Joe Ciccanti

Maryland State Trails Open to Pedal-Assist E-Bikes

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved new regulations to allow some pedal-assist e-bikes on multi-use trails on public lands across the state. Under the new regulations, Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes — those that provide motorized assistance up to 20 miles per hour — are cleared for use on public lands. The approved regulation was published in the…

Salisbury Woman Arrested Following Robbery Investigation in Felton

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

A 27-year-old Salisbury, Maryland woman has been arrested in connection with a robbery that occurred on June 13th in Felton. The woman is accused of striking a 36-year-old man inside a home on Honeybrook Lane, taking his cellphone, and then fleeing–also causing property damage while leaving the scene, according to Felton Police. Lymyia Tratayshia Williams…

Delaware Department of Education Announces Free and Reduced-Price Meals Policy for 2026-27 Academic Year

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

The Delaware Department of Education announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price for meals served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and After School Snack Program (ASSP). Each participating school and its administrative office has a copy…

Maryland State Police Increasing Patrols, DUI Enforcement Efforts During Holiday Weekend

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

Maryland State Police are reminding motorists to drive responsibly ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. Maryland State Troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility patrols from Friday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 5th. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team – a specialized unit trained to identify impaired drivers—will also work to…

Occupants Displaced After House Fire in Cambridge

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

Three occupants and their eight pet dogs have been displaced after a house fire occurred on Central Avenue in Cambridge in Dorchester County. One of the occupants suffered a minor burn injury and was treated by EMS on the scene.  They refused transport to a local hospital for further treatment. Damage to the two story,…

DE General Assembly Passes Fiscal Year 2027 Bond Bill

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

On the final day of the legislative session, the Delaware General Assembly approved a $1.25 billion bond bill for Fiscal Year 2027, funding infrastructure, education, housing, economic development, and environmental projects statewide. The spending plan in House Bill 500 includes $273.3 million for road projects, $235 million for school construction, $24.6 million for economic development…

State Grants-in-Aid Fund Fire, EMS, and Senior Programs

By Joe Ciccanti / July 1, 2026

In the early hours of July 1st, the Senate approved the $99.4 million Fiscal Year 2027 Grants-in-Aid bill, securing essential services funding to support the operation of senior centers, nonprofit organizations, fire companies, and veterans organizations throughout the First State. The bill includes more than $22 million for statewide paramedic services, $15.5 million for fire…

Sussex County Land Trust Celebrates 25 Years of Conservation at Annual Meeting

By Joe Ciccanti / June 27, 2026

UPDATE (Friday, June 26th): The Sussex County Land Trust celebrated its 25th Anniversary year on Friday. The Talk of Delmarva’s Joe Ciccanti has more…   Original Post: Sussex County Land Trust Executive Director Sara Bluhm tells the Talk of Delmarva that the public is invited at 12:30 PM to hear presentations on highlights regarding the…

Easton Airport Runway and Airfield Modernization Project Update

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

Easton Airport is on schedule to open ALL Runways tomorrow morning, June 26th at 7:00 AM for normal operations. Some taxiway closures will take effect, causing minor operational impacts over the coming weeks as final grading work for the airfield improvement project is completed. However, at this time, no runway closures are planned for the…

National Gas Price Average Declines for Fifth Straight Week

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

Drivers are continuing to see relief at the pump as the national gas price average declines for the fifth consecutive week. Today’s national average is $3.91 per gallon. Crude oil prices have also continued to fall as the U.S. and Iran work toward a long-term deal. Despite lower prices, demand could rise as a record…

Laurel Police Arrest Woman After False Sexual Assault Allegation

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

A 21-year-old Centreville, Maryland woman has been arrested for reporting a sexual assault that police determined never happened. The Laurel PD Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) investigated the reported assault on Delaware Avenue in Laurel, where the alleged incident is said to have occurred. According to police, Alexis Hawkins reported that she had been sexually assaulted…

Residential Outbuilding Fire in Caroline County Under Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

A fire that occurred at a residential outbuilding/barn in Caroline County on Bridgetown Road in Henderson early yesterday afternoon is under investigation. The cause and origin of the blaze is not known at this time. Damage was estimated at $50,000. Five farm raised ducks perished in the fire. Anyone with information regarding this fire should…

Delaware Student Delegation Excels At SkillsUSA National Conference

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

Delaware students brought home six national championships at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta earlier this month, also earning 44 industry-recognized Skill Point Certificates. According to the Delaware Department of Education, a record 119 students and advisors represented the First State, demonstrating the knowledge, technical skills, and professionalism that prepare students…

Maryland Transportation Authority Alerts Public to Text Scam

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

If you’re a Maryland resident who has received a text claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls or traffic violations, it’s a scam. Maryland does NOT send text messages demanding toll payments. You are reminded not to click links or share personal or financial information. Report scam texts at IC3.gov.   Image from the Maryland…

Progress Made on New Dewey Beach Town Hall and Public Safety Building

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

In Dewey Beach, the new Town Hall & Public Safety Building (Phase I) is progressing well with painting, flooring, and carpet currently being installed. The contractor thinks town officials may be able to move in around August 1st, according to a statement from Town Manager Bill Zolper in the Town’s Monthly Newsletter. Once they have…

Firearm Safety Bill Passes Delaware Senate

By Joe Ciccanti / June 25, 2026

A bill related to firearm safety has passed the Delaware Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature. House Bill 141, the primary sponsor of which is State Representative Kimberly Williams, requires firearm buyers to review and sign a Firearm Responsibilities Notice before purchasing a gun. The notice, to be developed by the Department of Safety…

Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Drug/Weapons Charges

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

A 35-year-old Laurel man was taken into custody after police officers conducted a traffic stop related to a suspected DUI investigation. The traffic stop was conducted on June 19th shortly before midnight. A records check revealed that  Joe Smith had two active capias warrants. When officers informed him of the warrants and attempted to take…

Worcester County Drinking Water Quality Reports Available Online

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

Worcester County’s 2026 Drinking Water Quality Reports are now available online. Also known as Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), these annual reports inform residents and visitors alike about local drinking water sources, water quality testing results, and how the County works to provide safe, reliable drinking water. The link is: https://www.worcestermd.gov/departments/publicworks/water/quality. Residents served by Worcester County…

Delaware Fireworks Bill Passes Senate

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

A Delaware bill aimed at tightening fireworks laws has passed the Senate. Officials say the state’s current regulations have led to widespread confusion, with many people using fireworks outside legally permitted days without realizing they are breaking the law, while others face penalties too small to deter violations. The result has been ongoing neighborhood disturbances,…

Dover Woman Charged in Unlicensed Wine Operation

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

The Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) has arrested a 60-year-old Dover woman on charges stemming from an unlicensed wine manufacturing operation conducted through Pale Moon Wine LLC. The investigation began after the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission notified DATE that products from Pale Moon Wine LLC were being sold at establishments…

DNREC Asks Public to Report Sightings of Wild Turkeys During Annual Survey

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is once again asking Delawareans to help with the state’s annual wild turkey productivity survey. The survey helps DNREC wildlife biologists monitor turkey populations and reproductive success across the state, helping ensure the continued success of Delaware’s wild turkey restoration efforts. From July 1st through August 31st,…

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Protect Americans from Foreign Scammers

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride of Delaware and Mike Lawler of New York have introduced the bipartisan Stop Scamming Americans Act, aimed at helping U.S. diplomats identify and combat overseas scam operations that target Americans. McBride says the legislation would hold foreign governments accountable when they enable criminal organizations that steal personal and financial information, often…

AAA: Nearly 209,000 Delawareans Expected to Travel for Independence Day Holiday

By Joe Ciccanti / June 24, 2026

AAA projects that nearly 209,000 Delawareans will travel 50 miles or more during the Independence Day holiday period, about the same as last year. The holiday travel period runs for nine days, from Saturday, June 27th through Sunday, July 5th. The vast majority of travelers — nearly 185,000 Delawareans, or more than 88% — are…

Delaware State Police Arrest Two Following Pursuit in a Stolen Car in Kent County

By Joe Ciccanti / June 19, 2026

Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Aveion Edwards-Thomas and a 16-year-old male, both of Philadelphia, following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle in Kent County Wednesday night. Troopers spotted a Nissan Altima reported stolen in Pennsylvania traveling on South Dupont Highway near Walnut Shade Road around 8:30 p.m. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle…

Delaware Senate Unanimously Passes FY 27 Budget Bills

By Joe Ciccanti / June 19, 2026

The Delaware Senate has voted to approve a $6.99 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes funding for state employee and retiree compensation, public schools, healthcare services, public safety programs, and other statewide operations. The budget provides a 3% raise for state employees and additional pay increases for educators, while also supporting state…