Joe Ciccanti

UPDATE: Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rates in Delaware to Decrease for Seventh Year in a Row

By Joe Ciccanti / October 12, 2023

UPDATE 10/12/23: The final Workers’ Comp rates have been approved. Commissioner Navarro has announced that additional decreases have been negotiated from the initial filing: Residual Market: Average decrease of 13.85% Voluntary Market: Average decrease of 10.03% The approval follows a review of the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB) filing by independent actuaries and a public…

Delaware Watersheds Photo Contest Opens for Entries

By Joe Ciccanti / October 12, 2023

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is again inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to submit their best shots and to participate in the Delaware Watersheds Photo Contest. The contest lens for focusing on watersheds has widened – unlike previous Delaware Watersheds Photo Contests, this year there is no restriction…

Salisbury Man Arrested for Distributing Controlled Dangerous Substances

By Joe Ciccanti / October 12, 2023

A search warrant at a home on South Boulevard in Salisbury after the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Community Action Team received complaints about CDS activity has led to the arrest of 26-year-old Antravon Martise Harmon. He is currently being held without bond. Inside the residence, investigators found nearly 16 grams of cocaine, multiple digital scales, nearly…

$1 Million in Funding Secured for Development of Behavioral Health Treatment Area at Tidalhealth Nanticoke’s Emergency Department

By Joe Ciccanti / October 12, 2023

Due to the growing mental health needs of the Seaford community, U.S. Senator Tom Carper this week joined representatives from TidalHealth Nanticoke to announce a $1 million Congressionally Directed Spending grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a dedicated, private and safe behavioral health treatment area within the hospital’s…

Greenwood Man Arrested for 6th Offense DUI

By Joe Ciccanti / October 12, 2023

Delaware State Police arrested a 63-year-old Greenwood man for 6th offense DUI after an attempted traffic stop on Tuesday evening in the area of Unity Lane and Deep Grass Lane in Greenwood. Police say that when the trooper tried to stop the pickup truck Ralph Cahall, III was driving, he disregarded the officer’s signal and…

Denton, Maryland Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

A Denton, Maryland man has been arrested for possessing child sexual abuse material. The arrest follows a Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation leading to evidence of the material through an internet platform. 25-year-old Austyn H. Duda is charged with 46 counts of possession of child pornography and is currently being held without…

Software Program Launched to Benefit Delaware’s Manufacturing Supply Chain

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

A free online software program has been designed to strengthen Delaware’s local and domestic manufacturing supply chain. The Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP) and Delaware Technical Community College announced the launch of CONNEX™ Delaware. Through the platform, Delaware manufacturers will be able to better connect with each other, find local suppliers, mitigate risk, discover new…

Delaware DMV Announces Document Fee Exemption for Active-Duty Military

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

Effective October 11th, active-duty military and their dependents may qualify for a document fee exemption, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The exemption includes the registration of a motor vehicle by a member of the military (active, reserve or national guard) and their dependent family members who are stationed on either a…

Millsboro Man Arrested for Felony Theft

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

Delaware State Police have arrested 57-year-old Michael Switzer of Millsboro for felony theft. Police say that at Wawa in Millsboro yesterday morning, October 10th at about 6:42 a.m., a trooper responded to Wawa on John J. Williams Highway in Millsboro, for a theft complaint. Witness interviews and a review of video surveillance revealed that a…

Governor Carney Orders Lowering of Flags to Honor Victims of Terrorist Attacks in Israel

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Wednesday, October 11th until sunset on Friday, October 13th to honor those who have lost their lives due to recent violence in Israel. Local governments, businesses, and Delawareans are encouraged to do the same as a mark of…

Delays in Trash Pick-Up in Salisbury Due to Maintenance Issues

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

Salisbury residents will face delays in trash pick-up this week. According to The Department of Field Operations, they are currently experiencing unforeseen challenges with trash collection routes. Due to unexpected maintenance issues with some of the trucks, trash pick-up for Thursday and Friday routes will be temporarily staggered. This will result in delays for some…

Resurfacing Project in Worcester County to Last Several Weeks and Cover 7 Miles

By Joe Ciccanti / October 11, 2023

A resurfacing project will begin on Monday, October 16th on westbound US 50 (Ocean Gateway) between MD 818 (Main Street) in Berlin and the Wicomico County line near Willards. Weather permitting, this 7-mile project should be completed by the end of December, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. Crews will work…

Delaware Launches Campaign to Combat Veteran Suicide   

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

A new campaign is now underway that aims to better identify suicide risk among military members and veterans. The “Ask the Question” campaign will be piloted at the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Bridge Clinics.  The campaign centers around breaking the stigma and identifying risk by first asking the question: “Have you, or a…

Delaware Law Aims to Help Foster Children with Permanent Housing Solutions

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

Gov. John Carney has signed a law requiring a state agency for child services to explore joining a federal program that aims to find permanent housing solutions for foster children. Senate Joint Resolution 1, from Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, and Rep. Kim Williams, D-Stanton, directs the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families to consider…

Easton Woman Arrested in Connection with Second-Degree Murder Case

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

Detectives of the Easton Police Department arrested a woman today, who they say is connected to a case of second-degree murder, which happened in August. 59-year-old Dana Wilson is charged with Altering Physical Evidence, Accessory after the Fact to 2nd Degree Murder, and Obstructing and Hindering a Police officer. Police say that on August 7th…

National Fire Prevention Week 2023 Focuses on Kitchen Safety

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

Research indicates that unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. Also, in general, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries. The Delaware State Fire School, Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office and Delaware State Fire Commission are working together to promote National Fire Prevention Week, which is…

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Selected for 2023 Thome Aging Well Grant

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

Efforts continue in Wicomico County to serve the growing population of older adults who want to age in their homes. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County has been awarded a 2023 Thome Aging Well grant. Funded by the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America trustee, the program awarded $6 million in grants…

Vehicle Fire in Salisbury Ruled Accidental

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

A vehicle fire that occurred on Delaware Avenue in Salisbury yesterday evening has been ruled accidental, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The fire originated in the engine compartment and caused an estimated $5,000 in damage. No one was injured.

DelDOT Traffic Alert: Road Closure Next Week in Dagsboro Area

By Joe Ciccanti / October 5, 2023

Raspberry Road between Blueberry Road and Nine Foot Road will be closed beginning Wednesday, October 11th and continuing through Friday, October 20th (weather permitting) for the installation of a crossroad pipe. Detour Information: Motorists who want to travel North on Raspberry Road will continue West on Blueberry Road to SR26, Nine Foot Road –making a right-hand turn back to…

City of Salisbury Amends Plastic Bag Ban to Exclude Some Purchases From Alternative Bag Charge

By Joe Ciccanti / October 4, 2023

Some purchases will be excluded from the mandatory $0.10 fee charged for each alternative bag, such as a paper bag, distributed at check out–thanks to the City of Salisbury’s amendment to the Comprehensive Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance (No. 2827), or the Shop Green SBY Initiative. City officials have listened to local businesses — some of…

Senator Chris Coons Chairs Judiciary IP Subcommittee Hearing on Protecting Families and Shoppers From Counterfeit Goods Sold Online

By Joe Ciccanti / October 4, 2023

A hearing entitled “Back to School with the SHOP SAFE Act: Protecting Our Families from Unsafe Online Counterfeits,” explored legislation that would combat counterfeit goods sold on e-commerce platforms and protect shoppers and consumers. U.S. Senator and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Chris Coons chaired the hearing yesterday to highlight the rise…

Legislation in Delaware Signed by Governor John Carney Addresses Secondhand Smoke Within Vehicles

By Joe Ciccanti / October 4, 2023

A law, which is now in effect following Governor John Carney’s recent signature, adds smoking restrictions within vehicles if a person under the age of 18 is in the vehicle. Also, it makes clear that a police officer will not stop or detain a car solely on suspicion of having violated this Statute. The legislation…

Nationwide Alert Test This Afternoon

By Joe Ciccanti / October 4, 2023

A nationwide emergency alert test will be sent to all TVs, radios, and cell phones today -Wednesday, October 4th at 2:20 p.m. ET. The nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) conducted by FEMA and the FCC will affect all major wireless carriers that participate in Wireless Emergency Alerts, which will transmit…

Delaware Supreme Court Re-launches the Commission on Law and Technology

By Joe Ciccanti / October 4, 2023

The Delaware Supreme Court, through liaison Justice Karen L. Valihura, has revived, reinvigorated, and redirected the Delaware Commission on Law and Technology. The Delaware Supreme Court’s Order at the start of this year’s Fall season reestablishes and focuses the Commission’s mission to address developing technology and to identify critical technological needs and gaps. Recent developments,…

City of Salisbury Introduces Innovative App to Ensure “You Never Have to Worry About Parking Again”

By Joe Ciccanti / October 4, 2023

The City of Salisbury has introduced Flowbird, which City officials say is designed to make your life easier by offering seamless, stress-free parking solutions. The new app will benefit residents, visitors, and commuters. As they prepare for the full launch in November, you’ll start to notice Flowbird signage springing up around Salisbury. Additional Information from…