church of the Nazarene — from January through March. Kent County News reports the organization, which provided 661 bed nights to 21 people last winter, aims to begin a journey toward a year-round shelter by opening its doors a month earlier, in December.