Joe Ciccanti

Seals Return to Delaware Waters: MERR Urges Public to Keep Distance and Report Sightings

By Joe Ciccanti / February 25, 2026

The Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. (MERR) would like to remind beachgoers and boaters that seals are once again in the area. Delaware experiences 4 different species of seals that visit our waterways during the winter months, and can often be seen resting and sunning themselves on rocks, docks, beaches, and other areas…

Two Injured in Shooting at Apartment in Dover

By Joe Ciccanti / February 25, 2026

Dover Police are investigating a shooting that injured two people Monday night. Police responded around 8:17 p.m. to an apartment on Fairway Lakes Drive, where they found a 43-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man, both of Dover, suffering from gunshot wounds. The woman was shot in the upper body, and the man was shot in…

Dover Police Investigating Armed Robbery

By Joe Ciccanti / February 25, 2026

Dover Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the overnight hours– early Sunday morning in Dover. Police made contact with the victim in the parking lot of Wawa on North DuPont Highway. Police say that while at a residence on Ironwood Court, four armed individuals approached him and demanded his property. He complied,…

OC Beach Bus Service Suspended as Blizzard Worsens

By Joe Ciccanti / February 23, 2026

Due to worsening blizzard conditions in Ocean City, Maryland, the OC Beach Bus service has been suspended, as of 10:30 PM February 22nd. A decision regarding bus service for Monday, February 23rd will be made and posted to the OCMD Beach Bus app and bus tracking page by approximately 5:30 a.m. Riders are encouraged to monitor…

Sussex County Weathering Major Coastal Storm

By Joe Ciccanti / February 23, 2026

A powerful winter storm is battering Sussex County with blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and strong winds, prompting a Level III driving ban, widespread power outages, and the opening of an emergency shelter. Forecasters expect 12 to 18 inches of snow, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and possible coastal flooding through 6 p.m. Monday. More…

AAA: Gas Prices Dropped Slightly Since Last Week, Expected to Increase Soon

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped slightly from the previous week to $2.92. According to AAA, pump prices are expected to start their seasonal climb soon, as spring approaches and summer-blend gasoline production begins. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are another factor that could drive up crude oil prices. Right…

Maryland Department of Health Reports Increase in Mumps Cases

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed an increase in mumps cases in the state. As of February 19th, there has been a total of 26 cases reported in 2026: 19 confirmed and 7 probable cases. According to the Maryland Department of Health, the overall risk to the public is considered low given Maryland’s high…

UPDATE: 61-Year-Old Identified, Hospitalized After Barricade Incident; Faces Several Criminal Charges

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

Update–02/19/26– 3 PM The 61-year-old man arrested following a barricade incident yesterday in Dover is identified as Eric Dryden. What police are now saying was a domestic-related incident happened Wednesday afternoon on Stoney Drive. The investigation revealed that Dryden assaulted a woman inside the home, pointed a firearm at her, and fired a shot into…

DNREC Announces March 7 Youth Trout Day; March 8 Downstate Season Opener

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

DNREC has announced that Delaware’s 2026 downstate pond trout season will open for youth anglers under age 16 only at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th followed by the opening of the regular downstate trout season for all anglers a half-hour before sunrise on Sunday, March 8th. Fishing will be allowed on youth opening day from 7…

Evening Fire at Rehoboth-Area Condominium Building Prompts Evacuations

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating a fire that occurred at a two-story condominium building in the Creekwood community off Coastal Highway. The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company responded to the scene on Wednesday evening, February 18th, around 8:10pm. Units found fire lapping up the exterior wall of building. Four units were evacuated…

17-Year-Old Shot in Cambridge, MD; Police Seek Public’s Help

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

Cambridge Police are investigating an incident in which a teenager was shot yesterday evening, February 18th. At about 6:18 p.m., Police responded to the report of multiple shots fired. When they arrived at the location—in the area of High Street between Washington Street and Lincoln Terrace–they found a 17-year-old male from Cambridge with a gunshot…

New Federal Funding to Support Affordable Housing in Sussex County

By Joe Ciccanti / February 19, 2026

More affordable housing is on the way for families in Sussex County. Sussex County Habitat for Humanity recently received $1 million from the FY26 Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development bill. The funding is part of the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project. Delaware Senator Chris Coons requested the funding. Kevin Gilmore, CEO of Sussex County Habitat…

Sussex County Accepting Applications for Property Assessment Appeals

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

The Sussex County government is currently accepting applications from property owners who wish to contest the assessed value of their property. Under Delaware law, counties each year must allow property owners the opportunity to formally appeal their assessments. Applications must be submitted by March 15th. This year, the appeal hearings may run through May 31st,…

Federal Court Dismisses US Wind Cross-Claim

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

A federal judge has dismissed a key legal claim tied to the offshore wind dispute involving Ocean City, Maryland. The Town has been notified that on Friday, February 13th, Judge Gallagher of the United States District Court granted the federal defendants’ motion to dismiss US Wind’s cross-claim in its entirety. The Court determined that US…

Delaware State Police Arrest Seaford Man for a Series of Burglaries in Sussex County

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

The Delaware State Police have arrested a 57-year-old Seaford man for burglary and related charges in Sussex County after a series of burglaries at homes under construction. Several burglaries occurred in September 2025, in which the suspect entered residences and removed or attempted to remove refrigerators. Many of these incidents also resulted in damage to…

Charter School Accountability Committee Recommends Revocation of the Charter of Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence (BASSE)

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

The Delaware Department of Education’s Charter School Accountability Committee has recommended the revocation of the charter of Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence (BASSE) because of enrollment, financial and organizational concerns. A public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 9th at the Delaware Technical Community College’s Owens Campus  in Georgetown. Public comment also will be…

Fire at House in Salisbury; Teen Charged with Arson

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

A teenager is facing arson-related charges after a fire that started in the bedroom of a house on West London Avenue in Salisbury Tuesday afternoon. An occupant of the home discovered the fire. The smoke alarm status was noted as present and activated, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal. No injuries…

TidalHealth Breaks Ground on New Childcare Center in Seaford for Team Members and their Families

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

TidalHealth broke ground this week on a new childcare center in Seaford that will serve employees and their families. The center is part of the health system’s “TidalHealth Kids” initiative, developed in partnership with KinderCare Learning Centers. The Seaford location, planned behind the Mears Campus, will accommodate up to 120 children and is expected to…

Repair Work, Inprovement Project Leading to Road Closures in Salisbury

By Joe Ciccanti / February 18, 2026

The City of Salisbury has announced a temporary closure of Mill Street between Route 50 and Lemon Hill Lane to accommodate ongoing bridge repair work. The closure is scheduled for today, Wednesday, Feb. 18th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, through traffic will not be permitted in the work zone. Officials advise…

Easton Police Warn of Increased Vehicle-Related Thefts

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

Recently, Easton, MD Police have seen an increase in thefts of vehicles and theft from vehicles. During almost all occasions, these vehicles were not locked with the crimes occurring overnight. If items were not removed, the vehicles were ransacked. Items being stolen include valuables in plain sight. Easton Police recommends that area residents never leave…

DelDOT Name That Plow Winners Announced

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has announced the winners of its 5th Annual “Name That Plow” Contest. Nearly 300 submissions were received this year, with students from across Delaware showing off their creativity, clever wordplay, and snow-themed humor. The 2026 winners are: Scoop! There it is! – Cedar Lane Early Childhood (New Castle) No Mo Sno –…

Sponsors And Meal Sites Sought in Delaware For 2026 Summer Food Service Program

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

Delaware officials are seeking sponsors and meal sites for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a federally funded initiative that provides free meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides the funding, while in Delaware, the State Department of Education oversees its administration. Eligible sponsors — including…

Governor Moore Signs ICE-Related Legislation Terminating Standing 287(g) Agreements–Effective Immediately

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

Governor Wes Moore has signed legislation to prohibit State and local jurisdictions from deputizing officers for federal civil immigration enforcement activity. The law, created under SB 245/HB 444, is effective immediately. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), established its 287(g) program to authorize local law enforcement officials to perform federal civil…

Delaware State Police Seeking Assistance in Finding Man Wanted for Burglary

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

Delaware State Police Troop 4 is seeking help from the public in finding 62-year-old Christopher Powell. He is wanted for a burglary, and related offenses, that occurred in the Dagsboro area. He is possibly operating a green Dodge Ram with Delaware tag C124375. Attempts to contact or locate him have been unsuccessful. Information on Christopher…

Governor Meyer Orders Flags at Half-Staff Following Deaths of Three Leaders

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer has ordered all flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the lives and service of former Delaware state legislators, George Bunting and John Viola, who passed away last week. Flags are also to be lowered in remembrance of the life, service, and influence of the Rev.…