A WGMD Local News Article
Delaware bill would require Governor to include lawmakers in state of emergency policy making
When the General Assembly returns to work, State Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, R-Clayton, will introduce a proposed constitutional amendment intended to give citizens a voice in decisions made during an extended state of emergency. Presently, the governor can declare a state of emergency for up to 30-days, and renew that order at his or her discretion.…
Read MoreDNREC Opens Virtual Operations for Water-related Services
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continues pivoting to virtual operations both during the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future for greater efficiencies and ease of use for DNREC customers and constituents. The latest advance for DNREC’s ePermitting comes from the Division of Water and covers a spectrum of permit applications and license…
Read MoreDRBA Police Welcome Donation of Face Shields
The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Police Department recently received a donation of sixty-five (65) face shields to help ensure its officers are protected against the COVID-19 pandemic. All DRBA officers are now equipped with N-95 respirator masks, nitrile disposable gloves, and face shields. Louise Cummings, whose husband Delaware State Trooper Cpl. Stephen Ballard…
Read MoreGov Carney Reschedules Delaware Presidential Primary for July 7
Governor John Carney on Thursday signed the fifteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, rescheduling Delaware’s presidential primary for July 7. The Delaware Department of Elections will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered Democrats and Republicans in the State of Delaware, providing all eligible registered Delaware voters the opportunity to vote by absentee ballot…
Read MoreOcean City Police mourn the loss of beloved Sgt. Green
Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro announces with a heavy heart and great sadness that Sgt. Charles “Chip” Green, passed away on May 6, 2020, at the age of 47. Sgt. Green, of Salisbury, was originally from Hampstead, MD. He joined the Ocean City Police Department as a seasonal officer in 1994 and worked for…
Read MoreBayhealth performs over 2,000 coronavirus tests
Bayhealth, in partnership with the Governor’s office, the Division of Public Health and other healthcare agencies, performed more than 2,200 tests over the first three days of its expanded Coronavirus community testing in Milford. The testing in Sussex County is part of a statewide initiative to expand access to testing in designated hotspots to reduce…
Read MoreSussex County Air Force Salute to be held to honor healthcare heroes in Sussex County
A Sussex County Air Force Salute will be held later this month where a series of amazing aircraft will circle the skies to honor our healthcare heroes amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The recent fly-overs by the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels have been tremendous morale boosters for those who witnessed them. But, unfortunately, those teams…
Read MoreGov Hogan Announces Resumption of Elective Medical Procedures, Broadening of Outdoor Activities Under Stay at Home Order
As Maryland continues preparations to begin Stage One of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ Governor Larry Hogan today announced the resumption of elective medical procedures and the broadening of permitted outdoor activities under the state’s Stay at Home order. These directives have the unanimous support of the Maryland Coronavirus Recovery Team, including leading doctors…
Read MoreDNREC To Reinstate Entry Fees & Park Pass Requirements Beginning Friday
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that it will reinstate entry fees and park pass requirements at all Delaware State Parks and require a Conservation Access Pass to enter state wildlife areas starting Friday, May 8. DNREC also announced that those receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits can receive an annual park pass…
Read MoreDPH Update: 407 Additional Positive Cases; 6 New Deaths; 161 Additional Recovered
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing six additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day. In total,193 Delawareans have…
Read MoreSalvation Army Drive-Thru Food Pantry Thursday – Seaford
The Salvation Army of Delaware will hold drive-thru food distribution on Thursday May 7 at locations in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. Captain Timothy Sheehan, Delaware State Coordinator says that food insecurity has always been a front- line service for The Salvation Army, but the COVID-19 pandemic has broadened the scope and gravity of…
Read MoreDOC highlights reduction in Delaware’s prison population amid coronavirus pandemic
The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) highlighted the significant reduction in Delaware’s incarcerated population since COVID-19 spread to Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region over the past two months. These reductions have accelerated a six-year decline in the incarcerated population driven by lower crime rates, implementation of a statewide bail reform initiative, and the Carney Administration’s efforts to strengthen reentry services which are helping…
Read MoreMaryland Congressional Delegation calls on Attorney General to take action to limit spread of coronavirus
The Maryland Congressional Delegation is urging Attorney General Barr to take action to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in federal correctional facilities in order to protect incarcerated individuals, federal employees, and the surrounding communities. The Maryland congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John…
Read MoreGov Carney Announces Interim Steps Allowing Small Businesses to Expand Services with Social Distancing in Place
Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced a series of interim steps allowing small businesses to resume limited operations effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8. The goal of the interim steps is to provide economic relief to Delaware citizens and businesses who are struggling financially – while maintaining strict adherence to health and safety guidelines.…
Read MoreDPH Update: 83 Additional Positive Cases; 5 New Deaths; 131 Additional Recovered
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing five additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day. In total, 187 Delawareans…
Read MoreUPDATED: DSU to Hold First-Ever Virtual Commencement – To Start at 12 Noon
Delaware State University has a detailed plan for its first-ever Virtual Commencement to be held May 16 in place of the traditional in-person ceremony that has been canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The University will broadcast the Virtual Commencement at 10am 12 noon Saturday, May 16 on the University’s website ( www.desu.edu ) and its…
Read MoreUPDATED: Ocean City to reopen the beach, Boardwalk
Ocean City is poised to reopen the beach, Boardwalk, and the inlet parking lot to everyone beginning Saturday, May 9, 2020. The decision comes after Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan signed a declaration during Monday night’s meeting. (see below) Mayor Rick Meehan joined WGMD’s Mike Bradley Tuesday morning where he explained that the order does…
Read MoreDover AFB to conduct C-17 flybys to unite Delaware
To show support for the brave Americans at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, a C-17 Globemaster III from Dover Air Force Base will conduct flybys in the cities of Christiana, Dover, Milford, Lewes and Seaford, Delaware, May 6. The flybys will not only honor first responders and medical professionals putting their lives on…
Read MoreBeebe to host two coronavirus testing events in Georgetown
Beebe Healthcare, in partnership with the Division of Public Health and other healthcare agencies, will host two additional free COVID-19 testing events in Georgetown this week. Car-based testing will occur Wednesday, May 6 from noon to 4 p.m. near Beebe’s Georgetown Health Campus on Biden Avenue. The testing route itself will start in the parking lot…
Read MoreDepartmental & Statewide Awards Presented During Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Delaware
As the Delaware Department of Correction commemorates Correctional Officers and Employees Week, May 3 – 9, Commissioner Claire DeMatteis today announced that several DOC staff members are being recognized with annual Departmental awards and statewide awards for providing service above and beyond the call of duty during 2019. “It takes a special person to work in corrections, and the Delaware Department of…
Read MoreUD President & Others Volunteer Portion of Salaries to Preserve Workforce
Recognizing that sacrifices are required across the University, President Assanis shared that he and other administrators will be voluntarily forgoing portions of their salaries. He made the announcement this afternoon in a letter sent to faculty and staff. The President, Provost and Executive Vice President will be taking 10% cuts in their salaries for Fiscal Year 2021.…
Read MoreDPH Update: 80 Additional Positive Cases; 5 New Deaths; 76 Additional Recovered
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing five additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day. In total,182 Delawareans…
Read MoreLaurel Cancels July 4th Celebration & Fireworks
After much conversation, consideration, discussion and based on the continued increase in COVID 19 cases in Sussex County and the likelihood that the social distancing will be required through summer, the Mayor and Council of Laurel and Town Manager Smith have agreed that it is in the best interest to cancel our traditional July 4th…
Read MoreSussex County Recovery Virtual Town Hall – Wed, May 6 at 7:30pm
The next Public Recovery Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6th at 7:30pm with Lt Governor Bethany Hall-Long. This meeting will include stakeholder groups and members of the public to collect public feedback in Sussex County on the economic recovery plan for the state of Delaware. For more information, visit https://governor.delaware.gov/delawares-recovery/#shape-recovery
Read MoreOver 2100 Tested at Wicomico Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing at Shorebirds Stadium
On Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd, the Wicomico County Health Department held drive thru testing at the Delmarva Shorebirds Stadium for critical employees (including poultry workers) and their families. This massive undertaking would not have been possible without the help of the following agencies: Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset County Health Departments Department of…
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