Joe Ciccanti

Residential Structure Fire in Ocean Pines Ruled Accidental

By Joe Ciccanti / March 9, 2023

An investigation into a fire that occurred on Hickory Way in Ocean Pines yesterday shows evidence that the blaze was accidental from improperly discarded smoking materials. The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department responded to the reported fire at 4:49 PM. Upon arrival, crews reported smoke showing from the two-story single-family home and requested assistance from…

Maryland Retains AAA Bond Rating

By Joe Ciccanti / March 9, 2023

Maryland State Treasurer Dereck E. Davis announced today that the three major bond rating agencies have reaffirmed the state’s AAA bond rating and noted a “stable outlook.” Treasurer Davis will preside over his second competitive sale of state General Obligation Bonds on March 15, 2023. Maryland is one of only 13 states to hold the…

60-Year-Old Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Minor and Assaults

By Joe Ciccanti / March 9, 2023

An Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico has sentenced 60-year-old Reginald Wallace to 35 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor and assaulting two others. Wallace pleaded guilty on November 16, 2022, to Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Sexual Offense in the Third Degree, and two counts of Assault in the Second…

Delaware Public Service Commission Approves Decrease in Delmarva Power’s Natural Gas Costs

By Joe Ciccanti / March 9, 2023

Heating costs often account for the biggest portion of your utility bill, but some modest help is on the way thanks to the Delaware Public Service Commission’s approval of a 23% decrease in Delmarva Power’s natural gas costs, effective April 1st. Due to a warmer-than-expected winter and lower-than-forecasted natural gas prices over the past several…

Overnight Fire in Preston, MD Under Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / March 9, 2023

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating an overnight fire in Preston in Caroline County, Maryland. Fire officials report no deaths or injuries to humans from the blaze, but seven cats and one lamb are unaccounted for at the site. The State Fire Marshal’s office estimates the damage to the wood frame outbuilding to…

Legislation Filed in Delaware Would Require Medicaid to Cover Doulas Services

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

With the aim of reducing pregnancy-related complications and health disparities, particularly in Black women, lawmakers in Delaware have filed a bill that would require Medicaid to cover doula services provided to expectant parents beginning next year. House Majority Whip Melissa Minor-Brown is sponsoring House Bill 80, which would require that doula services be covered by…

Increased Police Patrols to be Conducted in Ocean City, MD Due to St. Patrick’s Day Festivities

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

If you live in or plan to visit Ocean City, Maryland this week and next, you can expect to see additional Ocean City Police Department officers on patrol, along with Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police. A collective 84 hours of specialized enforcement will be conducted in the Town of Ocean City from…

Elevated Risk of Fire Spread in Delaware and Maryland Eastern Shore

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey is issuing a warning about an elevated risk for fire spread this afternoon across much of Delaware and the eastern shore of Maryland. A combination of low relative humidity, a strong northwest wind, and relatively dry fine fuels will contribute to the increased risk. The northwest…

Eighteen Students from Wicomico Public Schools Named Finalists in 2023 Young Authors’ Contest

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

After receiving hundreds of submissions from talented writers, the Eastern Shore Literacy Association (ESLA) has announced the finalists in the 2023 Young Authors’ Contest, including 18 students from Wicomico County Public Schools. Placement awards will be announced at the ESLA’s Young Authors’ Award Ceremony, which will take place in Holloway Hall Auditorium at Salisbury University…

Fire at Home in Salisbury Under Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of a fire that occurred on Hammond Street in Salisbury yesterday afternoon. So far, they know that the blaze started on the back deck of the two story wood frame single family home. No deaths or injuries resulted, but the fire caused thousands of dollars…

Man Sentenced in Connection with Firearm and Drug Trafficking Crimes Faces 25 Years of Incarceration

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

Following a two-day trial, a Circuit Court Associate Judge sentenced 31-year-old Kyle Carey to 25 years in prison. Carey’s conviction includes Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm, along with drug offenses. Carey will have to serve five years of his sentence without the possibility…

Maryland Lawmakers Propose Legislation to Combat Violent Crime Crisis

By Joe Ciccanti / March 8, 2023

The Joint Republican Caucus in Maryland held a news conference earlier this month to highlight legislation which would help combat Maryland’s violent crime crisis. Maryland Delegate Wayne Hartman (of District 38C–Wicomico and Worcester Counties) tells the Talk of Delmarva 92.7 and 98.5 that one of the key bills that is being proposed is House Bill…

DSP Investigating Hoax Calls Regarding Threat of School Shooter

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

The Delaware State Police is investigating threats to multiple schools. Numerous phone calls regarding the threat of an active shooter at various schools throughout the State of Delaware were made to numerous police departments this morning. Similar incidents have been reported outside the State of Delaware. Police say these calls have been determined to be…

UPDATE: Lockdown Lifted: Earlier Threats to Schools Called into Lewes Police Department–Not Credible

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

Photo Credit: Cape Gazette

Changes to SNAP Benefits; Another Way to Receive Assistance

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

Given the changes that have gone into effect with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which provided emergency money for food during the COVID-19 pandemic, some may wonder what other options are out there for assistance. State Representative Ruth Briggs-King was on the air with the Talk of Delmarva’s Mike Bradley this week and…

DelDOT Traffic Alerts: Road Closures This Month

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

DelDOT Traffic Alert: Road Closure Later This Month in South Bethany Beach Eastbound Jefferson Bridge Road between Route 1 and Pennsylvania Avenue in South Bethany Beach will be closed starting on March 13th and continuing until April 7th, weather permitting. The reason for the planned closure is work that will be done to install sidewalks,…

Delaware State Police Investigating Theft from Midway Speedway Park

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

Detectives need your help with identifying these two individuals pictured below. Delaware State Police say a Bullet Go Kart was stolen from the Midway Speedway Park in Rehoboth Beach on January 31st. Anyone with any information should call Detective J. O’Neil of the Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-856-5850. Tips can also be submitted…

Service Academy Information Night March 3rd in Dover

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

Middle and high school students interested in learning more about attending U.S. Service Academies will have a chance to attend “Service Academy Information Night” tomorrow night at Delaware Technical Community College’s Terry Campus. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. This annual information session returns in-person this year after it was held virtually for…

Salisbury Man Sentenced For Illegal Possession of Firearm, Drug-Related Charge

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Wicomico County has sentenced a 23-year-old Salisbury man to 30 years in prison with all but 12 years being suspended–of which five years is a mandatory minimum sentence. Jerziah Damiere Witherspoon pleaded guilty to an illegal firearm possession charge and one count of possession with intent to distribute…

Overnight Fire in Fruitland Ruled Accidental

By Joe Ciccanti / March 2, 2023

An electrical failure in the area of the water heater/furnace sparked a fire at around 1 a.m. on East Main Street in Fruitland in Wicomico County. It didn’t take long for 25 firefighters to control the blaze, which ended up causing an estimated $30,000 in damage.

Traffic Alert: Pedestrian Crossing Signal to be Installed Near Bethany Beach

By Joe Ciccanti / March 1, 2023

Lane closures will go into effect at the intersection of Route 1 and Bayberry Road in the Bethany Beach area starting on Monday, March 6th through mid-April (weather permitting). Work will consist of the installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon pedestrian crossing system. Those who are driving in that area are advised to use…

Senators Coons, Lankford Reintroduce Charitable Act

By Joe Ciccanti / March 1, 2023

Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and James Lankford of Oklahoma have reintroduced the Charitable Act. The bill will expand and extend the expired non-itemized deduction for charitable giving that would ensure that those of you who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations, and other nonprofits of your choice are able to deduct that…

Milford Man Arrested for Discharging Firearm, Drug Charges

By Joe Ciccanti / March 1, 2023

Milford Police have arrested a man who they say discharged a firearm at the BP gas station on Northwest Front Street. The incident happened in the afternoon of February 24th. After a stop of a vehicle on Lakeview Avenue, police took Damian J Lee of Milford into custody. They also found over 840 grams of…

Water Meters to be Replaced in Rehoboth Beach Beginning Next Week

By Joe Ciccanti / March 1, 2023

A City of Rehoboth Beach contractor will begin replacing up to 700 water meters on the north side of town, primarily along Henlopen and Columbia avenues, next week. The work is expected to continue throughout this month. The city will install digital meters that can be read remotely and, once the city’s fixed-base system is…

Funding Opportunity for Early-Stage Delaware Small Businesses to Expand

By Joe Ciccanti / March 1, 2023

Delaware companies that are in the beginning stages and need funding to help expand their business can now apply to compete for an Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) grant from the Division of Small Business (DSB). The division will be accepting EDGE grant applications between now and March 31 from promising early-stage businesses throughout…