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A large fire at a business along Ocean Gateway Saturday evening brought a heavy response from multiple fire departments across the Mid-Shore.
Emergency crews were called around 6:10 p.m. to Dependable Sand and Gravel in the 13100 block of Ocean Gateway after a passerby reported the fire. When crews arrived, they found a two-story structure heavily involved, with flames also spreading to nearby mulch piles. Due to the size and intensity of the fire, crews shifted to a defensive firefighting strategy. A large plume of smoke could be seen for miles, with some reports indicating it was visible as far away as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Fire companies from Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline counties responded, along with additional tanker support from surrounding areas, including Delaware. Crews also requested heavy equipment to assist with operations. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm as firefighters worked to contain the blaze during an extended operation. Drivers were advised to expect delays along Route 50 in the area as emergency crews remained on scene. A Millington man will spend decades behind bars after pleading guilty in the 2024 death of his stepfather.
According to the Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, 48-year-old Brian Joseph Sykes entered a guilty plea on April 7 to charges of second-degree murder and motor vehicle theft in connection with the death of 67-year-old David Howard Teat. Sykes was sentenced on April 23 to a total of 45 years in prison, with 10 years suspended. He is expected to serve 35 years, followed by five years of supervised probation. The investigation began on October 11, 2024, when authorities responded to a home on Pfalzgroff Road in Millington, where Teat was found dead inside the residence. Investigators say the killing stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Sykes and Teat, who was both his stepfather and landlord. Authorities said Teat had been in the process of trying to evict Sykes. Following the incident, Teat’s vehicle and trailer were reported missing, prompting a multi-state alert. Sykes was located two days later during a traffic stop in Philadelphia. Police say he attempted to flee, striking several vehicles before being taken into custody. Minor injuries were reported. The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined Teat died from multiple sharp-force injuries. Officials say forensic evidence, including DNA and fingerprint analysis, along with statements made during the investigation, helped lead to Sykes’ conviction. A Sudlersville farmer is combining science, agriculture, and advocacy to help shape the future of farming on the Mid-Shore.
Jennie Schmidt, a registered dietitian by training, shifted her focus from human nutrition to soil and plant health after marrying into a farming family. Today, she helps operate Schmidt Farms Inc., which grows a variety of crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, snap beans, and wine grapes. Schmidt says her background in nutrition translates naturally to agriculture, with both fields rooted in chemistry and biology. She now runs the farm alongside her brother-in-law while her husband, Hans Schmidt, serves as assistant secretary of resource conservation for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Over more than two decades in the industry, Schmidt has become a leader in Maryland agriculture, including serving as the first female president of the Maryland Grain Producers Board. She has also participated in international programs connecting with women farmers in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. Schmidt Farms grows a diverse mix of crops, which she says helps manage risk in an industry heavily impacted by weather and market conditions. She notes challenges such as rising costs, tariffs, and land availability continue to impact farmers, especially those just starting out. Despite those challenges, Schmidt says farming offers independence and opportunity, encouraging young people interested in agriculture to gain hands-on experience. Her story comes as 2026 has been designated the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the growing role of women in agriculture both locally and around the world. Caroline County leaders are asking state transportation officials to prioritize several road projects, with a major focus on completing improvements along Route 404.
In a letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation, county commissioners outlined projects they want included in the state’s six-year Consolidated Transportation Program. Their top priority is completing the final stretch of Route 404 from Harmony Road to Route 16 East. Commissioners say the project remains critical for traffic flow and public safety. County leaders say Route 404 sees heavy congestion, especially during the summer months as beach traffic increases, putting added pressure on drivers and emergency responders. Residents have also raised concerns about traffic volume and crashes along the corridor. In addition to Route 404 improvements, commissioners are also requesting resurfacing and maintenance work on Route 313 and Route 16, along with continued road repairs and intersection safety improvements across Caroline County. Officials say they plan to continue working with the state to push for transportation upgrades throughout the county. Community leaders gathered recently to celebrate the opening of a new educational and event pavilion at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center.
Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Jim Moran joined staff, partners, and community members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Grasonville-based nature preserve. The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center spans more than 500 acres along the Chesapeake Bay and features six miles of walking trails and habitat for more than 200 bird species. The nonprofit organization focuses on environmental education, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation. Officials say the new pavilion will allow CBEC to expand educational programs, community events, and environmental outreach efforts. Queen Anne’s County helped support the project through grant funding, assistance securing state resources, and project management support. CBEC has served the community for more than 40 years through school field trips, STEM education programs, wildlife conservation efforts, and habitat restoration projects.
Several Mid-Shore schools are being recognized by the state for supporting military families.
The Maryland State Department of Education announced its 2026–2028 Purple Star Schools this week, honoring 27 schools statewide for providing strong services and support for military-connected students and their families. Among those recognized on the Mid-Shore are six schools in Queen Anne’s County Public Schools:
To earn Purple Star designation, schools must meet several requirements, including having a military family liaison, offering digital resources, providing student transition support programs, and training staff to better serve military-connected students. State education leaders say the designation highlights schools that go above and beyond to create welcoming environments for military families who often face frequent relocations and transitions. Queen Anne’s County was one of just seven school systems in Maryland to receive Purple Star recognition this year. Queen Anne’s County Public Schools Earns National Music Education Honor for Third Straight Year4/25/2026
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools has once again earned national recognition for its music programs.
The district has received the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation, marking the third consecutive year QACPS has received the honor. The award recognizes school districts across the country for their commitment to providing students with access to high-quality music education. More than 1,000 schools and districts nationwide were recognized this year. QACPS offers a variety of music opportunities for students, including elementary music classes, middle and high school band, chorus, strings programs, and other performance-based courses. District officials say the recognition reflects the work of teachers and staff who continue to expand access to arts education for students. Award recipients are selected through a national review process that evaluates areas such as funding, participation, instructional time, facilities, and community support. School leaders say the district remains committed to making arts education an important part of student learning and development. |
