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DOVER, DE – The iconic Old Speedway Café in Dover will soon be transformed into a new Tim Hortons location, as the multinational coffee and restaurant chain prepares to expand its presence in Delaware. R&R Commercial Realty made the announcement, confirming that the popular coffee house and restaurant, known for its signature coffee, donuts, and baked goods, plans to open later this year.

This move is part of Tim Hortons’ ongoing growth strategy in the United States, where the brand continues to bring its well-loved menu items and fast service to new customers. The Dover location will be the latest addition to Tim Hortons’ expanding presence across the region, and it promises to be a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the brand’s famed offerings.

A Look at Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons, founded in 1964 by Tim Horton, a former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, has grown to become one of Canada’s largest and most popular quick-service restaurant chains. Known for its iconic coffee and baked goods, Tim Hortons has earned a loyal following across North America and internationally.

With a menu that includes classic offerings such as the Original Blend and Double-Double coffees, Timbits (bite-sized donuts), sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and breakfast egg muffins, there’s something for everyone at Tim Hortons. The restaurant also serves specialty drinks, including fruit smoothies and soups, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

Over the years, Tim Hortons has built a reputation for community involvement, donating to organizations and causes across Canada through initiatives such as the Timbits Sports and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

The company’s continued expansion into the U.S. market, including the new Dover location, reflects the growing demand for its products, which resonate with a wide demographic. With their welcoming environment and commitment to quality, Tim Hortons aims to bring a taste of Canada to even more communities.

For more information on R&R Commercial Realty and its wide range of commercial properties, or for any inquiries about the new Tim Hortons location, visit www.randrcommercialrealty.com or contact 302-674-3400 or [email protected].

About Tim Hortons:

• Founded in 1964 by Tim Horton in Hamilton, Ontario.
• Known for coffee, Timbits, breakfast items, and specialty drinks.
• Community-driven, with programs supporting youth and sports initiatives.
• Merged with Burger King in 2014, becoming part of Restaurant Brands International.

As the Dover location prepares to open, it promises to bring a new wave of Tim Hortons fans to the area, serving up delicious coffee, snacks, and more for everyone to enjoy.

Work has begun to convert the old Speedway Cafe on 737 North DuPont Blvd. in Dover to a Tim Hortons. The owner anticipates a grand opening sometime before summer 2025. The buildout will include a double lane drive thru in addition to dine-in facilities.

The City of Salisbury is partnering with T2 Systems to introduce an automated permit management and mobile payment system for downtown parking. The changes will affect the Downtown Business District, certain residential streets, and the Downtown Salisbury Parking Garage, which will transition to a cashless payment system. Users will be able to manage permits, pay for parking, and receive notifications through the new system. Garage parking rates will be $2 per hour or $10 per day.

License Plate Readers will be installed to enforce regulations, automatically issuing violations for unpaid parking or exceeding the two-hour street parking limit. Free two-hour on-street parking will continue, with those staying longer encouraged to use the garage or Lot 10. Parking will remain free after 4 p.m., on weekends, and on holidays.

The new system is set to launch in early April.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a male suspect in a 4-door sedan with tinted windows and black rims arrived at a Milton residence. The suspect exited the vehicle, pulled a hood over his head and face, and took a package containing a MacBook computer from the porch before fleeing the scene.

The victim, who shared photos of the incident captured by her RING camera on Facebook, said, “Please share and help us find (this individual) who stole my son’s computer off our front porch within 30 minutes of delivery. The video makes me think he knew it was there because his car doesn’t slow down. We are in town Milton.”

Photographs of the suspect and vehicle are included below. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milton Police Department at 302-684-8547.

Maryland — A proposed Maryland bill, House Bill 710, seeks to establish a voter hotline for incarcerated individuals, allowing them the opportunity to vote. If passed, Maryland would become the first state outside Washington, D.C., to implement such a measure. The bill has sparked debate, with some arguing that voting is a right, while others contend it is a privilege that should not be extended to those convicted of crimes.

Opposition comes from Delegate Wayne Hartman of District 38C, who believes that individuals who have broken the law should not have a say in electing lawmakers. Advocates, including Common Cause Maryland, argue that voting is a fundamental right and should not be revoked due to incarceration. They emphasize that over 16,000 individuals in Maryland are currently incarcerated and could be impacted by the legislation.

The bill has passed its first reading but has yet to be assigned to a committee for a second review. Supporters acknowledge that passing such legislation could take years but remain committed to pushing for what they see as a critical voting rights issue.

MARGATE, NJ – The gift shop at Lucy the Elephant will open in a new, temporary location this Saturday across the street from its current site, as plans for a new welcome center continue to move forward.

The new gift shop will be located in the former Ocean City Home Bank at 9219 Atlantic Ave., Unit #5. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday to mark the occasion.

The Save Lucy Committee, which has been working for over two decades to build a new visitor center, noted that the current gift shop, built in the mid-1980s, no longer meets the needs of the growing number of visitors. Each year, more than 150,000 people visit the iconic roadside attraction, making it essential to expand and improve facilities.

The new welcome center will offer better accommodations for visitors, including ADA-compliant restrooms. The Save Lucy Committee recently completed the purchase of the former bank building, setting the stage for the planned upgrades.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ – Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, is testing communications equipment at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center in South Jersey. The testing, revealed by the FAA on Monday, involves a terminal facility in Atlantic City and two terminals at non-safety critical sites in Alaska.

The FAA’s facility, located at the Atlantic City International Airport, serves as a key aviation research hub. This testing aligns with the FAA’s mandate from the 2024 FAA Reauthorization bill, which requires the agency to address telecommunications challenges in remote areas, including investigating the causes of weather reporting system failures and the supporting telecommunications infrastructure.

The FAA has been considering Starlink as a potential solution for modernizing the nation’s air traffic communications system, which is currently operated on an aging Verizon network. Starlink could play a pivotal role in replacing the ground-based systems with satellite technology. Musk has voiced concerns about the current system’s reliability, emphasizing the need for modernization to enhance aviation safety.

While the FAA has been exploring Starlink’s capabilities, there have been questions about potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s roles as both a senior White House adviser and the head of multiple companies, including SpaceX, which operates Starlink.

Testing at the FAA’s Egg Harbor Township site is part of ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control and communications systems, including the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Despite significant investment, NextGen has seen mixed success, with concerns about its progress and efficiency.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. – The Accomack County Board of Supervisors has voted to send the draft FY2026 county budget to a public hearing scheduled for March 24 at 6 p.m. at Metompkin Elementary School.

The proposed budget includes moderate tax increases and focuses on key investments in infrastructure, public services, particularly emergency medical services (EMS), and economic development. The real estate tax rate is set to increase from $0.484 to $0.534 per $100 of assessed value, while the cigarette tax will rise from $0.20 to $0.40 per pack. The personal property tax remains at $3.72 per $100, though future caps could be implemented depending on pending state legislation.

County Administrator Mike Mason stated that the tax increase is necessary to address a shortfall in the EMS budget. Without this adjustment, larger tax hikes may be required in the future.

The proposed increases are designed to support EMS services, with nearly 92% of overnight emergency calls being handled by paid personnel. If the tax increases are not approved, there could be a risk of reducing EMS staffing.

FENWICK ISLAND, Del. – The Fenwick Island Town Council will vote Friday on proposed updates to the town’s noise ordinance, which aim to establish clearer definitions and stricter enforcement for noise violations.

The changes would include expanded quiet hours, decibel-level limits, the requirement of permits for outdoor amplified music, and the use of new noise monitoring technology. If approved, the updates will take effect immediately.

Under the new regulations, quiet hours will begin at 10 p.m., an hour earlier than the current midnight start, and will run until 8 a.m. During non-quiet hours, noise levels will be capped at 65 decibels, while quiet hours will have a lower limit of 55 decibels.

Additionally, both residents and businesses would need permits to play amplified music or use outdoor sound devices. Law enforcement will use decibel-measuring equipment, including a smartphone app, to assess noise levels and issue fines for violations. The app will also be available to residents to monitor their own noise levels.

Fines for violating the ordinance will be set at $200 per offense. The council is expected to make a decision on the proposed updates during its meeting on Friday.

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – Sussex County has introduced a new online tool designed to help homeowners estimate their property tax bills following the latest property value reassessment.

The property tax calculator allows residents to select their school district and input the newly assessed value of their property. Once the “calculate” button is clicked, an estimated range for the upcoming tax bill will appear. If homeowners do not have their new property value letter, they can find it by entering their property owner’s name or the address in the search tool provided on the site.

Additionally, the website allows users to view their 2024 tax bills.

The tool provides an estimated range but does not include factors such as tax assistance programs or any additional taxable fees.

Homeowners can access the calculator and additional resources at https://www.sussexcountyde.gov/taxcalculator.

SALISBURY, Md. – The City of Salisbury is set to begin a road resurfacing project in the Fitzwater Street area next week.

The project aims to address potholes, cracking, and other damage to the roadways in the Fitzwater neighborhood. Crews will start removing the old road surface on March 5, with re-paving scheduled to begin on March 10.

Work will be divided into two areas: Area 1 includes 1st and 2nd Streets, Pearl Street, Hill Street, and West Main Street; Area 2 includes Church Street, Mitchell Street, and Vine Street.

Drivers are advised to remove their vehicles from these streets during the resurfacing to avoid towing.

MILLSBORO, Del. – Delaware State Police have issued a Gold Alert for 15-year-old Madison Dimattia, who was reported missing after leaving her home early Wednesday morning.

Authorities say she left her residence on Keelson Street around 1 a.m. following an argument with her father. She does not have a cell phone and was marked absent from school that day. She is also known to be taking medication for depression.

Dimattia is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a hoodie, sweatpants, and carrying a backpack and blanket.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Delaware State Police Troop 7 at 302-644-5020.
(Photo: DSP Facebook Page)

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles is alerting residents about a text scam attempting to trick individuals into paying fake toll debts. Officials warn that some of these fraudulent messages may originate from overseas phone numbers.

Authorities emphasize that EZ-Pass will never request payment for violations or account funding through text or email. Scammers use phishing tactics to deceive recipients into providing sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.

Residents who receive suspicious messages are encouraged to verify their toll account status directly with EZ-Pass rather than responding to unsolicited communications. Officials also advise exercising caution before clicking any links in text messages related to financial matters.

Victims of the scam can report incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center by providing details such as the sender’s phone number and any links included in the message.

For more information on EZ-Pass in Delaware, residents can visit the official website https://www.ezpassde.com/

DOVER, Del. – A group of Delaware lawmakers is advocating for the creation of a task force to explore nuclear energy as a potential solution to rising electricity costs. The proposal follows increased utility bills, prompting discussions in Dover about alternative energy sources.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 seeks to establish the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force, which would examine the viability of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to support the state’s energy demands. Supporters argue that SMRs, with a lifespan of up to 100 years, could provide long-term cost savings compared to traditional power sources.

Although nuclear energy often raises safety concerns, lawmakers backing the measure emphasize advancements in reactor design that enhance security. SMRs are designed with reinforced containment systems, reducing risks associated with potential malfunctions.

Despite the high initial costs of construction, proponents believe nuclear energy’s efficiency could offset expenses over time. If approved, the task force would include representatives from the public and private sectors, such as energy experts, environmental specialists, business leaders, and policymakers.

A final report on the study’s findings is expected in the fall.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A new bill in the Maryland General Assembly aims to introduce ranked-choice voting for the 2028 presidential primary. The proposal, under discussion Wednesday by the State Senate’s Education, Energy, and Environment Committee, would allow voters to rank multiple candidates by preference. If no candidate receives a majority, votes for lower-ranked candidates would be redistributed until a winner is determined.

This system could result in the candidate with the highest number of first-choice votes not winning the election. If approved, the law would take effect for the 2028 primary. Additionally, the Maryland State Board of Elections would run a voter education campaign and evaluate voter satisfaction after the election.

DELAWARE – Child advocates are urging the Joint Finance Committee to restore funding for reducing lead poisoning in children after the governor’s proposed budget omitted new state funds for lead paint remediation.

For the first time in three years, no new state funding was allocated to remove lead-based paint in homes where children have tested positive for exposure. Advocates emphasize that this funding is essential to proactively eliminate hazards, particularly in rental housing.

Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but many older homes still pose risks, disproportionately affecting lower-income families. Senate Bill 9, passed in 2023, aimed to address these dangers, but without continued financial support, advocates warn that children will remain at risk of developmental delays and other long-term health issues.

Groups such as Lead-Free Delaware and Black Mothers of Power stress that state action is needed to protect children from lead exposure, calling for immediate investment in remediation efforts.

SEAFORD, Del. – Parents and staff at The Cross Christian Academy are voicing strong opposition to a new homeless shelter opening next door to the private school and church. Concerns were raised at a packed meeting Monday night, where attendees questioned the location choice and its potential impact on students.

The shelter, operated by local nonprofit Redemption City, aims to provide assistance to the area’s homeless population. However, parents worry about safety and the effect on students who have experienced addiction-related trauma within their families. School officials say the shelter’s proximity could trigger emotional distress for some children.

While many acknowledged the importance of Redemption City’s work, they insisted the shelter should be located elsewhere. City officials noted that the Board of Adjustments recently approved a variance, allowing the shelter to move forward.

Redemption City’s director outlined measures to address concerns, including requiring guests to leave the premises before school hours. Despite reassurances, opposition remains strong among parents and staff, who believe the shelter’s placement is inappropriate for a school setting.

Seaford Mayor Matt MacCoy, who attended the meeting, acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the growing need for homeless services in the community. Redemption City already operates several shelters in the area, with the new location expected to expand its reach.

As tensions continue, the debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing community concerns with efforts to address homelessness in Seaford.

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The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling nearly $2.4 million to consumers who bought products from fast fashion retailer Fashion Nova, which the FTC alleged blocked negative reviews of its products from being posted on its website.

The FTC alleged in January 2022 that Fashion Nova misrepresented that the product reviews on its website reflected the views of all customers who submitted reviews, when in fact it suppressed reviews with ratings lower than four stars out of five. It was the FTC’s first case involving efforts to conceal negative customer reviews.

Fashion Nova agreed to a settlement order that prohibits the company from suppressing customer reviews of its products. Fashion Nova was also required to pay money to compensate affected consumers.

The FTC is sending checks and PayPal payments to 148,351 Fashion Nova customers who filed a valid claim. Consumers selected their payment method when they completed their claim form. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check, or redeem their PayPal payments within 30 days.

Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 855-678-0018 or visit the FTC’s website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.

The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2023, FTC actions led to $330 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

On February 19, 2021, the Middletown Police Department (MPD) responded to Naughty Lane and Vincent Circle in reference to a shooting in progress.  Following this incident, the MPD Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation.  During the course of the investigation, James Ashley was developed as a suspect in the shooting.  Additional evidence was identified, which resulted in arrest and search warrants to be issued for Ashley.  

On March 4, 2021, with the assistance of the New Castle County Police Department SWAT Team, a search warrant was served at Ashley’s residence in the unit block of Archer Circle in Newark, Delaware.  During this search warrant, Ashley was taken into custody on his active arrest warrant. 

In addition, a search of the residence by MPD officers located two firearms, ammunition and marijuana inside the residence.  As a result, Ashley was charged with the additional criminal offenses.

Feb. 19, 2021 incident:

2 Counts of Reckless Endangering 1st Degree

Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited

Conspiracy 2nd Degree

Criminal Mischief

March 4th, 2012 Incident:

Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

2 Counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited

Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited.  

If you have any additional information regarding the incident from February 19, 2021 please contact Det. Adam Starrett at 302-696-2574 or via email at [email protected].