WCTR News

County officials confirmed Tuesday that a furnace motor fire occurred at the Caroline County Detention Center this weekend. The Star Democrat reports during Tuesday’s Caroline County Commissioners meeting, County Administrator Katheleen Freeman said that the fire on Sunday was resolved with no injuries. The county is working on an insurance claim, she said. The incident comes as commissioners have discussed the possibility of building a new detention center in Caroline County due to current issues with the center.

The Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three women in connection with multiple shoplifting incidents on Thursday evening. WMDT reports on Jan. 8 at 5:10 p.m., deputies responded to the Stevensville Target for a report of a theft in progress. The business’s loss prevention (LP) officer told police he observed a group of three women, who had an infant with them, placing merchandise inside of a plastic tote. Arriving deputies staged in the shopping center parking lot. After exiting the store, the women, later identified as 33-year-old Deshawnatiz Johnson, 30-year-old Montashia Roberts, and 24-year-old Kyleigh Ceja, were stopped and detained. They were all arrested on charges of theft between $100 and $1500, and theft scheme between $1,500 to $25,000.

Hanscom Federal Credit Union (“Hanscom” or “HFCU”) has announced the completion of its previously announced purchase and assumption transaction involving the majority of assets and liabilities of The Peoples Bank (“Peoples Bank”), following receipt of all required regulatory and shareholder approvals. Kent County News reports the transaction, originally publicized in December 2024 and unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both organizations, marks Hanscom’s official entry into Maryland and Washington, D.C. Peoples Bank now operates as Peoples Powered by Hanscom Federal Credit Union, systems conversion is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

Speaking to supporters outside his Talbot County home recently, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ed Hale Sr. took aim at Gov. Wes Moore (D), marketing himself as the candidate with the best interests of watermen and farmers in mind. The Baltimore businessman, who swapped his party affiliation in August, spoke in front of more than 50 people. Hale is set to run against candidate John Myrick in the Republican primary, among a litany of other candidates that have filed, according to the Maryland Board of Elections website.

Meghan Efland this week presided over her first meeting as the newly elected mayor of Chestertown, urging residents to “speak up” and make it known as to “what you want from us.” The Evening Enterprise reports Efland promised to listen; to communicate openly; and to ensure that “every decision we make reflects the values and the needs of all our residents.” She said over the coming months, the focus will be on updating the town’s strategic plan; addressing deferred maintenance; and making sure investments are equitable across all four wards.

Kent County is seeing a mix of transitions in its small-business community this winter, with several longtime shops announcing closures as new ventures prepare to open their doors. Kent County News reports in downtown Chestertown, Silver Linings jewelry store will close March 31st. In Rock Hall, Selkie Books has closed permanently. Meantime. The Galena Animal Medical Clinic will hold its grand opening Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lovely Cove Coffee in Galena has also opened alongside Construction Concierge by Conestoga and Concierge Homes.

Meghan Efland, former Chestertown Council member for Ward 4, was sworn in as the town’s mayor Monday, Jan. 5 at Town Hall. Clerk of the Circuit Court of Kent County Sherise Kennard administered the oath ahead of the regularly scheduled council meeting. With her children holding the Bible, Efland placed her hand on it as Kennard led her through the oath. Efland said her priorities for 2026 include open communication, improved accessibility at meetings through upgraded audiovisual equipment, and regular community outreach.

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has arrested a woman after she caused $3,000 in damages to an apartment in Greensboro. WMDT reports on Dec. 28, deputies responded to the 100 block of North Academy Drive for a report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival on the scene, they observed extensive damage to the interior of the residence. The destruction included multiple damaged windows, kitchen cabinets, walls, and doors, as well as blue paint poured on the walls and floors. Police made contact with a victim at the scene who alleged that he had been assaulted by a woman, identified as 26-year-old Ashley Fox of Centerville. She was placed under arrest and taken into custody without further incident.

As flu cases surge across Maryland, Kent County health officials are working to dispel confusion about the H3N2 strain circulating this season, urging residents to get vaccinated and stay vigilant as statewide hospitalizations climb above 1,900. Public Affairs Officer Lenny Schnee says reports of a so-called “Super K” flu are misleading, emphasizing that the variant is part of the routine evolution of seasonal influenza. MyEasternShoreMD.com reports
Schnee, Public Affairs officer for the Kent County Health Department alerted the public to a currently circulating strain of seasonal influenza A (H3N2) which is leading to masking mandates again.

An explosive device was intentionally placed inside a mailbox on the 13700 block of Gregg Neck Road in Galena, on Saturday, Jan. 4, around 9:30 p.m., according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office. The device detonated inside the mailbox, blowing apart the box and its post, officials said. No one was injured. The explosion was discovered by the homeowner, and deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation, the Fire Marshal’s Office said. Investigators determined the blast originated inside the mailbox, and the preliminary cause was ruled incendiary.