'That happened THIS year?'

The end of the year usually brings reflection and memories, and as I prepared for the 2025 Caroline Review.News recap, I was struck by how much happened this year in Caroline County.

Solar, solar, solar, seemed to be a running theme. We also wrote about continuing challenges and resolutions to challenges in some of the towns. Stories on businesses opening and closing, and workforce development through the high schools garnered our attention this year. As did successful community events such as the fairs and festivals that take place throughout the county.

Below is a bullet list of some of stories that impacted the community by month. This list isn't all inclusive - there was a lot going on in our community in 2025 - more than a single summary story's worth. But it is a list that we think reflects the news - good and not-so-good - in Caroline County this past year.

JANUARY

• Wawa coming to Denton: Denton Town Manager Scott Getchell shared that Wawa and other businesses were going through the permitting process to develop on the north side of Legion road.
• Avian Flu Outbreak: At the end of 2024 to start of 2025, avian flu was spreading across the region. Robin Cahall, the county's Health Officer, provided updates to the County Commissioners on steps being taken in Caroline County to mitigate the spread.
• Federalsburg staffing troubles begin: Police chief  Mike McDermott resigns, and newly elected councilperson Torbert Williamson II resigns. The town would be plagued with budgetary matters and personnel issues throughout the year.
• Martin Luther King day celebration: On a snowy January 19, the community gathered in Lockerman Middle School for the annual celebration of Dr. King.

FEBRUARY

• NextGen Entreprenuers: Aspiring young businesspeople had a chance to show their wares at an expo on Feb. 22, 2025, hosted by the 4H Club and Caroline County Chamber of Commerce.
• Federalsburg staffing: Town Manager Kristy Marshall resigns; Mercedes Moyer is named interim town manager. Ian Ferguson was elected to fill the vacant councilperson seat.
• Sharp Road Park Improvements: The Denton Planning Commission approved lighted fields at Sharp Road Park, allowing for little league games to play into the evening.
• Preston in strong financial position: During the regular audit report in February 2025, town Commissioners learned that the town's finances are strong, yet consideration should be given to increasing utility rates in the future.
• Solar sanity: The start of the year's coverage of solar siting and how Maryland's aggressive green energy agenda could affect agriculture and future development.

MARCH

• Maryland's Green Energy Legislation: The General Assembly considers legislation that essentially removes some local land use controls in favor of solar. The legislation passes, and the Caroline County Commissioners request Governor Wes Moore to veto the bill, which he signs into law.
• Ridgely Policing MOU: The Town of Ridgely starts deliberations on renewing its agreement with the Caroline County Sheriff's Office to provide police services to the town. The agreement was signed in May 2025.
• Greensboro reviews office space: The Town of Greensboro begins its review of physical space for its police and public works department, and conversations with the Greensboro Historical Society begin on GHS move out of town-owned property.
• CCPS Students become Youth Apprentices: Half a dozen students sign with local businesses to participate as Youth Apprentices, a "work while learning" opportunity offered through the high schools.

APRIL

• Federalsburg mayor, council respond to allegations: According to a social media announcement, Federalsburg Mayor Kim Abner and the council “had received a complaint with allegations of misappropriation of Town funds, including personal use of Town accounts and wasteful and unnecessary spending, unlawful hiring, retaliation, sexual misconduct, and inappropriate workplace behavior.” It comes to light through comments made by councilpersons in subsequent meetings that the previous town manager, Kristy Marshall, may be the subject of the allegations. To date, the issue remains open.
• Ridgely Commissioner election: Brad Sears and Chad Leister are elected.
•  Preston Commissioner election: Scott Messick is elected as commissioner.
• Nagel Home Farm earns Maryland's Century Farm designation: Gov. Wes Moore honored Milton and Tina Nagel of Federalsburg April 3, 2025, presenting them Maryland's Century Farm designation for their Nagel Home Farm.
• Hannah Henry recognized by honoring Ridgely Elementary School Teachers: Long time teacher continues to influence her students, including Rodney Dobson who said, “My mother gave me my name. Ms. Henry taught me how to spell it.”
• CCOS Support staff contract signed: the Caroline County Board of Education signed two negotiated agreements for support staff with members of the Caroline County Educators’ Association Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Denton.
• Denton designated first American Discovery Trail Town: The American Discovery Trail ® (ADT) comprises about 6,800 miles from Delaware to California across the mid-section of the United States.Denton became the first town across the country to receive the designation.
• High schools stadiums improvements: The County Commissioners approve a provide to replace portable restrooms with permanent structures.

MAY

• Graduations: North Caroline High School and Colonel Richardson High School, sent their graduating seniors across the stage and into their next phases of life.
• Grads return to elementary schools: Let's not forget the time honored tradition of CCPS high school graduates returning to their elementary schools for a congratulatory celebration.
• Festivals and Carnival season: The Ridgely Strawberry Festival kicked off the season on May 25, and the Preston Lions Club and Volunteer Fire Company closed out of the month with its 75th carnival.
• Federalsburg: Federalsburg council sorts out finances and refines FY 2026 budget. After meeting six times throughout May, the Federalsburg Town Council was thought to have nearly completed their deliberations to finalize a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026 and hire new staff.
• Denton approves FY2026 budget: As the Denton Town Council approved the fiscal year 2026 budget May 1, 2025, they highlighted their key accomplishment: reducing the property tax rate 3% while creating a balanced general budget.
• Caroline County Humane Society welcomes new director: Stephanie Flower comes to the local Humane Society with an extensive background in animal welfare.
• Middle School future considered: The future of the CCPS Middle School building  began consideration during two public hearings. The choices presented are a complex behind North Caroline High School or a new school off Double Hills. Information from professional consultants and the public will be brought before the Board of Education for a final decision.
• Solar in Caroline County: At their May 27, 2025, meeting in Denton, Commission President Travis Breeding, Commission Vice President Larry Porter and Commissioner Frank Bartz discussed revisiting the county’s 2,000-acre cap on solar development. They also encouraged residents to sign a petition initiated by Jay Falstad of Farmers Alliance for Rural Maryland (FARM) potentially to repeal the Renewable Energy Certainty Act, which was signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

JUNE

• Benedictine graduates: Seven students were recognized for their " growth and achievements during their time at Benedictine."
• Annual Tractor Day: Colonel Richardson High School hosted its annual Tractor Day, as “a celebration of agriculture in Southern Caroline County,” according to CRHS Principal Jared Sherman. Students from both Colonel High and Middle Schools had opportunities to enjoy the festivities, which eventually culminated in teacher Megan Ozman being nominated to kiss a pig when the donation bucket with her picture on it received the most funds.
• Federalsburg attempts to pass budget; changes election: The Mayor and council had been working through the FY2026 budget, but could not balance it, which is required by state law. The issue was tabled until Sept. 15 to give the electeds time to review line item expenses and revenue. They also passed an ordinance to change the date of the September 2025 election to November 2026 and establishing elections every two years thereafter.
• County passes budget: The County Commissioners passed the FY2026 budget. Director of Finance, Daniel Fox, also informed the Commissioners that the County's bond rating in its general obligation debt was increased to AA.
• New building in Denton Industrial Park: Mill Creek Properties, owned by father and son team Chris and Andrew Breeding, broke ground for new warehouse on Engerman Drive in Denton.
• CCPS Youth Apprentices: Several students signed to be Youth Apprentices with local businesses: Tyler Gross with Crystal Steel in Federalsburg, Kim Escalante-Garcia with Olde School Builders in Easton, and Mason Ratcliff with Rick Breeding Excavating.
• Greensboro Historical Society: The Greensboro Mayor and Council voted to request that the Greensboro Historical Society to move from 104 E Sunset Avenue, giving the group 120 days to vacate the property.
• Greensboro hires new manager: Cynthia Yost was named town manager for Town of Greensboro.
• New 7-11 Store planned in Denton: A new 7-Eleven to be built on the south side of town next to Preston Ford of Denton. Denton Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional preliminary site plan approval at its May 27, 2025, meeting.

JULY

• Greensboro Firemen's Carnival: Is it even summer in Caroline County without the annual event in Greensboro?
• ChesMRC to open facility in Federalsburg: The Easton-based Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center will soon be branching into Caroline County with a resource center in downtown Federalsburg, expected in September.
• Ridgely signs MOU with Caroline Sheriff's Office: The Commissioners unanimously approved the “long-anticipated” Second Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office.
• Federalsburg staffing issues continue: Recently hired Federalsburg Police Chief, Joseph Gasser resigned, and the town  hires Sally Slook as town manager. Slook joins recently hired town treasurer Jamie Washington, town clerk Amy Cyrus and office administrator Sheri Hendrix.
• Federalsburg's financial issues coming to light: Town treasurer Jamie Washington reported that the town’s financial records are “not at a healthy state.” The town began the process of soliciting requests for proposals for a forensic audit to uncover how the town’s finances have been handled by past employees for the past five years.
• Federalsburg closes Town Hall: The Town Hall was closed for approximately six weeks due to environmental concerns. Operations eventually return to the building after being deemed safe.
• Federalsburg public forum: The Mayor and Council hosted a forum in an effort to inform residents about the town's financial situation, and to receive feedback on a potential agreement with the Caroline Sheriff's Office to provide policing in the town.
• Caroline students learn career skills: 76 Caroline County students participated in a free summer career skills program, sponsored by the Mid Shore Regional Council.
• Lockerman Alumni Association celebrates 95th anniversary: The Lockerman Alumni Association usually hosts an annual reunion celebration, but this year’s event marked something especially meaningful: the 95th anniversary of the historic Lockerman school.
• Newspaper of record legislation: As the Caroline Review News publisher, I went before the County Commissioners to request legislation to update state law that could allow them to determine the newspaper of record for the county.

AUGUST

New Lockerman Middle School site selected: The Board of Education chooses NCHS site for new middle school build.

• New Caroline EMS Medical Director appointed: Commissioners welcome new EMS medical director Dr. Kyle Fratta
• Solar near Marydel: Marydel residents hear pitch for community solar project from a developer, as county planner cautions town leaders to consider other land use options.
• Greensboro spending self-audit: Greensboro Town Manager Cindy Yost discovered thousands in unnecessary spending, and established a plan to lower the spending amounts.
• Federalsburg engages town manager consultant: Ken Decker, former Caroline County Administrator, now a public services consultant, proposed services to the Mayor and Council as a temporary measure to bring administration to the town government after the resignation of Sally Slook. The town engaged Decker for temporarily during the month of September.
• Summerfest: The theme was "Back to the 80's." (Here is some calendar math - year 1985 is to year 2025 as 1945 is to year 1985).

SEPTEMBER

• Greensboro Historical Society's new home: The group started its move to 609 W Sunset Ave in Greensboro.
• State denies Early Head Start funding: Charles Huester, executive director of Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC), shared with the County Commissioners that MRDC was shut out of over $3.4 million in funding for the Early Head Start program in Caroline and Cecil counties.
• Dedication to community service in Harmony: Nearly 100 family members, friends, and local officials showed up on a sunny and warm Saturday morning, Sept. 20, 2025, at Harmony Community Park to memorialize the public service of Caroline County residents Roger Layton and Sarah Mueller.
• Greensboro moved on relocating pump station: Town Manager Cindy Yost said the station, which is currently just off Greensboro Road, is “sinking into the Choptank”—hence the effort to move it to higher ground.
• Greensboro cancels Whoville: The Greensboro Town Council voted at their September 18, 2025, regular meeting to end the annual Whoville holiday celebration. The decision came after hearing a disheartening report by Town Manager Cindy Yost on the financial constraints and decreased attendance at the event.
• Federalsburg struggles with water and sewer rates: Town manager consultant Ken Decker recommends increasing rates to offset a $435,000 deficit in the budget. However, the Mayor and Council called into question the figures leading to the deficit amount, and postpone consideratin of an increase until more information is compiled and reviewed.
• OCTOBER
• Federalsburg water and sewer rates: The Mayor and Council continue to work on inputs for budget modification, particularly water and sewer costs and fees, and staff compensation. The figures for an increase for water and sewer rates will be presented at the Nov. 3 public hearing.
• Student testing scores improve: State level data shows caroline County students are quick learners, despite disproportional wealth per student compared to other counties. Dr. Simmons said that CCPS is not seeing the backslide that other school systems have noticed, and Caroline is “ moving and closing the gap, and we are doing it faster than the rest of the state.”
• Solar issues dominate Comprehensive Plan public meeting: Public comments made during the meeting reflected both the frustration and uncertainty of residents. One farmer from Preston said, “Our motto was Green Garden County. We're going to be covered up with houses and solar panels. Lot of that, we can't help, but we've got to think long, long term.” Another attendee added, “Solar sprawl unfortunately, looks like it’s happening, whether we like it or not.”
• County Commissioners express concerns about Federalsburg: During their Oct. 7, 2025, meeting, the County Commissioners agreed to sign the agreement between the Caroline Sheriff's Office and the Town of Federalsburg to provide policing services. However, the Commissioners voiced their concerns about the town's finances and management. The Commissioners said they want some documented assurance that the county won’t be on the hook for a large bill should a “doomsday scenario” in the form of a large unexpected financial obligation hit the town’s coffers, Commission Vice President Larry Porter said. Agreeing with Commission Vice President Larry Porter, Breeding was blunt. “I'm very skeptical about (Federalsburg’s) ability to pay regardless of staffing level, because something weird is going on,” he said.
• CCPS Lays Down the Ground Rules for Service Animals: Dr. Robert Willoughby presented a new policy regarding service animals, defined as a dog or, sometimes, a miniature horse that performs a specific task to aid its human counterpart, to the Caroline County Board of Education.
• Staffing issues continue to plague Federalsburg: The Federalsburg Mayor and Council continued to perform management and administrative duties in addition to legislative and executive functions due to lack of staffing, leading to delays and disorganization. The town was actively recruiting for a town manager, clerk, assistant clerk, and code enforcement.
• Halo Solar in Greensboro: The Caroline County Circuit Court reversed the Greensboro Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision to deny a special exception request from Halo Greensboro Property, LLC. The ruling allows Halo to move forward with plans to construct a solar energy facility within town limits.
• Tractor Supply potetially coming to Denton: Denton Town Councilmember Frank Taylor reported at the October 2 Council Meeting that Tractor Supply has been granted preliminary approval by the Planning Commission for a potential location in Denton, but there is still more work to do until ground can be broken.

NOVEMBER

• County Commissioners sell Daysprings Townhomes in Ridgely: The Commissioners approved a contract to sell Dayspring Townhomes I and II in Ridgely for nearly $4.1 million. The buyers are Murugadoss Ramasamy and Jayabharathi Duraisamy, based in southeast Pennsylvania.
• Maryland PSc ok's solar project: The Public Service Commission judge OKs Chaberton project, despite the county’s yearlong effort to prevent a community solar array on residential-zoned property outside Federalsburg.
• Greensboro council election: Pete Brelia and Kimberly Ernest are elected.

DECEMBER

• County property tax credit for volunteer firefighters: A new tax credit for active volunteer firefighters in Caroline County will take effect on January 24, 2026, as it was passed by a unanimous vote of the County Commissioners during their December 9, 2025, meeting.
• Federalsburg postpones public hearing: The Town of Federalsburg continues to work through data and information regarding rate schedule and operations of the town’s water and sewer systems to determine final proposed rate changes in order to modify its FY2026 budget. A public hearing originally scheduled for Dec. 15 was canceled during the meeting in which the hearing was to be held, and Mayor Kim Abner announced that the public hearing will be held on Feb. 2, 2026, during the Mayor and Councils regular meeting.
• County Launches New Mobile Integrated Health Program: Caroline County Health Department, in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Services, rolled out a long-planned Mobile Integrated Health Program (MIHP) this month. The program aims to create sustainable healthcare solutions for residents, starting with those who frequently use 911.
• County EMS to start new program: Caroline County’s new whole blood program will “bring the trauma center to the patient”