Joe Ciccanti

Mosquito Control Spray Announcement– Aerial Adulticiding in Bowers Beach Area

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

The Delaware Mosquito Control Section plans the following insecticide application during the evening hours tonight, August 1st–weather permitting. The application will take place in and near Bowers Beach, South Bowers Beach, Kitts Hummock, and Pickering Beach. All insecticides to be used are registered with the USEPA for mosquito control and will be applied according to USEPA…

Troopers Arrest Lewes Woman for Drug and DUI Offenses Following Crash Investigation in Claymont

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested a 60-year-old Lewes woman for drug and DUI offenses following a crash that occurred Monday night in Claymont. As a result of the investigation, Goldie Neibert was charged with several crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $5,000 secured…

Beat the Peak Alert for Choptank & Delaware Electric Cooperative Members

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

A beat the peak alert has been issued for Choptank Electric Cooperative members for today, Aug. 1st between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. During this time, they ask members to conserve energy–giving your thermostat a break and delaying use of unnecessary lights and appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers. A Beat the Peak…

3-Car Chain Reaction Type Collision Under Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

A vehicle accident that occurred yesterday afternoon in the area of Long Neck Road near the intersection of the John J. Williams Highway is under investigation. It was reported to be 3-car chain reaction type collision with one person having a minor injury. According to the Indian River volunteer Fire Company, it appears that the…

Arrests Made Following Assault in Easton, Maryland

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

Two individuals–ages 20 and 21–have been arrested for an assault that happened in Easton, Maryland. Officers found a male victim on the ground in the area of Canvasback Drive and Brant Court suffering from severe injuries to his head. The patient was eventually air lifted to University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma in Baltimore Maryland and…

DNREC Sets Information Meetings for Draft State Energy Plan

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

Delawareans will have an opportunity to learn about strategies incorporated into the latest State Energy Plan update at public information meetings planned this month in each county. Visitors can arrive at any time during the two-hour events, browse the displays and learn about the State Energy Plan update from DNREC State Energy Office staff. DNREC…

Legislation Introduced to Protect Individuals’ Voices and Likenesses from AI-generated Replicas

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

Senator Chris Coons is among the lawmakers who have introduced the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act of 2024, known as the NO FAKES Act, to protect the voice and visual likenesses of creators and individuals from the proliferation of digital replicas created without their consent. The NO FAKES Act would hold individuals or companies liable for damages for producing, hosting, or sharing a digital replica…

House Fire in Easton, MD Under Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / August 1, 2024

A fire that occurred at a one-story, single-family home on West Dover Street, Unit 4 in Easton is under investigation by the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal. The blaze broke out yesterday afternoon just before 4 p.m. The fire was contained to the back outside wall of the house and caused an estimated…

The Delaware Judiciary Adopts Permanent Rules to Allow Cellphones and Other Personal Electronic Devices in All Court Facilities

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

Following a successful two-year pilot program, the Delaware Supreme Court has adopted a permanent policy that allows cell phones and other personal electronic devices (or PEDs) to be used with restrictions in state courthouses. The permanent policy will go into effect on August 7th. The new cell phone policy will follow the rules established during…

Secret Service, FBI Directors Questioned by Lawmakers About Security Failures Leading to Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

The Acting Director of the Secret Service–Ronald Rowe and FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate this week were questioned by lawmakers about security failures that led to the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. They appeared before a joint hearing conducted by the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Senator Tom Carper…

Senator Carper Highlights Economic and Housing Opportunities that Local Tax Incentives Can Provide to Communities in Need

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

At this week’s Senate Finance Committee hearing “Tax Tools for Local Economic Development,” Senator Tom Carper discussed how tax incentives for local and state governments can generate economic opportunity for people living in low-income communities. During the hearing, Senator Carper emphasized the resilience and achievements of Delaware’s communities thanks to these tax incentives, and how…

Maryland Budgets $47 Million to Expand and Enhance Access to Recreation and Open Space

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

Public access to recreation and open space will be expanded and enhanced throughout Maryland from Governor Wes Moore’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget that includes more than $47 million for local grants through Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds Program. Maryland Department of natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said…

Operation Troopers Have Your BACKpack–Now Until August 23rd

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

Elementary school-aged children in need with the necessities for school will receive help thanks to the Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit’s annual program. Troopers are asking for help with donations to fill each child’s backpack with school supplies. Operation Troopers Have Your BACKpack works with local communities and organizations to collect and donate school…

2024 State Primary Election Voter Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

The Delaware Department of Elections (DOE) informs eligible Delaware residents who are not yet registered to vote in Delaware and who wish to vote in the September 10th, 2024, State Primary Election that they must register to vote on or before Saturday, August 17th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Only Delaware voters registered with the Democratic and Republican…

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public Help With Information Related to Unsolved Homicide

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office needs your help with any information you may be able to provide regarding an unsolved homicide. Investigators are looking for William Edward Strand of Pocomoke, Maryland, who is facing charges of first-and second-degree murder in connection to the death of 48-year-old Lesa Renee White of Atlantic, Virginia. Investigators found the…

Governor Moore Attends Groundbreaking for New State Police Tactical Services Administration Building

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

Governor Wes Moore this week joined the Maryland Department of State Police and Maryland Department of General Services for the groundbreaking at the new Maryland State Police tactical services administration building in Jessup, Maryland. The new facility will help make Maryland safer through enhanced capacity to support specialized emergency and first responders from across the state.…

DNREC Announces Opening of New Boat Ramp at Records Pond near Laurel

By Joe Ciccanti / July 31, 2024

DNREC has announced the opening of a new boat ramp facility at Records Pond near Laurel in Sussex County. Construction began earlier this year on the new facility – which includes a new boat ramp with courtesy dock, expansion of existing parking lots to accommodate boat trailers, and new decking for an existing fishing pier…

UPDATED: Indian Meadows Fire Leaves Couple Homeless – GoFundMe Set Up to Help

By Joe Ciccanti / July 27, 2024

UPDATED – 07/27/24 – George and Karyl Koch have lost everything after fire destroyed their Indian Meadows home in June. A fundraiser will be held at JD Shuckers at Peddlers Village on Route 24 on Wednesday, August 7th. The restaurant will give 10% of their total sales to the Koch Family. The restaurant opens at…

UPDATED: Gov Carney Signs HS 2 for HB 125 to Expand Access to Free School Meals

By Joe Ciccanti / July 26, 2024

UPDATED – 07/26/24 – Last week Governor John Carney signed House Substitute 2 for House Bill 125 which expands access to free breakfast and lunch to students who would receive a reduced-price meal under the federal School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. About 2500 students statewide will now receive breakfast and lunch free…

UPDATE: Body-Worn Camera Footage Released; Independent Investigations Division Identify Those Involved in Fatal Police Pursuit in Talbot County    

By Joe Ciccanti / July 26, 2024

UPDATED 09/04/24: The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today released the body-worn camera footage here from the fatal officer-involved vehicle pursuit that occurred on July 22nd in Easton, Talbot County, Maryland. The decedent was previously identified as 18-year-old Yemaya Wilson. The IID will generally release body-worn camera and dashboard camera…

Boat Fire in Royal Oak, Talbot County

By Joe Ciccanti / July 25, 2024

The St. Michaels Volunteer Fire Department responded to a boat fire that occurred on Bellevue Road in Royal Oak– Talbot County at around 7:00 this morning. The fire started on the inside of the boat, and according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, the preliminary cause was an unspecified electrical event that…

Camper Fire in Queen Anne’s County Caused by Electrical Failure

By Joe Ciccanti / July 25, 2024

A fire broke out on Double Creek Pt Road in Chestertown in Queen Anne’s County just before 5 a.m. this morning. An unspecified electrical failure under the camper caused the accidental fire. Structural damage to the 30′ Aluminum Camper with Attached Living Quarters is estimated to be at $100,000 and loss of contents at $20,000.

Worcester County Lifts Burning Ban

By Joe Ciccanti / July 25, 2024

Effective immediately the outdoor burning ban in Worcester County is being lifted. Fire Marshal Matt Owens said that due to the significant amounts of rainfall throughout the county during the week, according to the latest Department of Agriculture drought indicator report, the drought conditions have improved, and the burn ban has been lifted. All who conduct outdoor…

Record $21.5 Million in Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards go to Public Boating Access, Navigable Waterways, and Safety

By Joe Ciccanti / July 24, 2024

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide $21.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund allocations to communities and projects throughout Maryland in Fiscal Year 2025, which began July 1st.  The funds will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other…

Mardela Springs Man Convicted in Wicomico County of Sexually Abusing Minor

By Joe Ciccanti / July 24, 2024

In the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, 37-year-old Corey Sparks of Mardela Springs, Maryland this week pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor and two counts of Sexual Offense in the Third Degree. On July 22nd, a Wicomico County jury was empaneled for trial in this case and opening statements were delivered. On the…