Joe Ciccanti

DNREC Looking for Delaware Students to be Nominated for Environmentalist Awards

By Joe Ciccanti / May 10, 2023

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is looking for students in the First State who are working to make a difference for the environment. DREC encourages teachers, classmates, club or group leaders, family members and others to nominate these students for the 2023 DNREC Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards. Nominations…

18-Year-Old Arrested and Charged Again for Sexual Solicitation of a Minor

By Joe Ciccanti / May 10, 2023

An 18-year-old charged with sexually assaulting and soliciting a 13-year-old from an investigation in December 2022, faces new charges this month for soliciting another 13-year-old girl. According to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Robert Allen Dust was once again charged with displaying obscene material to a minor, three counts of child porn solicit subject,…

AmeriCorps State and National FY 2023 Grants to Support Three Programs in Reading Assistance and Summer Learning

By Joe Ciccanti / May 10, 2023

U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons as well as Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester have announced nearly $2.4 million in State and National funding including grants and education awards from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. Senator Carper says this funding will help students continue to succeed inside and outside of the…

Delmar Man Sentenced to 15 Years for First-Degree Assault

By Joe Ciccanti / May 10, 2023

Charles Ecker, who previously lived in Delmar, Maryland has been sentenced to fifteen years in the Division of Corrections on assault charges, according to the Office of the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County. Ecker was convicted on February 28th, 2023 following a two-day jury trial of one count of First-Degree Assault, one count of Second-Degree…

Delaware State Fire Marshal’s – Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program Discourages Fire Play Among Kids

By Joe Ciccanti / May 7, 2023

The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal is promoting the nationwide Arson Awareness Week starting on May 7, 2023 – May 13, 2023. This year’s theme is Understanding and Mitigating Youth Fire Setting Issues.  The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s – Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program specifically deals with children, ages 2-18, involved in starting…

First Leg of Constitutional Amendment to Allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

The Delaware Senate has passed the first leg of a Constitutional amendment that would eliminate limitations on the circumstances in which voters may cast an absentee ballot. Senate Bill 3 would also allow the General Assembly to set new rules and procedures through future legislation, the only path to no-excuse absentee voting permissible under the…

DNREC Provides Incentives to Homeowners and Landowners to Improve Chesapeake Bay Watershed

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is giving Homeowners incentives for implementing best practices to improve water quality and create wildlife habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. DNREC recently introduced the two new conservation incentive programs, which are– the Delaware Community Conservation Assistance Program (DeCAP) and the Forest Buffer Incentive Program. The…

Berlin, Maryland Man Sentenced for Sex Crimes

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

A 62-year-old Berlin, Maryland man was sentenced this week for his convictions on one count of third-degree sex offense and one count of second-degree assault. The Honorable Brian D. Shockley of the Worcester County Circuit Court ordered Todd Yates to serve 10 years on each count, consecutively, and suspended 7 years of that sentence. Yates…

UPDATED: Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Frederica

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

UPDATED – 5/5/23 10:15am – Delaware State Police have identified 40 year old Quinton Russ of Frederica as the man who died in a fatal single-car collision that occurred in Frederica on May 3 ================================================================ A 40-year-old man from Frederica is dead after crashing his vehicle into a set of trees early yesterday evening. Delaware State…

Traffic Alert: Cemetery Road in Selbyville to be Closed Next Week Due to Maintenance Work

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

Cemetery Road between Route 113 and North Main Street/Pepper Road will be closed beginning Monday, May 8th at 5 a.m. Delmarva Central Railroad forces will be resurfacing and performing general maintenance of the crossing. The closure will be in place 24 hours per day. The work is expected to be completed and the detour lifted…

Seaford Man Caught in the Act of Burglarizing Newark Hotel

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

A 51-year-old Seaford man is facing several criminal charges after Delaware State Police caught him in the act of burglarizing a hotel in the Newark area yesterday. A trooper on patrol saw him carrying bolt cutters in the parking lot within the fenced-off property of the Country Inn and Suites on Old Churchmans Road. The…

National Effort to Stamp Out Hunger to Take Place Saturday, May 13th

By Joe Ciccanti / May 4, 2023

On Saturday, May 13th, Delaware letter carriers will Stamp Out Hunger in order to provide assistance to those in need of food items due to the high costs associated with inflation. To help Stamp Out Hunger, simply leave a bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, and cereals…

Traffic Alert: Salisbury Street and Lot Closures This Week

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

Various streets and lots in downtown Salisbury will be closed over the next few days. The following information is from the Mayor’s Office: Thursday, May 4th 8AM-9PM in association with the Tidewater Tour. Friday, May 5 in association with the Children’s Mental Health Awareness event 2 PM until approximately 9 PM.

Ocean View Man Arrested for Exposing Himself, Inhaling Air Duster Spray at Lowe’s

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

A 30-year-old Ocean View, Delaware man has been arrested for lewdness, shoplifting, among other offenses following an incident that happened yesterday in Lowe’s on East Songsmith Drive in Bear, New Castle County. Police say that after 4 p.m., a trooper arrived, and employees told her that a man had passed out in the store aisle…

Fire Officials Investigating Arson Cases in Salisbury

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

Deputy Maryland State Fire Marshals need your help in identifying who is responsible for setting arson fires at a vacant building on 616 East Church Street in Salisbury. The latest incident happened yesterday before 5 pm. This vacant building has had two previous fires in it.  One fire was in January of 2022 and the…

Rehoboth Beach Election Deadlines on the Horizon

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

Deadlines related to the City of Rehoboth Beach’s August 12th municipal election are on the horizon. Two commissioner posts and the mayor’s position will be on the ballot. The deadline for candidates to file a petition to run is 4:30 pm Monday, June 5th. Nominating petitions may be obtained by contacting elections@cityofrehoboth.com or calling 302-227-6181, ext. 159.…

Bayhealth’s 17th GoPink! Campaign Raises over $43,000

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

Information regarding funds that were raised at Bayhealth’s 17th annual Go Pink! campaign in 2022 has been released. The event raised over $43,000. Every year, Go Pink! brings awareness to breast cancer and the importance of mammography screenings. Funds are raised through the sale of specially designed Go Pink! T-shirts to fund screenings for the…

Reckless Driving Legislation Passes Delaware House

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

Legislation introduced on April 20th addressing the issue of speeding has passed the Delaware House of Representatives. This Act adds to the definition of reckless driving—the operating of a motor vehicle at a speed of 90 miles an hour or more. The bill is awaiting consideration in the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee. The…

Milford Earns Reliable Public Power Provider Designation

By Joe Ciccanti / May 3, 2023

The City of Milford Electric Department has earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3)® designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. Sara Bluhm, Economic Development & Community Engagement Administrator, explains to the Talk of Delmarva listeners more about the RP3 designation… The designation recognizes public power utilities that…

Funding Announced for Maryland Residents with Water Bill Debt related to COVID-19 Pandemic

By Joe Ciccanti / April 27, 2023

Residents in Maryland with water bill debt related to the COVID-19 pandemic will receive help thanks to $20 million that will be provided through 19 water systems that applied for and were awarded funding from the Water Assistance Relief Program. As a condition of receiving program funding, water systems have agreed to allocate payments as…

Maryland State Police Searching For Attempted Murder Suspect in Wicomico County

By Joe Ciccanti / April 27, 2023

Maryland State Police need your help in finding a man they are looking for in connection with a shooting earlier this month in Wicomico County. 45-year-old Timothy Lee Whaley Jr. of Salisbury, Maryland, has an arrest warrant issued for him for attempted murder. Whaley is described as a Black man, 6-feet tall and weighs about…

Convicted Felon From Delmar Facing Weapons and Drug-Related Charges Following Traffic Stop in Millsboro

By Joe Ciccanti / April 27, 2023

A 23-year-old Delmar man is at Sussex Correctional Institution following an arrest at a traffic stop for gun and drug offenses. Yesterday afternoon, troopers stopped the car on Gravel Hill Road in Millsboro. When the car stopped, troopers saw the front passenger reaching in front of him and towards his side. The passenger opened the…

Delaware State Police Investigating Fatal Accident in Smyrna Area

By Joe Ciccanti / April 27, 2023

Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal vehicle collision involving two work trucks that occurred in the Smyrna area yesterday morning. Police say that an International Box Truck was headed northbound on Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, while an International Flatbed Truck was stopped on the northbound right shoulder of Route 1. The driver of…

Grant Awarded to Sussex County Habitat for Humanity’s Home Modification Services to Benefit Older Adults

By Joe Ciccanti / April 27, 2023

Older adults will be given safety and accessibility improvements that meet their needs, thanks to funding that will go towards Sussex County Habitat for Humanity’s home modification services. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons as well as Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester announced the grant, which amounts to more than 1.2 million dollars. The…