Joe Ciccanti

Update on Aftermath of Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

A news conference was held this afternoon to provide updates on the work that needs to be done in the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul J. Wiedefeld mentioned the team effort… He says team is currently out at the site doing surveys as they prepare to begin…

Senator Coons, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Restore Wetlands and Migratory Bird Habitats

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

In an effort to continue to protect critical habitats, U.S. Senator Chris Coons has joined 12 of his Senate colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2028. The legislation would also increase authorized annual funding for the program to $ 65 million. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act…

12 Charged Stemming from Fight in January at Snow Hill High School

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

Six adults and six juveniles are facing charges in connection with a fight they took part in at Snow Hill High School on January 18th. The investigation took place after the basketball game at the high school on that evening. Juvenile Referrals have been completed for each and they’ve been forwarded to theDepartment of Juvenile…

Lewes Man Arrested for Burglary at Rehoboth Beach Restaurant

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested a 37-year-old Lewes man for a burglary that occurred at a restaurant in Rehoboth Beach in February. Police say that in the early hours of February 14th, he was able to get in through an unlocked door. Once inside Agave Mexican Restaurant, the burglar removed money, alcohol, and keys to…

$1 million in Federal Funding for Runway Expansion at Delaware Coastal Airport

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

U.S. Senator Tom Carper joined Sussex County officials this week to announce $1 million in federal funding for Delaware Coastal Airport’s runway extension project. This funding will go toward the environmental assessment and preliminary design of the runway extension to 6,000 feet. The funding is a part of $154 million in federal funding secured by Senators Carper, Chris…

UPDATE: Victim Identified; DE State Police Continue to Investigate Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Near Houston, DE

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

UPDATED 3-29-24: The Delaware State Police have identified 85-year-old Mae Marvel of Magnolia, Delaware as the woman who died in the two-vehicle crash that occurred on March 26th near Houston. The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Sergeant A. Mitchell…

Delaware State Police Looking for Lincoln Man Following Domestic Incident

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

Delaware State Police need your help in locating 35-year-old Ernest Evans of Lincoln. According to police, in a recent domestic incident in Lincoln, a firearm was displayed. Evans is wanted for several felony-level offenses including Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm if Previously Convicted, and Aggravated…

Legislation that Amends Delaware Medical Marijuana Act Passes Senate

By Joe Ciccanti / March 29, 2024

Legislation that has passed the Delaware Senate amends the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act by removing the requirement that a patient have a debilitating medical condition to qualify for a registry identification card. Instead, it allows health-care providers to make the determination of whether a patient has a diagnosed medical condition for which the patient would…

Delaware State Police S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offenders

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for several wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. Anyone who knows the location of these individuals listed at the link below should call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers…

Delaware State Police Arrest Two New Yorkers for Identity Theft

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested two New York men for trying to buy items using stolen IDs and fake credit cards at the Music and Arts Specialty Store on South Dupont Highway in Camden. On March 26th at about 1 p.m., troopers arrived and saw the two later identified as Richard Morgan and Trevin Griffith–both…

Veterans Crowd State Capitol in Bid to Advance Key Initiatives

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

Scores of veterans and their advocates gathered at Legislative Hall today for the inaugural “We the Veterans Day.”  State Representative Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard), who is a US Air Force veteran and the event’s lead organizer said today’s activities are part of a larger effort to get veterans the attention they’ve earned. He…

Governor Moore Announces Initial $60 Million Request to Biden Administration for Francis Scott Key Bridge Response

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

The Maryland Department of Transportation has requested an initial emergency relief funding of $60 million from the Biden Administration to pay for initial mobilization, operations and debris recovery from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Governor Wes Moore made the announcement today. Officials say the request, made from the Maryland Department…

Rep. Longhurst Bill to Curb Healthcare Cost Growth Released from Committee

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

The House Administration Committee has released legislation aimed at managing the alarming rise of healthcare costs by establishing greater oversight of hospitals. Sponsored by House Speaker Valerie Longhurst, House Bill 350 (S) would address Delaware’s escalating hospital spending by creating the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board. The board would be tasked with ensuring that any changes to…

DelDOT Traffic Alert: Upcoming Road Closures in Sussex County

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

DelDOT has announced the closure of John Cooper Road between Susan Beach Highway and Columbia Road in the Laurel area– all day on Friday, April 5th (weather permitting) for the installation of a crossroad pipe. Trap Pond Road between Substation Road and Whaleys Corner Road in the Georgetown area will be closed starting on Friday, April 5th through Monday, April 8th (weather permitting)–also…

Delaware Teachers Named Finalists for National Mathematics Teaching Award

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

The Delaware Department of Education has named four Delaware teachers as state finalists for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the highest recognition that K-12 STEM teachers can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Finalists’ applications will now move forward to the national level for final selection…

Mosquito Control Spray Announcement: Downstate Aerial Larviciding

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

Weather permitting; DNREC’s Delaware Mosquito Control Section plans an insecticide application for mosquito larvae located in flooded forested wetland habitats. This application could take place during the daylight hours tomorrow Friday, March 29th through Monday, April 1st via helicopter. The Application to control mosquito larvae will take place In Woodside, Ellendale, and Selbyville—also nearSeaford, Blades, Frankford, Ocean View, and Rehoboth…

Dover Police Investigating Robbery in Capital Inn Parking Lot

By Joe Ciccanti / March 28, 2024

Dover Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in the parking lot of the Capital Inn early yesterday morning. Dover Police were called about 2 a.m. Police say a 53 year-old Dover man was in the parking lot of the Capital Inn when he was approached by four black males. One of the individuals punched…

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Willards

By Joe Ciccanti / March 27, 2024

A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the area of Bethel Road and New Hope Road in Willards, MD. The Wicomico County Health Department is advising all residents to be aware of their surroundings and avoid contact with all wild or stray animals.  Additional Information from the Wicomico County Health Department: Rabies is a preventable viral…

Scotton Landing Boat Ramp Reopens for Spring

By Joe Ciccanti / March 27, 2024

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has reopened the boat ramp facility at Scotton Landing (also known as Barkers Landing) on the St. Jones River, and located off Trap Shooters Road near Magnolia, following reconstruction that started in November 2023. The Scotton Landing project features a new boat ramp and courtesy…

Johns Hopkins Experts Hold News Briefing on Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

By Joe Ciccanti / March 27, 2024

Many people have a natural concern when crossing a large-span bridge. Given what happened yesterday with the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Benjamin Schafer, who is the Willard and Lillian Hackerman Professor of Civil and Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins, reassures the public… Schafer, who is a structural engineer, known for his research…

Childcare Employee Indicted on 90 Criminal Charges Following Child Abuse Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / March 27, 2024

A woman who worked at the Berlin Education Station Childcare Center is facing 90 criminal violations following an investigation by the WCSO Criminal Bureau of Investigation into child abuse that occurred at the facility. According to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, video surveillance footage from the classroom appeared to show Heather Ward causing injuries to an…

UPDATE: Temporary Closure of the Woodland Ferry

By Joe Ciccanti / March 27, 2024

UPDATE From DelDOT 3/27/24: 7:00 a.m.– The Woodland Ferry is to remain closed due to flooding in the area. Travelers will need to seek alternate routes. Previous Post: The Woodland Ferry will be closed on Friday, March 22nd, according to DelDOT. The ferry will resume normal operations on Monday, March 25th.

19-Year-Old Arrested in Connection with a Shooting Last June at Millsboro Bar

By Joe Ciccanti / March 21, 2024

A months-long investigation into a shooting that occurred at a bar in Millsboro last June has led to the arrest of one of the suspects. The person Delaware State Police detectives have caught is 19-year-old Ja’shawn Moore of Dover, who faces multiple charges and is now at Sussex Correctional Institution on $87,000 cash bond. Police need your…

MD State Highway Administration Begins Bridge Replacement on US 13 Business over Wicomico River

By Joe Ciccanti / March 21, 2024

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is beginning construction on a $12.6 million project to replace the bridge on US 13B (South Salisbury Boulevard) over the Wicomico River in the Salisbury area of Wicomico County. The project is expected to be complete in 2026, weather permitting. The project will improve pedestrian and bicycle access in…

Milton’s Easter Egg Hunt: A Tribute to John Lehne’s Giving Spirit

By Joe Ciccanti / March 21, 2024

As reported in the Cape Gazette, John Lehne, owner of Milton’s 302 Bicycles, passed away on Jan. 27th after battling cancer, leaving a void in his community known for his warmth and generosity. One of his cherished traditions was an Easter egg hunt, where he hid eggs with messages encouraging people to share photos on…