Talbot County Public Schools students will not be allowed to use cell phones, smart watches, headphones or earbuds at any point during the school day starting this year. The new “No Cell, Bell to Bell” policy takes effect on the first day of school, August 24th.  The policy will bar personal electronic devices from the time students enter the building until they leave, unless a student has a documented medical need or an approved accommodation.  The policy shift is a response to the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which requires all Maryland public schools to implement policies governing the use of personal communication devices beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The district has outlined a tiered system of consequences for students who violate the policy without an approved exception, including documented medical needs or approved accommodations. 

The Denton Volunteer Fire Company responded to the 700 block of Market Street in Denton, for a structure fire in a detached garage.  The preliminary cause was debris from a fire pit that ignited dry grass at the base of the structure. The fire then spread to the garage.  The estimated loss is $10,000 to the structure. 

A 70-year-old woman was injured yesterday, after being struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk at the intersection of North Washington Street and Harrison Street in Easton.  She was treated at the scene and transported via ambulance to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton. Her current medical condition has not been publicly updated. Police Chief Alan Lowrey confirmed the incident is under active investigation, though no charges are currently being pursued.