Joe Ciccanti

Transportation Officials Urge Caution in Work Zones Following Recent Crashes

By Joe Ciccanti / May 2, 2026

The National Work Zone Safety Awareness campaign was held in recent days as the number of work zone crews—and roadway workers nationwide—increases. Charlie Gischlar, Deputy Director of Communications for the Maryland State Highway Administration, tells the Talk of Delmarva it has been a tragic last week, with multiple fatal crashes reported in work zones. On…

More Than 1,170 Children Dead in Hot Cars Since 1990, Safety Group Says

By Joe Ciccanti / May 1, 2026

Year after year, children continue to die after being unintentionally left alone in hot cars. Jeanette Fennell, President and Founder of Kids and Car Safety, tells the Talk of Delmarva that families should have a plan in place to prevent this type of tragedy, as it can happen to anyone. Experts say stress and lack…

Oil Prices Spike, National Gas Price Average Up Nearly 30 Cents in One Week

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

After trending downward for nearly two weeks, gas prices have seen a 27-cent spike nationwide in the last week. AAA reports that the national average is $1.12 higher than it was this time last year, as oil prices surge above $100/barrel with no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Gas prices are…

Delaware Black Sea Bass Rules Now Apply in State and Federal Waters

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

Delaware has updated its recreational black sea bass fishing regulations for 2026–2027, lowering the minimum size from 13 to 12.5 inches, opening the season earlier on May 1st, and eliminating an early October closure. The daily limit remains 15 fish. Federal regulators have now aligned with the state, meaning the same rules apply in both…

Legislation Introduced in Delaware to Create Strengthened Firearm Dealer Licensing Requirement

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

A new bill introduced in Delaware would create stricter oversight of firearm dealers through a state licensing system aimed at reducing illegal gun trafficking. Senate Bill 300, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, would require most gun dealers to obtain a state license and meet enhanced standards for inspections, security, training, and reporting.…

Three Arrested for Firing Shots at Occupied Hotel Room in Dover

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

Three people have been arrested following a shooting incident that occurred last night, April 29th shortly before 11:30 PM.  Officers responded to the Capital Inn for reports of shots fired. As officers responded, a witness called 9-1-1 and said that individuals were seen running into a gray Ford Flex SUV that fled southbound on DuPont…

Sussex County Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of a Minor for Criminal Sexual Activity

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

A Sussex County man has pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika accepted the plea. According to court records, 22-year-old Miles Clark is accused of transporting a 12-year-old girl from her Pennsylvania home to his residence in Delaware for illegal sexual contact.…

Maryland Kicks Off Bike Month with Safety-Focused Events

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

The Maryland Department of Transportation is marking Bike Month this May with a series of events promoting bike safety, accessibility, and healthy living, following Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation. Events include Bike & Roll to School Day on May 6th, MDOT webinars on May 7th and May 21st, and Bike to Work Week from May 11th–15th,…

DOJ: Police Use of Deadly Force Justified in Two Separate Incidents

By Joe Ciccanti / April 30, 2026

The Delaware Department of Justice has ruled that two separate police shootings were legally justified and not criminal. In an October 4th, 2023 incident in Bridgeville, troopers shot and killed Jordan James after he fired a weapon multiple times while fleeing near the Perdue Feed Mill.  Corporal William Schuele returned fire, striking James, who later…

Ocean City Jet Ski Operator Sentenced In Wife’s Death; Alcohol Involved

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

A Worcester County Circuit Court judge has sentenced a 74-year-old Ocean City, Maryland man to 18 months in jail for causing a life-threatening injury while operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. The case stems from an incident in June 2024 near the Isle of Wight Bay and Route 90 bridge, where emergency crews,…

Governor Matt Meyer Names Charles “C.R.” McLeod As Acting Communications Director

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

Governor Matt Meyer has named Charles “C.R.” McLeod as Acting Communications Director, which went into effect on April 27th as a search is underway for a permanent replacement. McLeod brings 20 years of communications experience, including roles with the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware Department of State. Applications for the permanent position are…

Dover Police Department Names Corporal Seibert and Officer Smith 2025 Employees of the Year

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

The Dover Police Department has announced that Corporal Heather Seibert has been named 2025 Officer of the Year, becoming the first female officer in the department’s 101-year history to receive the honor. In addition, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith has been named 2025 Civilian of the Year, marking the first time in department history that…

Pittsville Man Convicted of Sexual Abuse of Minor

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

Following a two-day trial, a 51-year-old Pittsville, Maryland man was convicted of four counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Assault in the Second Degree. Sentencing was deferred pending receipt of a mandatory pre-sentence investigation and mental health assessment. Oliver Kennedy will remain in custody pending sentencing where he faces a…

Grey Seal Pup Rescued in Kent County

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

A young grey seal is recovering after a late-night rescue along the St. Jones River near Dover. The call came in Monday, April 27th, after a local fisherman spotted the seal at the end of a narrow public dock while collecting minnows. A team from Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR), along with local and…

Delaware’s Annual Open Burn Ban Effective May 1st

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

Delaware’s annual open burning ban takes effect Friday, May 1st and continues through Sept. 30th to help protect air quality during ozone season, according to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). During the statewide ban, most outdoor burning is not allowed. Cooking fires, recreational campfires and ceremonial bonfires are still permitted…

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce to Host a Town Council Candidate Forum

By Joe Ciccanti / April 29, 2026

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce will host a Town Council Candidate Forum on Monday, May 4th, from 6–8 p.m. at Georgetown Town Hall. The event will feature candidates for mayor and town council, offering residents and business owners a chance to hear directly about key issues such as public safety, economic growth, downtown revitalization, and…

National Gas Price Average Drops Bringing Relief to Drivers

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

Drivers are getting a bit of relief at the pump as the national average went down by 6 cents since last week to $4.03. Crude oil prices have come down below $100/barrel, helping drive down the cost of gasoline for consumers. But how long the downward trend will last is uncertain with continued instability along…

Delaware Senate Passes Banking Modernization Legislation

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

With strong bipartisan support, two bills aimed at modernizing Delaware’s banking laws have passed the Senate. SB 16 updates state code by defining digital assets, expanding the State Bank Commissioner’s authority, and modernizing requirements for banks and trust companies, while also addressing interstate operations and fiduciary roles. A substitute bill adds a two-thirds vote requirement…

Delaware State Police Arrest Dover Woman for 5th Offense DUI and Resisting Arrest

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

Delaware State Police arrested a 42-year-old Dover woman following a crash on Main Street in Felton on April 21st. Troopers say Ashley Green showed signs of impairment, refused to exit her vehicle, and resisted arrest, including spitting on officers, before being taken into custody. Authorities confirmed she has four prior DUI convictions and she now faces…

Legislation Introduced in Delaware to Strengthen Protections for First Responders

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

Senator Eric Buckson and House Republican Leader Tim Dukes this week introduced Senate Bill 284 (SB 284), known as the “First State Emergency Response Act,” to strengthen protections for Delaware’s first responders while they are performing their duties. The legislation makes it a Class A misdemeanor for an individual to cross a marked barrier set…

Aircraft Emergency at Salisbury Airport Ends in Safe Landing

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

Emergency crews responded to Salisbury Regional Airport this morning for an aircraft emergency. Multiple first responders were dispatched to Airport Terminal Road shortly after 8:38 a.m. after reports of a hydraulic issue involving a plane that circled the airport several times. At about 8:45 a.m., the aircraft landed safely, and officials confirmed it was on the…

Governor Moore Announces $19 Million in Grow Your Own Grants for Teacher Pathways

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

Governor Wes Moore has announced $19 million in expanded Grow Your Own Educators grants for 13 Maryland school systems to help non-licensed school staff become certified teachers. The program is designed to build local teacher pipelines by supporting paraprofessionals and other school employees as they work toward licensure while remaining in the classroom. State officials…

House Fire in Preston, Occupants Displaced

By Joe Ciccanti / April 23, 2026

The cause of a house fire that occurred late yesterday afternoon, April 22nd, on Birch Drive in Preston, Caroline County, is under investigation. The fire originated on the outside of the house. Damage to the structure and contents of the one-story, single-family home is estimated to be around $200,000. Though no injuries were reported, the…

House Committee Advances Legislation to Increase and Update Tobacco Taxes in Delaware

By Joe Ciccanti / April 22, 2026

The House Administration Committee has advanced legislation that would increase Delaware’s tobacco tax and update its licensing system, a measure aimed at reducing youth tobacco use and improving public health. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 215 would raise taxes on cigarettes, vapor products, and other nicotine items while increasing licensing fees, with the proposal…

Worcester County Issues Rabies Advisory After Infected Raccoon Found

By Joe Ciccanti / April 22, 2026

Health officials in Worcester County are advising residents of a confirmed rabies case involving a raccoon found in the vicinity of Oak Hall Road in Pocomoke, Maryland. The Worcester County Health Department is urging anyone who may have had contact with the animal—including bites, scratches, or other direct exposure involving people or pets—to contact the…