News Staff

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a man in connection with a dispute that involved a stolen vehicle on Tuesday morning. The Star Democrat reports deputies responded to a residence in reference to a fight going on between two men. Upon arrival on the scene, officers determined that 32-year-old Phillip James Rue of Greensboro, had stolen a work vehicle from a neighbor’s driveway. Rue reportedly drove the vehicle a short distance before causing damage to three tires using a knife. When the owner of the vehicle confronted him, Rue allegedly brandished his knife at the victim and made several verbal threats. A physical altercation ensued, but no injuries were reported. Rue was subsequently placed under arrest and taken to CCSO for processing.

As Queen Anne’s County kicks off negotiations with Breezeline to renew its cable television franchise, it asks the community, “Where would you like the future of your cable television to go?” The Bay Times and Record Observer reports residents, businesses and community organizations are invited to share feedback about cable television service provided by Breezeline Cable as Queen Anne’s County gathers public input to evaluate performance and identify needs as part of a cable franchise renewal process. Officials discussed governmental and educational access television and local community television provided by Queen Anne’s County during a public information meeting Oct. 21.

The Caroline County Commissioners have discussed the sale of Daysprings Townhomes throughout 2025, now the sale looks like it may happen. The Star Democrat reports at the Caroline County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, County Administrator Kathleen Freeman said that paperwork with legal teams are being prepared and negotiations are ongoing on the potential sale of Daysprings Townhomes. The complex is located just outside Ridgely on School Street. The initial property was built in 1994 by Interfaith Housing Development, a former local nonprofit that worked with the county.

Frustrated residents demanded more immediate safety solutions at a Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration public meeting Oct. 20, where officials discussed the deadly U.S. 301 and Maryland 405 intersection in the Price area of Queen Anne’s County. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports the highway administration reopened the U.S. 301/Maryland 405 median crossover Oct. 13 after closing it in late July to evaluate roadway conditions following two fatal crashes in one week. A Queen Anne’s County study indicated U.S. 301 traffic volume has increased more than 30 percent since the Middletown bypass opened in 2019.

A man has been sentenced to a combined 50 years in prison for shooting a co-worker outside a Trappe gas station last year. The Star Democrat reports Antonio Bolden, 37, received consecutive 35- and 15-year terms in Talbot and Dorchester counties, respectively, after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree murder and armed carjacking. Bolden shot a man in the face and arm at the Freedom Fuel gas station and food mart off of U.S. Route 50 on Sept. 17, 2024.

State transportation officials say the Chester River Bridge is safe following a malfunction last month that left motorists waiting more than an hour on both sides of the river. According to the Kent County News,
Will Pines, state highway administrator, and District Engineer Kent Fender of the Maryland State Highway Administration told the Kent County Commissioners on Oct. 7 that the bridge remains structurally sound and in good condition. During the Sept. 23 incident, technicians were unable to fully lower the drawbridge following a scheduled test lift, backing up traffic for more than an hour.

Queen Anne’s County is moving forward with a year-long moratorium on processing or approving certain new residential and mixed-use developments. WMAR reports the 12 month pause includes projects in Kent Narrows, Stevensville, Grasonville, Prospect Bay, Cloverfields, Bay City, and Southern Kent Island, all of which are served by the Kent Narrows/Stevensville/Grasonville Wastewater Treatment Plant that’s currently at capacity.
Developments with sewerage allocation exceeding 1,750 daily gallons are specifically subjected to the temporary policy.

Ahead of next month’s municipal election here for mayor and the First Ward council seat, the League of Women Voters of Kent County will sponsor a candidates forum open to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of Chestertown town hall. The Evening Enterprise reports the candidates are Nikita Beck-Burt, Meghan Efland and Mark Mumford for mayor and Shelia Austrian and Dwight Zilinskas for the First Ward council seat.

After public backlash over a Facebook post concerning a town-wide trashcan policy, Greensboro Town Manager Cindy Yost said the town is putting the policy “on pause” while officials decide how to proceed. The Caroline Review reports on Thursday, October 9, the Town of Greensboro posted to their Facebook page a reminder that “All trash receptacles must be removed from the street within 24 hours after collection. Failure to comply will result in the following: 1st offense – Warning, must have receptacles removed within 24 hours of notice. 2nd offense – $100 fine per day until receptacles are removed.” After a number of complaints, the town says the policy is now on pause.

The Caroline County Planning Commission’s October 8 public meeting was meant to focus on the upcoming update to the county’s Comprehensive Plan, but much of the discussion quickly shifted to a topic that has dominated many local conversations in recent years: solar development on farmland. Caroline Review reports the Comprehensive Plan, which guides the county’s long-term growth and land use decisions, is being updated for the first time since 2010. It is intended to reflect the community’s vision for the future, addressing areas such as housing, infrastructure, natural resources, transportation, and economic development.