James Dissette

Chestertown, United States

Writer at The Chestertown Spy

Where books are made. By hand.

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Articles

Community and Law Enforcement Hold Meeting About Crime Uptick

2 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

http://During last Thursday’s public safety meeting at town hall, Chestertown Police Chief Ron Dixon addressed a concerned community about a noticeable rise in crime, including a string of recent robberies, gun violence, and thefts that have shaken the town’s long-held sense of security. Councilmembers Tom Herz (Ward 2), Sheila Austrian (Ward 1), Meghan Efland (Ward 4) and Mayor David Foster along with County Sheriff Dennis Hickman were also present.
Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy in 2025

2 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

Dear Readers,Thanks to your thoughtful feedback from our recent reader survey, we heard you loud and clear: most of you prefer a single fundraising request each year. So today, June 6, we’re launching our one and only campaign of 2025 to support The Chestertown Spy. If you’ve found value in our daily reporting—from coverage of local government to features that celebrate our vibrant cultural life—we hope you’ll consider making an annual contribution.
Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras

3 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

At Monday’s town council meeting, Chestertown Town Manager Larry DiRe provided a detailed timeline of renewed efforts to complete the town’s long-stalled security camera program, reaffirming a commitment to finish key installations within 60 days. DiRe noted that recent vandalism, a downtown assault, and ongoing concerns about public safety have pushed the issue back into focus this spring. “Several years of delay is not acceptable,” he said.
The We Are One Alliance; A Talk with Heather Mizeur

3 weeks ago | talbotspy.org | James Dissette

http://Long for interview with Heather MizeurIs it possible in a polarized society for two people at opposite ends of the political spectrum to breach the chasm and recognize each other’s humanness? That’s the question Heather Mizeur has been asking for a decade. For the former Maryland legislator, Democratic congressional candidate, and longtime civic leader, a question she is approaching again with her newly relaunched nonprofit: The We Are One Alliance.
Adkins Arboretum's Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!

3 weeks ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo below? The answer to last week’s mystery is Copes gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, pictured below. Cope’s gray tree frogs are native to North America, and are especially abundant in the southeast. They are adapted to woodland habitats but will sometimes travel into more open areas to reach a breeding pond.
Letter to Editor: Beware of Homeowner Service Scams

1 month ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

On Monday a young lady, riding an electric 2 wheeler, came to my front door. She, with a hand-held computer, wanted to sign me up for an extermination service to rid my home of any bugs. Her snappy uniform showed only 3 letters that I did not recognize and she did not have a business card. She knew all the answers and she promised that her professional crew could be in the neighborhood in 2 days to treat my home, I did have to sign up for a bi-monthly service to get the special rate.
Seeds and All: Sophie Kerr Prize Winner Sky Abruzzo

1 month ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

Each spring, Washington College awards the Sophie Kerr Prize—the nation’s largest literary award for undergraduates—to a student whose writing exemplifies both excellence and promise. This year, the 2025 prize ($74,000) was awarded to Sky Abruzzo, a writer whose voice is rooted in curiosity, observation, and a deep relationship with the natural world.
What’s Native? The Battle over Been Here/Come Here By Nancy Taylor Robson

1 month ago | talbotspy.org | Nancy Taylor Robson |James Dissette

What’s really indigenous to a place? We’re talking native plants here. (And ultimately: does native really matter?). OK, first, what’s native? “If it’s from Asia or South America, it’s not native,” says entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home. Lonicera japonica or Miscanthus sinensis tell you by their names that they are not from the Delmarva Peninsula. (It won’t necessarily tell you whether it’s invasive, but that’s a different question).
Kent County Chapter of Delmarva Pride Center Thanks Kent County Commissioners for Pride Month Proclamation

1 month ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

The Kent County Chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Kent County Commissioners and Town of Chestertown for officially recognizing June as Pride Month with signed proclamations. The Kent County Pride Month proclamation was presented at the May 13, 2025 Kent County Commissioners Meeting. Mayor David Foster read the Chestertown LGBTQIA+ Pride Month proclamation into the record at the May 20, 2025 Chestertown Mayor and Town Council meeting.
Federal Cuts Could Threaten Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a Kent County Treasure

1 month ago | chestertownspy.org | James Dissette

The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, one of Kent County’s most prized natural and recreational resources, is facing an uncertain future due to potential federal funding cuts that could severely impact staffing and operations.