News Staff

In Talbot County, the Commissioners of Oxford announced Nov. 18 that Oxford Police Chief Christopher Phillips had been terminated effective immediately. The Star Democrat reports Phillips’ termination was a unanimous decision by the commissioners, who met in closed session on Nov. 17. In a statement released by the town, commissioners said they made the “difficult” decision “for cause.” No specific cause was stated. Commissioners will provide additional statements at their Nov. 24 meeting.

The investigation of a homicide earlier this month near Chestertown is “moving forward,” according to a spokesman for the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. The Evening Enterprise reports Lt. Sean Maloney, commander of the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigation Division, said no arrest has been made. At about 3:35 p.m. on Nov. 4, the sheriff’s office responded to a 911 call about a car stopped in the roadway on Lovers Lane — near the S-bend not far from where Lovers Lane intersects with Quaker Neck Road. The male driver, subsequently identified as Jermaine Lafel Miles, 50, of Grasonville, was deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has arrested a man following a burglary attempt on Friday night. WMDT reports at 11:00 p.m. on Nov. 14, officers responded to the 400 block of North Academy Street in reference to an attempted burglary and assault. While deputies were en-route to the scene, they were informed that the suspect had been confronted by a local resident, and an altercation subsequently broke out. Deputies arrived on scene and arrested Cody Michael Casper. He was charged with fourth degree burglary, second degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, and failure to obey a lawful order. Casper was transferred to the Caroline County Detention Center where he is being held on no bond.

Rock Hall residents are invited to a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, November 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the American Legion on Sharp Street. The event will offer a buffet-style, sit-down meal. All local residents are welcome, and no registration is needed. The annual dinner is supported by the Town of Rock Hall, the Rock Hall American Legion, and a private donor. The event provides a holiday meal and a chance for community members to gather.

Queen Anne’s County Government invites residents to attend A Community Conversation about Land Use and the Queen Anne’s County Development Process on Thursday, November 20, at the Kent Island Library, located at 200 Library Circle, Stevensville. The event will begin at 6:00 PM with welcoming remarks by County Commission President Chris Corchiarino, followed by a presentation of several videos regarding development topics. This will be followed with a question-and-answer session and open house where attendees can engage directly with county staff. Representatives from Planning and Zoning and the Department of Public Works will be available to discuss how development occurs in Queen Anne’s County and how residents can participate in the process.

Deputies from the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office arrested Makhyla Ondrea Jenkins, 21, of Easton following the issuance of a warrant by the Talbot County Circuit Court on October 31st. The warrant revoked Jenkins’ bond on 35 charges, which included armed robbery, first-degree assault, handgun violation, neglect of a minor, multiple counts of reckless endangerment and several counts of theft. Jenkins was transported to the Talbot County Central Booking facility for processing.

The Denton Town Council has introduced ordinances that will raise water and sewer rates beginning in 2026. The proposed increases, discussed and approved for introduction during the Council’s November 6 meeting, are part of a three-year plan designed to stabilize the town’s utility funds and address upcoming infrastructure costs. The new rates will take effect on January 1. Sewer rates for in-town customers will rise from a $50 base fee to $60.50 in 2026, with the per-1,000-gallon charge increasing from $8 to $9.68.

Easton and county officials cut the ribbon last week on the renovated Doverbrook Apartments, a staple affordable housing project in town that was complete for months but sat vacant. The Star Democrat reports formerly an aging complex made up of seven buildings, a nearly $26 million redevelopment effort added 14 units to the existing 50 to accommodate more low-income residents and families. Funding came from many partners, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Talbot County and Town of Easton.

Small business support in Chestertown. It starts tonight with the annual Ladies’ Night, sponsored by the Downtown Chestertown Association. Local shops will be open until at least 7 pm with discounts and specials, with many offering complimentary refreshments. The day after Thanksgiving is the Kent County Holiday Parade — Friday, Nov. 28 at 5:30. Santa will be in his house from 10 a.m. to noon the following Saturday, Nov. 29 and Saturdays in December: 6, 13 and 20. Nov. 29 is Small Business Saturday — another reason to shop local and support your neighbors, your downtown shops.

A Stevensville man was arrested after allegedly fleeing from deputies during a traffic stop, then calling 911 to report his vehicle stolen, according to the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports 23 year old Erik Perez Cinto was taken into custody Nov. 7 after deputies said he ran from a traffic stop shortly before 11 p.m. the previous night in the Kent Towne Market area.
Deputy First Class Doyle was conducting routine patrol and registration checks when he identified a black Dodge Charger with suspended registration and an insurance lapse. The registered owner, later identified as Perez Cinto, was also found to have no valid driver’s license, the sheriff’s office said.