News Staff

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.

A 4-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries in an accidental shooting involving a 2-year-old sibling on Sunday, according to the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office. Just after 2:20 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a residence on Skipton Cordova Road just outside Cordova for a report of a child with a gunshot wound.
Investigation revealed that the 2-year-old “gained access to a firearm and discharged a round striking his 4-year-old sibling in the lower leg,” according to a Sheriff’s Office press release. The injured child was treated by paramedics and then flown to a Baltimore hospital as a precautionary measure, police said.

Delmarva is seeing a rapid increase in Influenza A and other respiratory illnesses, with confirmed cases reported through TidalHealth tripling in just two weeks in December. WMDT reports in response, TidalHealth announced that masks are required at all locations. The policy applies to all staff in patient-facing areas, as well as patients and visitors, with masks available at check-in. No additional screening is currently required. Visitors are reminded to stay home if sick.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Millington woman with intentionally misleading detectives in their investigation of what was determined to be a homicide on Lovers Lane, outside of Chestertown, on Nov. 4. According to the Evening Enterprise, on Dec. 29, Tyshea Renee Diaz, 29, was served a district court arrest warrant charging her with obstructing and hindering, and two counts of accessory after the fact. The charges are related to the identification and apprehension of suspects in the murder of Jermaine Lafel Miles, 50, of Grasonville.

As the school year reaches its halfway point, Talbot County education officials have yet to resolve disagreement over controversial grading practices in the district’s two high schools. The Star Democrat reports at the beginning of the school year, principals at Easton High School and St. Michaels High School instructed their teachers to not give grades lower than 50%, even for missing or incomplete work. Some Talbot Board of Education members have expressed frustration with the new practice — and the fact that it wasn’t cleared by the superintendent.