News Staff

More than 9.2 million acres of land across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are now permanently protected from development, according to newly released data collected through 2024. WBOC reports the figures, released by partners with the Chesapeake Bay Program, show protected lands now account for about 23 percent of the watershed’s total land area. The milestone puts the region close to a long-standing conservation benchmark. While partners are expected to fall short of the original target set under the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, they’ve still achieved roughly 90 percent of the goal, conserving about 1.8 million additional acres between 2010 and 2024, a 21 percent increase, according to the Chesapeake Bay Program.

ShoreRivers is accepting applications from college students and recent graduates for two Easton-based summer internships, the Elizabeth Brown Memorial Internship and a communications internship. The Evening Enterprise reports the application deadline for both internships is the end of January. The Elizabeth Brown Memorial intern will gain experience in a variety of activities including restoration, scientific water quality monitoring, outreach and enforcement, while the communications intern will focus on organizational communication, public relations and event promotion.

Public concern deepened at the January 13 Oxford Commissioners meeting as town officials laid out the circumstances that led to the condemnation of the Robert Morris Inn at 314 North Morris Street, and residents warned that delays could result in permanent damage to one of Oxford’s most historic buildings. According to the Talbot Spy, Town Manager Holly Wahl, in her report to the council (video highlight), said the town had been tracking worsening conditions at the property for months after repeated property maintenance notices went unanswered. A town inspection found significant deterioration, including ceiling damage from ongoing water intrusion, pooled water on interior floors, visible staining, and peeling ceiling materials. No corrective action was taken by the property owner.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service is providing Volunteer Fire Assistance grants to 55 volunteer fire departments in 17 counties across the state. The funded projects help volunteer fire companies enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities. The Evening Enterprise reports among the grant recipients are Galena Volunteer Fire Company in Kent County, which received $3,400 [of a total project cost of $6,800] and Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company in Queen Anne’s County, which received $3,500 [of a total project cost of $10,547].

The County Commissioners of Kent County, Maryland applauded the inclusion of $6.2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending toward construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Millington.
The current wastewater treatment plant was constructed over 60 years ago. Although major upgrades were completed in 2002 and extensive repairs were made again in 2010 following a significant flood event, these repairs have now reached the end of their useful life. Original mechanical and electrical components of the plant have exceeded their anticipated service life by threefold.

Concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Talbot County figured prominently in discussions before the Police Accountability Board (PAB) during 2025, according to the board’s newly released annual report. Board members said residents—particularly within the Hispanic community—have expressed fear and confusion about recent ICE actions and have asked repeatedly about their rights and the role, if any, of local police.
The Talbot Spy reports local law enforcement leaders told the board that Maryland law sharply limits cooperation with ICE. Police agencies may assist only when federal agents present a valid judicial arrest warrant.

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.