Joe Ciccanti
For the third year in a row, the Sussex County Lifesaving Association won the national championship title at the U.S. Lifesaving Association’s annual competition, with major wins by members of the Delaware State Beach Patrol, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). During the 2026 summer season, the Delaware State Beach Patrol…
Nearly 300 Delaware school safety professionals gathered earlier this month at the University of Delaware for the 2026 Delaware School Safety Conference. Hosted by DEMA’s Delaware School Safety Center and the Department of Education, the conference focused on collaboration and practical strategies for preventing and responding to school safety threats, including behavioral concerns, bullying, online…
Governor Matt Meyer today signed a package of energy consumer protection bills aimed at addressing rising utility costs for Delaware families and businesses. The measures focus particularly on protecting ratepayers from costs associated with large energy users such as data centers. Governor Meyer said the legislation provides strong protections for Delaware ratepayers and ensures working…
Maryland is launching a new “Use It or Lose It” campaign encouraging families to use their SUN Bucks benefits before they expire. Eligible children receive $120 in grocery assistance, and benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance. Last year, the program provided $75 million to more than 630,000 students, with 78% of benefits…
A Delaware court has issued an order allowing certain permanent absentee voters to continue voting by absentee ballot in the 2026 general election while a legal challenge to the state’s permanent absentee voting law continues. The August 19th order covers voters eligible under the Uniformed Overseas Citizens Absentee Voters Act, as well as voters who…
DNREC has announced that several Delaware hunting seasons will open on Tuesday, September 1st, marking the start of the overall 2026-27 hunting season. Delaware deer hunters will open the season on the 1st with the archery and crossbow seasons. Gamebird hunters can go afield the same day for the start of resident Canada goose and…
The Delaware Department of Education this week released the first phase of its 2026 statewide assessment and accountability results. First State Delaware also responded to the results with insights for educators. The assessment results show modest improvement in grades 3 through 8, with particularly strong gains at schools receiving targeted state literacy support. English language…
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up 3 cents from last week at $4.10, which marks the highest it’s ever been on this date, according to AAA. This August is shaping up to be the highest on record. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly…
Governor Matt Meyer has signed Executive Order 27 to modernize Delaware’s occupational licensing system and make it easier for qualified professionals to enter the state workforce. The order directs the Department of State to review at least five licensing boards, prioritizing occupations with workforce shortages and those affecting the cost of living, housing and essential…
A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three Delaware men with Hobbs Act robbery. Nineteen-year-old Jerome Pegram of Newark, 22-year-old Damire Lee of Wilmington and 19-year-old Jeremiah Cunningham of Wilmington are accused of being members of the Wilmington-based 6ixers gang. Prosecutors say the three allegedly robbed a person at a house party in…
26-year-old Seaford man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for kidnapping, carjacking, and cyberstalking an elderly woman, as well as attempting to orchestrate a hit on the victim from jail. U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews imposed the sentence. According to court documents, on January 13th, 2023, Ralph Harmon forced the woman into…
As Sussex County continues to experience significant population growth and increasing demand for specialty medical care, Atracare is adding general surgery services at its Lewes healthcare campus. The services include consultations, outpatient procedures, minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery when appropriate. General surgery can be used to diagnose and treat conditions including hernias, gallbladder disease,…
Governor Matt Meyer has signed legislation strengthening Delaware’s law against violence, threats and voter intimidation at or near polling places and other locations where ballots are handled. Sponsored by Representative Eric Morrison and Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 301 prohibits violence, threats of violence, breaches of the peace, or attempts…
Local students will have a little extra help getting ready for the new school year, thanks to a successful school supply collection organized by the Sussex County Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network. Members of the association gathered at the SCAOR office Tuesday to officially “Stuff the Bus,” capping off the association’s 2026 school supply…
The Delaware State Police are investigating a sexual assault with a weapon that occurred Tuesday morning at a construction site in Dover. According to police, On August 18th at approximately 9:50 a.m., troopers responded to the site on Lacey Lane, in the Nobles Pond community in Dover, where the reported assault happened. When troopers arrived,…
The Maryland Department of Health is seeking public input on a proposal to add food and nutrition services to the state’s Medicaid program beginning in 2028. The proposal could provide eligible Medicaid recipients with chronic conditions services such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions through Maryland’s HealthChoice program. The goal is to help people…
The Worcester County Health Department is making funding available for community programs focused on tobacco control, enforcement and preventing cannabis use among young people. The funding comes through the Maryland Department of Health and Cigarette Restitution Funds, and community-based organizations, churches and other interested groups are encouraged to apply. The funding includes up to $10,000…
UPDATED – 08/14/26 – A 16-year old male has been arrested by Dover Police in connection with the December 24th 2024 shooting that left 14-year old Juwan Walker dead. The shooting occurred on Willis Road – Walker was flown to Nemours Hospital for treatment but died from his injuries three days later. The investigation has continued…
For healthcare workers facing a threatening situation, seconds can matter. Hospitals have security teams, emergency procedures and de-escalation training—but what happens when an employee needs help right now? One emerging solution is wearable safety technology that can send an alert, share a worker’s location and connect them with help. Tyler Charuhaus, the Director of Client…
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is back on the rise after a week of falling prices. AAA reports that today’s national average is back up to $4.07 after dropping to $4.00 on Monday. Crude oil prices are once again in the $80 per barrel range amid continued uncertainty along the Strait…
Delaware State Police have arrested a 41-year-old Lewes man following a fight and shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Hopkins Road. Kenneth Drummond was charged with Assault 1st Degree involving a dangerous weapon and intent to seriously injure as well as Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony–both felonies. He was arrested and…