Firefighters responded Sunday afternoon to a reported explosion and structure fire in the 200 block of Liam Thomas Lane in Stevensville. The Bay Times and Record Observer reports the caller stated a vehicle had exploded inside the garage of the home. First-arriving units found fire coming from the attached garage. Initial searches of the residence were negative, according to dispatch reports. Additional details, including the cause of the fire and whether any injuries were reported, were not immediately available. Units remained on the scene as of 4:15 p.m.

Petty Officer First Class Dakota B. Collison of Rock Hall is among 17 fallen service members with ties to Maryland who were honored Monday, May 25 at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.The ceremony, held within the Circle of Immortals section of the Field of Honor, is a traditional patriotic gathering to honor all Marylanders who “have paid the highest price in defense of our nation.” The Evening Enterprise reports this year’s Memorial Day observance included music performed by the 229th Army Band of the Maryland Army National Guard, a wreath placement, tributes to the honorees, a military bugle call of taps and a 21-gun salute.

The owner and operator of Eastern Shore Cheer Academy in Stevensville is facing multiple charges including the second-degree rape of a 9-year-old girl. According to WBOC, an investigation into Dustin Moss Burket, 52, of Annapolis, began in April of 2026. Investigators say the alleged crimes occurred last summer and this spring on the property of Eastern Shore Cheer Academy. He was taken into custody on Wednesday, May 20 and is currently being held at the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center without bond.

The Talbot County Board of Education sent a resolution asking the state to reconsider its current regulations regarding alternative education, requesting more authority be given to local school boards. The Star Democrat reports the resolution comes on the heels of a decision by the Talbot County Council made during a budget session, ruling that the county will fund none of the school district’s request for an additional $500,000 for the alternative education program.

A Kent County Middle School teacher has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged inappropriate touching of a student during an after-school event, according to the Chestertown Police Department. The Star Democrat reports police released information on the incident to the public on May 20. In that document, officials said the department received a complaint April 23 alleging that a 12-year-old female student was inappropriately touched at the school. An investigation determined the student reported being touched on her breasts by James Scott Beck, 60, of Chestertown. Beck, who is employed as a teacher at Kent County Middle School, was acting as a soccer coach at the time of the alleged incident, police said.

The Centreville Rotary Club celebrated the 34rd annual Sgt. Wallace J. Mowbray Memorial Award for Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of Queen Anne’s County at the Centreville United Methodist Church May 14. This year’s recipient, Centreville Police Department Officer First Class Theaudray Ford was lauded for his dedicated service and professionalism in harrowing circumstances last spring. Ford was recognized for his actions as the first responder on scene of a fatal shooting in Centreville in the early morning of June 1, 2025. Ford immediately assessed the situation, applied lifesaving aid to victims, and assisted in securing the crime scene and gathering information.

A Ridgley driver has been charged after striking a Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) vehicle on Tuesday morning. WMDT reports at 10:06 a.m. on May 19, Maryland State Police responded to MD 404 after a Chevy Equinox struck the rear of an SHA attenuator truck that was shielding a mowing crew operating in the median. The driver of the SHA truck suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The driver of the Equinox, identified as 25-year-old Destini Potts, was uninjured in the crash. Police say she has been charged with negligent driving and failure to control speed to avoid a collision.

This weekend, the Chestertown Tea Party Festival will celebrate the “Chester Town Resolves” and the United States’ 250th anniversary. The Evening Enterprise reports the namesake demonstration is the reenactment of the Chestertown Tea Party at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 at the main stage, located on High Street near the entrance to Court Street. It all will begin with a reading of the 1774 document about the illegality of tea which as held by “local lore” sparked the dumping of tea in town, according to the festival website.

Paul Prager's Bluepoint Living has agreed to buy the current Easton hospital site from the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health. The Star Democrat reports the agreement was announced Tuesday by CBRE, the broker which facilitated the deal between the parties. A spokesperson for the Fortune 500 real estate company declined to share the dollar amount of the agreement when reached Tuesday. Located on South Washington Street, the 14.84-acre hospital site is in its final years of operation as construction on a new medical center off of Route 50 continues. The hospital is expected to relocate in 2028.

The Kent County Commissioners are pleased to announce Robert (Bob) W. Gast, Jr. as the County’s new Chief Financial Officer. Gast brings 35+ years of financial leadership experience across major nonprofit, corporate, government-related, and international organizations. His background includes leading large-scale financial transformations, improving operational transparency, and strengthening long-term fiscal performance.