Mari Lou

Visitors Still Arriving As Coronavirus Closures Continue in Sussex County

By Mari Lou / March 20, 2020

Full time residents and second homeowners at the Delaware beaches need to remain very watchful and monitor your travel.  If you have just arrived in Rehoboth or one of the other Delaware beach communities – consider staying in your homes as much as possible  while social distancing from the public.  City officials in Rehoboth have…

MD 149 Confirmed Cases Including 1 Infant & 1 Teen

By Mari Lou / March 20, 2020

Maryland now has 149 confirmed cases of coronavirus – that’s up from 17 a week ago.  This includes cases in Worcester and Wicomico Counties and the first cases in an infant and a teenager.  Neither the infant nor teen is hospitalized and Governor Larry Hogan says that two-thirds of the cases are people between 18…

Salisbury Zoo & City Playgrounds Closed Until Further Notice

By Mari Lou / March 20, 2020

In addition to measures already in place to minimize the impact of COVID-19 upon our community, and in adherence with federal guidance, the Salisbury Zoo, and all City of Salisbury Playgrounds are hereby closed to the public until further notice. Outdoor spaces remain open and a great alternative for social distancing in a natural environment. Groups or gatherings…

DNREC Cancels Events & Programs Through May 15

By Mari Lou / March 20, 2020

DNREC has canceled events and programs that were scheduled from now through May 15 – this includes private rentals and events at Delaware State Parks sites and facilities – including picnics, 5-Ks and parties.   The State Parks and Wildlife areas remain open – with no entrance fees being charged through April 30th.   Detailed information about…

WGMD Picture of the Day

By Mari Lou / March 20, 2020

Margaret May – A New Year’s moon over Red Mill Pond / Click for full view

Beebe Healthcare to Provide Referral-Based Testing

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Beebe Healthcare is now offering COVID-19 referral-based testing for the community. The car-based testing is being made available by Beebe to the entire Sussex County community. Patients should contact their primary care provider or local walk-in care for screening. Local providers are aware of the instructions, including that a provider order is necessary to be…

Gov Hogan Signs Covid-19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act of 2020

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Governor Larry Hogan has signed the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act of 2020, which specifies additional measures that the governor may take to address the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including facilitating access and delivery of health care. The bill establishes a series of protections for individuals directly affected by COVID-19 or…

Gov Carney Signs Executive Order Giving More Flexibility in Approving Child Care Options

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Governor John Carney today signed Executive Order #38, allowing state regulators more flexibility in approving child care options for Delaware families and health care workers due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Governor Carney’s executive order gives the Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF) the ability to suspend or modify provisions…

Wicomico County has First Coronavirus Positive Case

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Salisbury Mayor Jake Day says that Wicomico County’s first positive case of coronavirus. Wicomico County Health officials say the man, in his 30s, has a travel history outside the U.S. He is in good condition and is isolated at home and recovering well. The City of Salisbury, in cooperation with the Wicomico Health Department, Wicomico…

MD Designated by SBA for Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland has received official designation from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which provides low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the SBA, the loans will help alleviate financial strain and allow businesses to…

All MD Comptroller Branch Offices Closed – Taxpayer Help Available by Phone or Email

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

All MD Comptroller Branch Offices closed throughout the state until further notice. Taxpayers have many options to complete their tax returns. They can still file electronically and have their questions answered via phone or email. We have extended nearly every deadline for payment of state taxes to help families facing employment challenges and to keep…

DPH Reports 30 Cases of Coronavirus Statewide

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Delaware’s numbers have increased with 30 cases of coronavirus now reported by Public Health officials – four additional cases since Wednesday. They say there are 23 cases in New Castle County, 4 in Kent County and 3 in Sussex County. The breakdown – 17 cases are men and 13 are women – they range in…

Harris Announces SBA Disaster Declaration for Seven MD Eastern Shore Counties

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared seven counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore a disaster area, thereby making available financial resources for small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.  The seven counties are: Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico and Worcester. Specifically, under an SBA…

UPDATED: 1st Worcester County Case of Coronavirus – FB Live Update at 4:30pm

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

Another case of coronavirus on the Shore – this on in Worcester County. Worcester County Health Department officials say a man in his 30s who lives in the county was confirmed with coronavirus on Wednesday and is recovering at home. County officials are conducting a contact investigation and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made…

DE General Assembly Session Postponed TFN

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

In response to ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride announced Wednesday that the Delaware General Assembly is postponing legislative session until further notice. Legislative session originally was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, but was postponed last week due to the spread of coronavirus and recommendations…

WGMD Picture of the Day

By Mari Lou / March 19, 2020

WGMD Throwback Thursday Picture of the Day – WGMD is celebrating 40 years on the air this year. Former WGMD staffers – Mechell Burgette and Missy Burner – both worked in the front office. Picture from a WGMD Great Escape vacation giveaway (late 1990s or early 2000s) / Click for full view

Gov Carney Modifies State of Emergency Again

By Mari Lou / March 18, 2020

Governor Carney has modified his State of Emergency and ordered the closing of bowling alleys, concert events, movie theaters, sports facilities, fitness centers and health spas to close as of 8am Thursday. Also no senior center, nursing home/retirement facility, assisted-living facility shall knowingly permit a gathering of more than 10 persons that includes any person…

DPH Increases Coronavirus to 26 Cases Statewide – 3 in Sussex, 3 in Kent County

By Mari Lou / March 18, 2020

There have been 26 total laboratory confirmed cases in all three counties in the state since March 11. This includes nine additional cases since yesterday. Of the Delawareans diagnosed with coronavirus, 20 are from New Castle County, three are from Kent County, and three are from Sussex County. Of these cases, 14 are male and…

Sussex County Modifies Operations Beginning Thursday

By Mari Lou / March 18, 2020

Sussex County government continues to deliver services to the public, but significant modifications to day-to-day operations, including ending public access to all County facilities, suspending marriage ceremonies, and halting cash payments, are some of the exceptional steps being implemented as Delaware responds to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting populations around the world. Effective Thursday, March 19,…

UPDATED: DE Food Bank Drive-Thru Food Pantry in Georgetown Thursday

By Mari Lou / March 18, 2020

The Food Bank is sponsoring a Mobile Drive-Thru Food Pantry TOMORROW – Thursday, March 19th at 11am in Georgetown. The drive thru is at Crossroad Community Church on State Forest Road (off Rt 404) west of Georgetown. Participants must remain in their vehicles and have identification and proof of Delaware residency. Also – have your…

WGMD Picture of the Day

By Mari Lou / March 18, 2020

ML – Georgetown – 5am on a Sunday in June headed to work / Click for full view

Coronavirus Doubles in Delaware; 1st Case in Sussex County

By Mari Lou / March 17, 2020

Delaware Public Health officials say coronavirus has doubled in the First State – with 8 additional positive cases – including one in Sussex County bringing the total to 16.  The other 7 positive cases are in New Castle County – six of them took part in Christiana Care’s drive thru testing event over the weekend.…

UPDATED: DelDOT to Go Cashless & other Changes for Safety during Coronavirus Outbreak

By Mari Lou / March 17, 2020

UPDATED – 3-17-20 – Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 6:00pm, the Biden Welcome Center on I-95 in Newark will temporarily close to the public as efforts continue to limit crowds from gathering in response to the Coronavirus. Fuel will still be available at the gas station located on the north side of the property…

DART Reducing Transit Operations Beginning March 18

By Mari Lou / March 17, 2020

Due to the presence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Delaware, business closures, reductions in staffing and lower ridership levels, effective Wednesday, March 18, DART public transit services will operate on the following reduced service schedule until further notice.  On weekdays, regular fixed route services will operate on a Saturday service schedule statewide, with additional service on Routes…

DEC Closes Lobby-Drop Box Now Located by Drive-Thru Window

By Mari Lou / March 17, 2020

To protect the public and our employees from the possible spread of COVID-19, the DEC lobby and cashier windows closed on Monday, March 16th and will remain closed until further notice. The drive-through pay window on the north side of the building will remain open from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Members can drop…