Talbot County gathered recently to recognize the county’s first responders for the sixth annual First Responders Celebration. The event featured speeches from Easton Town Council President and volunteer firefighter Don Abbatiello and Bluepoint Hospitality founder Paul Prager, as well as a keynote address by Gov. Wes Moore. Programs handed out to eventgoers featured a thank you to the 13 organizations of first responders in Talbot County, including the Sheriff’s Office, seven volunteer fire departments, two local police departments, two state police buildings and the Department of Emergency Services.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is launching a new nonpartisan institute at Washington College aimed at promoting political cooperation, according to a recent report by The Washington Post. FOX 45 News reports the Hogan Institute, which Hogan announced during a commencement speech on Sunday, will focus on ethical leadership and reforms such as open primaries and limits on gerrymandering. Hogan added he was drawn to the symbolism of launching the institute during the Nation’s 250th Anniversary at one of the country’s oldest colleges. He expressed his hope that the institute can address the "broken" two-party system he is leaving behind, The Washington Post wrote.

Following what has been described as “a highly successful 10-month tenure as interim president,” Washington College’s Board of Visitors and Governors unanimously approved a three-year contract that extends Bryan Matthews’ leadership through June 2029, effective immediately. According to the Evening Enterprise, Matthews’ official appointment as president of his alma mater was announced in a news release Thursday, May 14 — as Washington College prepares to celebrate its 243rd commencement on Sunday with former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan giving the keynote address.

The public is invited to a candidates round robin hosted by the Democratic Club of Kent County on Thursday, May 21 at Chester River Yacht & Country Club. The Evening Enterprise reports the event is for Democratic candidates for Kent County State’s Attorney, Kent County Commissioner, state Senate District 36 and Maryland’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives.They will rotate among tables, answering questions from attendees in small-group discussions.“The format gives voters an opportunity to engage directly with candidates and learn more about their agendas ahead of the June 23 primary election. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and socializing; dinner purchase is optional.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced that Talbot County has become the first county in the state to reach all locations with access to high-speed internet.The infrastructure project, completed through Easton Utilities (EU), provided high-speed internet access to more than 2,700 eligible locations across the county. WMDT reports since 2021, EU and Talbot County have received a combined total of more than $10 million in federal and state investment through the Department’s Office of Statewide Broadband to support the build-out of broadband infrastructure across the county. The project also aligns with the Moore-Miller Administration’s objective to connect all Marylanders to high-speed internet by 2030.

The Shelter Alliance will host a public community meeting May 21 to provide updates on homelessness response efforts, community partnerships and planning for Kent County’s first 24/7, year-round homeless shelter. Kent County News reports community members, local leaders, faith organizations, service providers and residents are invited to attend and learn more about current initiatives, emerging homelessness data and coordinated efforts taking place throughout the county.The community meeting will be held Thursday, May 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Christ First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall.

The Centreville town council awarded a contract for municipal curbside solid waste collection services without an additional contract for curbside recycling to Big Tyme Trash LLC in the amount of $363,864 per year for a three year term. MyEasternShoreMD.com reports the town received a total of six bids for solid waste services and the public works department recommended Big Tyme Trash LLC for award as the most cost effective and responsible bidder, to offer the best overall value to the town. The town’s current trash contract expires June 30, Matthews said, and approval of Big Tyme Trash will raise quarterly utility bills $5 per quarter.

A vision years in the making officially came to life as the Caroline County Commissioners joined local officials and dignitaries to officially break ground on the long awaited North County Regional Park. Once complete, the park will feature walking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, gathering spaces, and outdoor recreation opportunities that will give families, kids, athletes, and visitors a place to connect .

A road rage incident on Route 50 in Stevensville, turned into a felony arrest on the evening of May 3. Queen Anne's County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of westbound Route 50 and Duke Street at approximately 7:47 p.m. after receiving a report that a driver had pointed a firearm at another person on the road. Deputies then noticed that the suspect vehicle was sitting directly behind Deputy Eckhardt's patrol car. Deputies approached the vehicle and identified the driver as 59-year-old Brian Normand of Mobile, Alabama. He was taken into custody to be detained without incident.

Delaware State Police arrested a former Ridgely officer on rape charges last week in connection to an off-duty incident that allegedly occurred while he was employed with the Ridgely Police Department.William Paskey, 33, of Harrington, Delaware, was charged with second-degree rape, a felony, on May 5. Paskey was released last week after posting $20,000 secured bond.According to a press release from Delaware State Police, investigators began looking into an allegation against Paskey in May 2025. Paskey was employed as a law enforcement officer during the time of the alleged rape at the since disbanded Ridgely Police Department.