Joe Ciccanti

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.…

Governor Matt Meyer Presents Order Of The First State To Five Delawareans

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

Earlier this month, Governor Matt Meyer presented Delaware’s highest civilian honor—the Order of the First State—to five Delawareans recognized for extraordinary service and lasting impact in public service, medicine, the arts, and athletics. Those five include Brooks Banta, Ellen Bartholomaus, Anand Panwalker, Mike Vincent, and Robert “Bob” Vanderhost. Governor Meyer said each of them has built something that lasts –– stronger local government,…

Dover Police Investigate Armed Robbery Early Sunday in Dover

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

The Dover Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred early Sunday morning around 1:00 AM. The victim contacted police in a parking lot located on South Independence Boulevard. Police say after a party the victim attended, two individuals approached him, and one pointed a handgun at him, demanding his property. The victim complied, and…

Two Residents Displaced After Attic Fire in Salisbury

By Joe Ciccanti / February 17, 2026

A fire that occurred on Sunday afternoon, February 15th, at a house with an attached garage on South Kaywood Drive in Salisbury was ruled accidental as a result of an electrical event. According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the blaze began in the attic of the single-story, wood frame, single-family home.…

Ocean View Man Hospitalized After Assault with a Crowbar

By Joe Ciccanti / February 16, 2026

Delaware State Police are investigating an assault that occurred over the weekend in Ocean View. According to police, on Saturday, February 14th, at about 12:30 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on Mahogany Street. When troopers arrived, they found a 64-year-old man who had been assaulted with a crowbar. He was taken to an area…

Governor Moore Announces Maryland Department of Human Services Leadership Transition

By Joe Ciccanti / February 16, 2026

Governor Wes Moore announced a leadership transition at the Maryland Department of Human Services. Secretary Rafael LĂłpez will step down effective Feb. 23rd for health-related reasons. Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as interim secretary through April 1, after which former Baltimore County Administrative Officer Stacy L. Rodgers will assume the role of acting…