Joe Ciccanti

UPDATED: Update on Grove Park Trees & Temporary Closure in Rehoboth Beach

By Joe Ciccanti / August 21, 2026

UPDATED – 08/21/26 – SaveATree was at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach on Thursday. Pruning on the affected trees has begun and removal is expected to take place next week. ========================== ORIGINAL STORY – 08/19/26 – The City of Rehoboth Beach says five trees at Grove Park should be removed as soon as possible after a…

UPDATE: Delaware DOE: Schools Receiving Targeted Literacy Support Show Some of the State’s Strongest Assessment Gains

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

The Delaware Department of Education this week released the first phase of its 2026 statewide assessment and accountability results. First State Delaware also responded to the results with insights for educators. The assessment results show modest improvement in grades 3 through 8, with particularly strong gains at schools receiving targeted state literacy support. English language…

Delaware Gas Prices Down This Week, While High Crude Oil Prices Push Up National Average

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, which marks the highest it’s ever been on this date, according to AAA. This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly…

Governor Meyer Signs Executive Order To Cut Licensing Red Tape, Expand Workforce Opportunities

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer has signed Executive Order 27 to modernize Delaware’s occupational licensing system and make it easier for qualified professionals to enter the state workforce. The order directs the Department of State to review at least five licensing boards, prioritizing occupations with workforce shortages and those affecting the cost of living, housing and essential…

Three Alleged Members of Wilmington-Based Gang Charged with Federal Robbery Offense

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three Delaware men with Hobbs Act robbery. Nineteen-year-old Jerome Pegram of Newark, 22-year-old Damire Lee of Wilmington and 19-year-old Jeremiah Cunningham of Wilmington are accused of being members of the Wilmington-based 6ixers gang. Prosecutors say the three allegedly robbed a person at a house party in…

Seaford Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Violent Kidnapping and Attempted Hit

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

 26-year-old Seaford man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for kidnapping, carjacking, and cyberstalking an elderly woman, as well as attempting to orchestrate a hit on the victim from jail. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews imposed the sentence. According to court documents, on January 13th, 2023, Ralph Harmon forced the woman into…

State of Maryland and Social Finance Announce Maryland Pay It Forward Fund to Strengthen Maryland’s Nursing Workforce

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

Maryland is facing a significant nursing shortage, with about 7,000 open positions across the state and high turnover expected to make the shortage worse. Financial barriers are also keeping some qualified people from pursuing nursing degrees. Now, Governor Wes Moore and Social Finance are launching a three-million-dollar fund to help address the problem. The Maryland…

Raccoon Tests Postitive for Rabies in Wicomico County

By Joe Ciccanti / August 20, 2026

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the area of Steele Drive in Tyaskin, Maryland. The positive test result was confirmed on Wednesday, August 19th.  The Wicomico County Health Department is advising all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals.  Rabies is a preventable viral…

General Surgery Services Added at Lewes Healthcare Campus

By Joe Ciccanti / August 19, 2026

As Sussex County continues to experience significant population growth and increasing demand for specialty medical care, Atracare is adding general surgery services at its Lewes healthcare campus. The services include consultations, outpatient procedures, minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery when appropriate. General surgery can be used to diagnose and treat conditions including hernias, gallbladder disease,…

Delaware Legislation Aimed at Eliminating Violence and Threats at Polling Places Signed Into Law

By Joe Ciccanti / August 19, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer has signed legislation strengthening Delaware’s law against violence, threats and voter intimidation at or near polling places and other locations where ballots are handled. Sponsored by Representative Eric Morrison and Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 301 prohibits violence, threats of violence, breaches of the peace, or attempts…

School Supply Drive Helps Local Students Prepare for New School Year

By Joe Ciccanti / August 19, 2026

Local students will have a little extra help getting ready for the new school year, thanks to a successful school supply collection organized by the Sussex County Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network. Members of the association gathered at the SCAOR office Tuesday to officially “Stuff the Bus,” capping off the association’s 2026 school supply…

Delaware State Police Investigating Sexual Assault at Dover Construction Site

By Joe Ciccanti / August 19, 2026

The Delaware State Police are investigating a sexual assault with a weapon that occurred Tuesday morning at a construction site in Dover. According to police, On August 18th at approximately 9:50 a.m., troopers responded to the site on Lacey Lane, in the Nobles Pond community in Dover, where the reported assault happened. When troopers arrived,…

Maryland Department of Health Seeks Public Input on Expanding Nutrition Services Through Medicaid

By Joe Ciccanti / August 19, 2026

The Maryland Department of Health is seeking public input on a proposal to add food and nutrition services to the state’s Medicaid program beginning in 2028. The proposal could provide eligible Medicaid recipients with chronic conditions services such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions through Maryland’s HealthChoice program. The goal is to help people…

Worcester County Health Department Announces Funding for Community Tobacco, Cannabis Prevention and Control Projects

By Joe Ciccanti / August 19, 2026

The Worcester County Health Department is making funding available for community programs focused on tobacco control, enforcement and preventing cannabis use among young people. The funding comes through the Maryland Department of Health and Cigarette Restitution Funds, and community-based organizations, churches and other interested groups are encouraged to apply. The funding includes up to $10,000…

UPDATED: Third Suspect Arrested in Fatal 2024 Christmas Eve Shooting in Dover

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2026

UPDATED – 08/14/26 – A 16-year old male has been arrested by Dover Police in connection with the December 24th 2024 shooting that left 14-year old Juwan Walker dead. The shooting occurred on Willis Road – Walker was flown to Nemours Hospital for treatment but died from his injuries three days later. The investigation has continued…

Faster Response the Focus Amid Growing Concerns About Healthcare Workplace Violence

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2026

For healthcare workers facing a threatening situation, seconds can matter. Hospitals have security teams, emergency procedures and de-escalation training—but what happens when an employee needs help right now? One emerging solution is wearable safety technology that can send an alert, share a worker’s location and connect them with help. Tyler Charuhaus, the Director of Client…

National Gas Price Average Climbing Again While local Average Dropped in Last Week

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2026

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is back on the rise after a week of falling prices. AAA reports that today’s national average is back up to $4.07 after dropping to $4.00 on Monday. Crude oil prices are once again in the $80 per barrel range amid continued uncertainty along the Strait…

Delaware State Police Arrest Lewes Man Following Shooting on Hopkins Road

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2026

Delaware State Police have arrested a 41-year-old Lewes man following a fight and shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Hopkins Road. Kenneth Drummond was charged with Assault 1st Degree involving a dangerous weapon and intent to seriously injure as well as Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony–both felonies. He was arrested and…

DHSS: Delaware Childhood Vaccine Guidance Remains Unchanged Following Federal Action

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2026

Delaware’s childhood vaccine guidance and access remain unchanged following recent federal changes to childhood vaccination recommendations, according to the state Department of Health and Social Services. Delaware will continue following its existing routine childhood immunization schedule, with recommended vaccines available through public health clinics. State officials say families should consult their health care providers with…

Delaware Office of Animal Welfare Using Innovative AI Technology from Petco Love Lost to Reunite Lost Pets with Their Families Across the State

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2026

The Delaware Division of Public Health–Office of Animal Welfare is announcing a major upgrade to the state’s lost-and-found pet reporting system through a new partnership with Petco Love Lost. The free nationwide database will become Delaware’s official lost-and-found pet reporting platform. It uses AI photo-matching technology to help reunite lost pets with their owners and…

DNREC Closes Seaford Fishing Pier Based on Unsafe Structural Findings

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2026

DNREC has closed the Seaford Fishing Pier located within the Seaford boat ramp fishing access area on the Nanticoke River after the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife detected structural flaws during an engineering assessment of the pier this week.. DNREC officials say the assessment of the pier, which predates DNREC’s construction upgrades to the…

Delmarva Power Crews Sent to Illinois to Help Restore Power After Severe Storms

By Joe Ciccanti / August 12, 2026

Delmarva Power Crews from the eastern shore of Maryland and the state of Delaware left Wednesday afternoon from Rockville and Newark to travel to Illinois to provide mutual assistance after severe thunderstorms downed trees and damaged infrastructure, leaving 257,000 ComEd customers without power.  The 27 Delmarva Power employees will remain onsite for a week to…

Motorcycle Crash in Milford Turns Fatal

By Joe Ciccanti / August 12, 2026

A 20-year-old Milford man has died following a motorcycle crash early July 31st at the intersection of North DuPont Boulevard and North Walnut Street in Milford. Delaware State Police say Gavin Webb was riding a Harley-Davidson northbound when he ran a red light and collided with a GMC Acadia turning onto DuPont Boulevard. Webb was…

Bill Introduced to Preserve Records for At-Risk Afghan Allies

By Joe Ciccanti / August 12, 2026

Delaware Senator Chris Coons and South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at preserving the military service records of Afghan allies who served alongside U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan. The ARCH Act would establish a secure Department of Defense system for eligible Afghan allies or their representatives to submit service…

OHS, DPH Highlights Delaware’s Groundbreaking Prehospital Whole Blood Program in New Ambassador of Safety Video

By Joe Ciccanti / August 12, 2026

Delaware officials are highlighting the state’s Prehospital Whole Blood program in the latest installment of the Ambassador of Safety video series. The program allows paramedics and State Police aviation teams to administer whole blood to seriously injured patients at the scene of an emergency. Delaware is the first state in the nation where all prehospital…