Joe Ciccanti

UPDATE: DelDOT Toll and Fee Increases, Changes Regarding E-ZPass Start Friday, August 15th

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

  UPDATE 08/14/25: The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) reminds drivers that toll increases take effect on Route 1, I-95, and US 301 at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15th. An online toll calculator is available for customers to view the new toll rates for their vehicles when traveling through the state.  In addition to the toll…

UPDATE: Governor Meyer Signs Bipartisan Bill Establishing Office of the Inspector General

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

UPDATE 8/14/25:  Today, Governor Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 4, creating a non‑partisan, independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Governor Meyer said this office will strengthen public trust by guaranteeing that Delaware’s government operates with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. Delaware joins the majority of U.S. states in establishing an independent Inspector…

Two Felton Residents Arrested in Royal Farms Shoplifting; Both Held on Additional Warrants

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

Two Felton residents have been arrested in connection with a shoplifting on August 8th at the Felton Royal Farms. Police say video surveillance showed 32-year-old Dustin Shayne Jones and 30-year-old Melissa J. Pote leaving the store without paying for merchandise. Both were arrested August 12th during a Delaware State Police traffic stop and charged with…

Maryland NRP Request Help in Identifying Theft Suspects

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

The Maryland Natural Resources Police needs your help identifying individuals suspected to be involved with the theft of over $1,400 worth of sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut in West Ocean City on Monday, August 11th. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Matthew Groleau at matthew.groleau@maryland.gov or call NRP Communications at 410-260-8888. Callers can…

Juvenile Charged as an Adult with Numerous Crimes in Salisbury Arson Case

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

A 17-year-old from Salisbury has been charged as an adult in an arson case. According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the fire was intentionally set at a home on Grant Avenue on August 10th. The two occupants were unharmed. Fire investigators say the fire was set in a bedroom of the…

Delaware State Police Arrest Smyrna Man After Stolen Vehicle Pursuit

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

Delaware State Police have arrested a 37-year-old Smyrna man on multiple charges following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle early Tuesday morning. Police say that on August 12th at about 1:23 a.m., a Caroline County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a Mazda CX-5 that was reported stolen through the Smyrna Police Department traveling on Halltown Road…

Salisbury Man Sentenced for First-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault, and Firearm Charge

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

A 19-year-old from Salisbury– Cashmir Holbrook– has been sentenced to life with all but 40 years suspended for First-Degree Murder. Other active sentences include 10 years on a firearm charge–five years of which is without parole, and 25 years on a First Degree Assault charge, with all but 10 years suspended. The active sentences will…

Laurel Police Investigating Stabbing Incident

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

Laurel Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred yesterday. At shortly before 7:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Little Creek apartment complex for a fight in progress. While on scene officers were sent to another location on Center Street for a man who was seriously injured. The victim suffered from a single stab wound…

State Treasurer Colleen Davis to Hold Town Hall in Milford on September 9th

By Joe Ciccanti / August 14, 2025

Delaware Treasurer Colleen Davis will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Milford Senior Center on 111 Park Avenue in Milford. This event will provide Delawareans the opportunity to receive updates on the Office of the State Treasurer’s priority initiatives as well as addressing the public’s concerns regarding…

Governor Meyer Signs House Bill 1 Establishing Veterans Affairs Department With Cabinet-Level Secretary

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

Today, Governor Matt Meyer signed House Bill 1 creating a Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs, elevating veterans’ services to a cabinet‑level agency – an historic step toward strengthening how Delaware serves its veteran community. With this action, Delaware will soon have a Secretary of Veterans Affairs at the table of state leadership ensuring the voices, needs,…

Troopers Arrest Man and Woman on Gun Charges Following Traffic Stop

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

Delaware State Police have arrested a man and a woman –31-year-old Derrick Edwards of Millsboro and 28-year-old Faythe Wise of Seaford– on felony gun charges following a traffic stop that occurred last night in Bridgeville. On August 12th at approximately 9:30 p.m., a trooper on patrol saw a black Dodge Charger fail to properly stop…

Harrington Man Arrested On Drug Dealing Charges Following Search Warrant

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

The Dover Police Department arrested a 44-year-old Harrington man following a drug investigation involving methamphetamine sales. On August 12th officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Alder Road, seizing over 140 grams of methamphetamine, MDMA, other stimulants, and over $8,000 in suspected drug proceeds. A related search of a storage unit on West…

Sussex County Marks One Year Since Loss of Thomas W. Berry, III With Memorial Tribute

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

One year ago, on August 13, 2024, the Sussex County Public Safety community experienced a tragic loss when Thomas W. Berry, III, died in the line of duty while responding to a motor vehicle accident in Georgetown. Berry served as a Logistics Technician with Sussex County EMS and volunteered with both the Georgetown and Ellendale…

Senators Coons, Graham introduce the Global Fragility Reauthorization Act

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina have introduced the Global Fragility Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the U.S. strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability in key strategic regions around the world. The legislation reauthorizes and expands the original Global Fragility Act of 2019 and ensures coordination across the U.S.…

Man Wanted on Bench Warrant for Weapon, Reckless Endangerment, and Assault Charges

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

  Authorities in Worcester County are looking for 43-year-old Stephen Jagtiani who is wanted on a Bench Warrant for the following charges: 1. 1st degree assault 2. 2nd degree assault 3. Reckless endangerment 4. Wearing and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure If you have any information on Stephen’s whereabouts: Contact the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office…

Milton Police Investigating Hit-And-Run Crash

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

The Milton Police Department is actively investigating a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision that occurred yesterday, August 12th in the parking lot of Walgreens located at 120 Broadkill Road. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual involved in this incident. Anyone with information should contact Corporal Clayton at the Milton Police Department…

Governor Meyer Signs Property Tax Relief and Reform Legislation

By Joe Ciccanti / August 13, 2025

Governor Matt Meyer this week signed several bipartisan reforms to provide immediate relief to Delaware homeowners facing sharp property tax increases and to ensure fairness following the statewide property reassessment. The bills were crafted to create fairer tax rates that ease the burden on homeowners, provide flexible payment plan options, and issue refunds to property…

UPDATED: Delaware State Police Identify Victims & Suspect in Murder-Suicide in Frederica

By Joe Ciccanti / August 11, 2025

UPDATED – 08/11/25 – Delaware State Police have identified the victims and suspect in a murder-suicide that occurred last week in Frederica. Police say the victims are 18 year old Ethan Christensen and 81 year old Linda Hyman – both of Frederica. The suspect, 53 year old Staci Marie Christensen – also of Frederica, committed suicide…

UPDATED: Salisbury Man Sentenced in 2023 Murder in Wicomico County

By Joe Ciccanti / August 11, 2025

UPDATED – 08/11/25 – A 19 year old Salisbury man has been sentenced for 1st degree murder and weapons offenses after a shooting at Pizza City on April 15-16 of 2023. Circuit Court for Wicomico County S. James Sarbanes sentenced Cashmir Holbrook to life with all but 40 years suspended on the murder charge and…

UPDATED: DSP Arrest Bridgeville Man After Menacing Incident August 5th

By Joe Ciccanti / August 10, 2025

UPDATED – 08/11/25 – Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old John Gleysteen of Bridgeville, Delaware for felony offenses following a menacing incident that occurred on August 5th in Bridgeville.  Police arrested Gleysteen on Sunday, August 10.  He was taken to Troop 5 and charged with the crimes listed below:  Possession of a Deadly Weapon During…

House Files Multiple Bills Aimed at Providing Short-Term Relief to Residents Following Property Tax Reassessments

By Joe Ciccanti / August 7, 2025

Delaware lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at addressing immediate concerns arising from the recent property tax reassessments. This was the first reassessment for Sussex County residents since 1974, Kent County residents since 1987, and New Castle County residents since 1983. The process resulted in a significantly increased tax burden for many property owners, particularly in…

Delaware Department of Labor Launches Delaware Youth Workforce Connect Call to Strengthen Pathways for Young Workers

By Joe Ciccanti / August 7, 2025

The Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Industrial Affairs is kicking off the Delaware Youth Workforce Connect Call—a new virtual info series aimed at strengthening connections between community organizations and state agencies that support young workers across the state. Hosted by the Department’s Office of Wage & Hour, this monthly series is all about helping…

Governor Moore Announces $17 Million to Reduce Operating Costs and Improve Energy Efficiency in Maryland Public Schools

By Joe Ciccanti / August 7, 2025

Governor Wes Moore has announced significant new investments to enhance energy efficiency, electrification and renewable energy projects for public schools across Maryland. Through the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program, $17 million will be directed to 30 projects in 11 school districts to advance large-scale electrification and install solar energy systems. Governor Moore says making the state’s…

Senators Coons, Blunt Rochester Celebrate $75M in Federal Funding for Delaware

By Joe Ciccanti / August 7, 2025

The U.S. Senate advanced the first set of fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills, which include more than $75 million in federal funding designated for Delaware. The three bills—passed with bipartisan support—allocate funding to the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, military construction projects, and legislative branch operations. The measures do…

Rehoboth Beach to Conduct Restaurant Inspections Beginning September 8th

By Joe Ciccanti / August 7, 2025

Starting the week of September 8th, Rehoboth Beach’s building and licensing department will conduct annual inspections of all restaurants within city limits. The inspections will focus on grease interceptor compliance and, for establishments that serve alcohol, verification of permits of compliance related to floor plans, outdoor dining, bar areas, and dance floors.  City code enforcement and…