A new bill was introduced to the Delaware Legislature that would significantly increase the fines of parking violations in the state.
House Bill 479, introduced by State Representative Valerie Longhurst, would increase the civil penalty of parking violations from the current $10 but no more than $25 to $100 but no more than $500. Subsequent offenses would also increase to $400 and no more than $2,000.
A committee hearing on the bill will be held within 12 legislative days.
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their deputies this morning after attempting to apprehend a fugitive in nearby Pittsville, Maryland on Sunday.
Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, a 16-year veteran on the force, was gunned down while while attempting to apprehend a suspect who was wanted for several felony warrants. The suspect, identified as Austin Davidson, fled the scene. After an extensive manhunt, the suspect was apprehended.
“The days ahead will be challenging, but for now, we are mourning the loss of an incredible human being. Deputy Glenn Hilliard was a son, a husband and a father to three beautiful children, a brother to those he worked with, and an exemplary public servant to the citizens of Wicomico County and to the State of Maryland” The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office says in a statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Glenn’s family during this difficult time.”
Officer Hilliard would have celebrated his 42nd birthday on June 22. The sheriff’s office say they are heartbroken over his “senseless and tragic murder”.
An Ocean City, Maryland video is trending after video was shared by the owners of a Facebook page of a woman stealing a bottle of alcohol from his store.
The alleged theft occurred on June 7 at the West-O Bottle Shop and Bar in West Ocean City. The video shows a woman putting a bottle of Limon Rumchata into her purse. She then turns around and the video cuts.
“What a peach”, the owner posts on the viral Facebook post. “If anyone knows this fashionista, could you please ask her to return to our shop and pay for that Limon Rumchata?”
The video has been viewed over 60,000 times.
Owner Sara Hambury spoke to TV Delmarva News about the now viral video. She tells us that the individual in the video may be tied to other liquor store thefts around Ocean City, and that multiple police agencies are involved in the investigation. She says that they shared the video so “other family owned businesses won’t suffer”.
A Senate bill that would ban restaurants from using single-use plastics, polystyrene and other non-biodegradable products in Delaware.
Senate Bill 134 would ban single-use products such as coffee stirrers, straws, and sandwich picks. It was passed on Thursday by a a narrow margin (1 to 8 with one absent).
“Over the past several decades, the low-cost of these products has made them very popular in our society, but, today, many low-cost alternatives exist that are less harmful,” State Senator Trey Paradee says in a Facebook statement. “As a coastal state with a vibrant tourism industry that is critical to our economy and our quality of life, we need to join other states that have already banned these products and set an example for our children to follow.”
Single-use plastics have been a target of problematic pollution across the country and the world. Earthday.org reports that 380 million metric tons of plastics are produced every year, with many of those products containing carcinogens and other toxic materials. In addition, another 14 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean. A recent study done in Delaware found that an average of 498 pieces of polystyrene per mile littered Delaware highways.
The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
Dover Police are investigation a shooting that left a 20-year-old male in critical condition.
The incident happened in the 100 block of South News Street just before 10:00 p.m. on Thursday night.
Dover Police say when officers arrived on the scene, the victim was lying on the roadway and began first aid until medics arrived. He was transported to Bayhealth Kent with eight gunshot wounds to his upper body. He remains in critical condition.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-746-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
A Laurel man was arrested and charged with his 8th DUI offense following a crash in Seaford.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, around 3:57 p.m., Wednesday troopers responded to the intersection of northbound Sussex Highway and Concord Road in Seaford regarding a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision.
The investigation revealed that a black Mazda Tribute had struck a black GMC Acadia that was stopped at a red light at this intersection. The Tribute fled from the scene of the accident and was seen traveling northbound on Sussex Highway.
Troopers located the vehicle on Sussex Highway north of West Stein Highway a short time later, and a traffic stop was initiated. Contact was made with the driver, identified as 54-year-old Brian Thomas, and signs of impairment were observed, according to police.
A DUI investigation ensued and Thomas was taken into custody at the scene without incident. No parties involved in the accident were injured.
A computer inquiry revealed that Thomas had been convicted of seven prior DUI offenses. Thomas was transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony) and numerous traffic offenses. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $10,004 secured bond.
A Dover woman was arrested on felony drug charges after police say a search warrant executed at a local motel turned up heroin, cocaine, and a slew of other drugs.
According to the Dover Police Department, officers obtained a warrant to search a room at the Kent Budget Inn on North DuPont Highway following a drug investigation.
During the search, police say 40-year-old Amber Howard, who was staying the room, was found to be in possession of 142 bags of heroin, 10.2 grams of cocaine, 5.6 grams of MDMA, 12.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 36.7 grams of marijuana.
Howard was arrested without incident and released on a $7,300 unsecured bond on the following offenses: Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Deliver MDMA, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Alprazolam, Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of MDMA, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Law enforcement officials have arrested a 26-year-old California man for threatening to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh outside of his home yesterday.
According to a complaint obtained by TV Delmarva News, the man identified as Nicholas John Roske allegedly called 911 to report himself for the crime he was about to commit. When officers from the Montgomery County Police Department arrived, they found a gun on him, ammunition, pepper spray, a knife, zip ties, duct tape, and other hostage-related items.
He allegedly also told police he was upset with the May 2 leak of a draft opinion leaning towards an overturn to Roe v. Wade.
A federal judge in Maryland charged Roske with attempted murder. The FBI also raided the man’s home after obtaining an arrest warrant.
Protesters have been at the home of the conservative judge since his address was leaked out, prompting added security and condemnation from President Joe Biden. Republicans have also pointed to a speech made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer in 2020 that Justice Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch “released the whirlwind” and would “pay the price” when the Supreme Court heard a case related to Louisiana’s abortion law.
Delaware public health officials announced a new monthly high total of deaths from suspected overdoses during May and said they fear the vast majority of the deaths will be connected to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic pain reliever that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, or to the increasing use of cocaine, a powerfully addictive stimulant.
In 2021, when a record 515 people died in Delaware from overdoses, more than 80% of the deaths involved fentanyl and more than 45% involved cocaine.
In May 2022, 42 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, according to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. That surpassed the previous monthly high total set in August 2018 and tied in May 2020, of 39 deaths. In May 2022, preliminary totals show that 25 of the 42 deaths involved people in New Castle County, 12 in Sussex County and five in Kent County.
Through May 31, 159 people have died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, which is about the same rate as 2021.
“We know that more families and friends have Narcan at home or with them to try to reverse opioid overdoses, but, sadly, that cannot prevent every heartbreaking overdose death,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “We urge families to convince their loved ones to get connected to treatment resources and services. Medical providers can make that referral or family members can drop by one of our Bridge Clinics to talk with trained counselors.”
Delawareans struggling with substance use disorder also can call DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s 24/7 Delaware Hope Line – a single point of contact where callers can connect to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance. For support, Delawareans can:
Joanna Champney, director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), emphasized that there is no wrong door for accessing treatment. She encourages individuals who need help to call or stop by one of the Bridge Clinics, located in each county. “Our Bridge Clinics greet walk-ins with dignity and no judgment,” Champney said. “Whether someone just needs to talk about their options or they’re ready for treatment, we can help you.”
Champney also pointed to DSAMH’s expansion of clinical services to people who are justice-involved, building on the Division’s “no wrong door” approach to offering substance use disorder treatment. “Through our partnership with the Delaware State Police, we’ve put clinicians in multiple police troop locations statewide so we can help people pre-arrest who have had a brush with the law,” she said. “We know that substance use disorders often are the driver for illegal behavior, so the idea is to treat the problem. We’re seeing very high success rates of connecting people to treatment through this program.”
The increase in deaths from suspected overdoses during May 2022 follows another increase in overdose deaths for all of 2021. In its annual report for 2021, the Division of Forensic Science (DFS) reported 515 overdose deaths, an increase of more than 15% over 2020. The 515 deaths by county:
Of the 515 total deaths, DFS reported that 425 (82.5%) involved fentanyl, a decline of seven-tenths of a percentage point from 2020, and 221 involved cocaine, an increase of almost 9 percentage points from 2020.
Division of Public Health Director Dr. Kary Rattay urged those in active use of any illicit substances to get Narcan through DHSS’ mail-order Next Distro program, one of DSAMH’s Bridge Clinics, at a participating pharmacy – where no prescription is required – or at a Narcan training.
“This increased loss of life is heartbreaking,” Dr. Rattay said. “It is important for the public to know that fentanyl is being added to multiple types of illicit substances and is seen more commonly with amphetamines like cocaine. We know that Narcan can and does save lives, so we urge anyone who is actively using any illicit substances, as well as family and friends, to have Narcan on hand and be trained on how to use the medication. Additionally, we encourage Delawareans to download OpiRescue Delaware, a smartphone app that provides life-saving step-by-step instructions on how to respond to an overdose, including how to administer Narcan.”
In addition, under Delaware’s 911/Good Samaritan Law, people who call 9-1-1 to report an overdose and the person in medical distress cannot be arrested for low-level drug crimes.
To find Narcan training or distribution events, or a participating pharmacy, go to HelpIsHereDE.com, and click on the overdose prevention tab. The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Bridge Clinic locations and hours:
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
DSAMH Central Office
14 Central Ave.
New Castle, DE 19720
24/7
302-255-1650
New Castle County Hope Center
365 Airport Road
New Castle, DE 19720
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
302-544-6815
KENT COUNTY
James W. Williams State Service Center
805 River Road, Third Floor
Dover, DE 19901
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
302-857-5060
SUSSEX COUNTY
Thurman Adams State Service Center
546 S. Bedford St.
Georgetown, DE 19947
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
302-515-3310
A Dover man was arrested on burglary charges after police say he allegedly broke into a home in Harrington.
According to Harrington Police, on Tuesday officers arrested 22-year-old Jamier V. Darling following a domestic related burglary on E. Milby Street in Harrington.
Arriving officers came into contact with Darling trying to leave the home and he was taken into custody without incident. After speaking to people inside the residence, officers say Darling allegedly entered the house through a window and then engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim.
Upon hearing the argument, other occupants who were inside at the time intervened and tried to remove Darling from the home.
A struggle ensued and Darling kicked a sink in the upstairs bathroom causing a pipe to burst and begin to flood the residence, according to police.
Darling was charged with Burglary First Degree (C Felony) and Criminal Mischief $5000 or more (G Felony). He was presented via video phone at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on $12,500 unsecured bond.
A Greenwood man was arrested after police say he tried to choke a woman while she held their infant child.
According to the Harrington Police Department, on Tuesday officers arrested 31-year-old Ronald L. McBroom, of Greenwood, following a domestic incident on Cozy Woods Circle.
Officers responded to the residence and spoke with the victim, who told police that they were engaged in an argument with McBroom which escalated when McBroom allegedly walked up to the victim and choked her with his hand.
The victim was holding their infant child when the altercation became physical, according to police. McBroom then began causing damage inside the home before fleeing the scene.
Warrants were issued for McBrooms arrest. He was contacted by telephone and notified. A short time later he surrendered himself to police without incident.
He was presented via video phone at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and charged with Strangulation (E Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor), Offensive Touching (Misdemeanor), and Criminal Mischief Under $1000 (Misdemeanor). He was released from custody after posting $2,700 secured bond.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has announced the winners of the Delaware Natural Resources Police’s 36th annual Youth Fishing Tournament.
Following a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament returned Saturday with on-site weighmasters at three locations across the state attended by more than 200 youth anglers: Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County.
Tournament participants ages 4 through 15 weighed their catches as they competed for the title of overall state winner along with trying to land each county’s top catch and age group titles.
\The overall winner and champion this year was Onna Crowley, age 13, of Clayton, who caught 18.80 pounds of fish at Lums Pond, including the biggest fish caught of the day, a 12.1-pound carp.
This year’s county winners and the overall statewide winner will be invited to a special trophy presentation on Governor’s Day at the 2022 Delaware State Fair in Harrington.
New Castle County Winners
Other New Castle County winners at Lums Pond, by age group and total weight of fish caught, were:
Ages 4 through 7:
First place – Myracle White, 2.29 pounds
Second place – Claire Baron, 2.23 pounds
Third place – Michael Hopkins, 0.93 pounds
Ages 8 through 11:
First place – Gabriel Alfaro, 12.14 pounds
Second place – Ace Ginevan, 3.32 pounds
Third place – Ava Ginevan, 1.36 pounds
Ages 12 through 15:
First place – Russell Reed, 7.92 pounds
Second place – Tyler Harvell, 2.82 pounds
Third place – Cody Wiseman, 2.55 pounds
Kent County Winners
At Akridge Scout Reservation, Dominic Webb was the day’s overall winner with a total of 5.25 pounds of fish. Other Kent County winners were:
Ages 4 through 7:
First place – Kohen Marvel, 2.60 pounds
Second place – Hunter Hickman, 2.09 pounds
Third place – Virginia Wallace, 2.00 pounds
Ages 8 through 11:
First place – Collin Meisinger, 4.45 pounds
Second place – Cole Smith, 2.56 pounds
Third place – Matthew DeCarlo, 2.02 pounds
Ages 12 through 15:
First place – Kirra Noble, 4.37 pounds
Second place – Evan Knutsen, 3.69 pounds
Third place – Gianna Velazquez, 3.11 pounds
Sussex County Winners
At Ingram’s Pond in Sussex County, Brody Spencer was the day’s overall winner with a total of 7.19 pounds of fish. Other Sussex County winners were:
Ages 4 through 7:
First place – Tristen Wertz, 3.17 pounds
Second place – Caden Timmons, 1.76 pounds
Third place – Lexi Briggs, 0.76 pounds
Ages 8 through 11:
First place – John Timmons, 2.29 pounds
Second place – Owen Laux, 1.91 pounds
Third place – Zachary Thompson, 1.59 pounds
Ages 12 through 15:
First place – Landon Elliot, 0.26 pounds
The Youth Fishing Tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation. More information on the Youth Fishing Tournament can be found at de.gov/yft.
Delaware State Police are investigating after the body of a 65-year-old man was found on Baywood golf course in Millsboro.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, around 5:41 p.m., Tuesday troopers responded to the area of Long Neck Road and Banks Road for reports that a body had been found on the property of the Baywood golf course.
The victim, a 65-year-old Millsboro man, was located on the property of the golf course and pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is still ongoing at this time and identification of the victim is pending notification to the next-of-kin.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859.
It was a disappointing end for marijuana legalization advocates in The First State, as lawmakers voted not to override Governor John Carney’s veto of House Bill 371.
The bill would have decriminalized possession of an ounce or less for anyone 21 or older. Governor Carney vetoed the bill on May 24. House members voted yesterday to override the veto but was short of the 3/5 majority vote needed (20 to 20 vote with one abstaining).
The Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition called the vote “devastating” and issued a statement saying “It’s looking like the First State might not listen to voters and end the racist war on marijuana until it has a new governor. However, this is an election year, and it’ll be important to get as many solid supporters of legalization in the House as possible.”
A New York man was arrested on felony burglary charges after police say he tried to break into the home of a Camden couple who called 911 after they caught him urinating on their front lawn.
According to Delaware State Police, around 7:25 p.m., Monday troopers responded to the 400 block of Wheatleys Pond Road in Clayton for an attempted burglary complaint.
Police arrived and learned that the suspect had tried to make their way inside the home through the garage but was unsuccessful. A 51-year-old female victim who was home at the time was alerted to the motion in the garage and saw the suspect urinating on her front lawn, according to police.
The victim’s husband, who was also home at the time, confronted the suspect and he fled the property on a bicycle.
With the assistance of Camden Police Department, the suspect’s bicycle was located in the driveway of a home in the 1200 block of Wheatleys Pond Road. Officers confronted the suspect as he was leaving the house, which police say caused him to drop the stolen items and run.
Officers gave chase and successfully took the suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Darryl Naser, of Far Rockaway, New York into custody.
Naser was found to be in possession of approximately 1.88 grams of marijuana, police said. Further investigation revealed he had made entrance through an unlocked door and removed jewelry and electronics from within the home. All of the stolen items were recovered.
Naser was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with Burglary 2nd Degree (Felony), Attempted Burglary 1st Degree (Felony), Theft Under $1,500, Lewdness, and Possession of Marijuana. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $35,000 cash bond.
Delaware agencies and non-profits have until July 1 to submit funding request proposals for reforestation projects through the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI).
TEDI, administered through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service launched last November.
The initiative works with partners to enhance and support tree plantings throughout the state, with a goal of planting at least one tree for every Delawarean.
Planting trees is a nature-based solution to reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, playing a critical role in helping fight climate change. TEDI is part of the state’s comprehensive plan to respond to climate change and supports Delaware’s Climate Action Plan.
Funding requests can include multiple projects and may range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Applications must be submitted to DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Visit the TEDI website for more information about the program and the requirements of the call for proposals, or email questions to [email protected].
Delawareans can join in the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative by tracking trees they plant on their own property and inputting the information in the TEDI Tracker, which can be found at de.gov/tedi.
A Seaford man has been arrested after leading police on a pursuit early Sunday morning.
Delaware State Police say a trooper attempted to stop 37-year-old Dontra Batson after he was observed traveling at a high rate of speed in his blue Ford Escape on southbound Sussex Highway near Concord Road. Batson allegedly led the pursuit down Concord Road, where he struck a home on Haven Drive and fled on foot. Officers chased him down and apprehended him without further incident.
A further investigation determined that Batson was impaired. Officers also found 2.89 grams of marijuana and 15 grams of cocaine. A Ruger 9mm handgun was also found, and computer check showed Batson was a convicted felon prohibited from having a firearm.
Batson was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Driving Under the Influence
Possession of Marijuana
Numerous traffic offenses
Batson was lodged at Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,850 cash bond.
Seaford Police are investigating what caused a fight to break out at a middle school celebration on Monday night.
Officials say just after 7:00 p.m. last night (June 6), the fight broke out between adults at the Seaford Hight School Football Stadium during a Middle School Bridge ceremony. The altercation resulted in two people being transported to a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
It took officers about 20 minutes to control the fight.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Seaford Police at 302-629-6645.
Democrat State Auditor Kathy McGuiness has been re-indicted by a Grand Jury in Kent County on Monday.
The move comes after McGuiness’ attorney, Steve Wood, motioned that the case should be tried in Kent County because that is where the alleged crimes took place. Judge William C. Carpenter dismissed the case prior to her trial starting, and the case was brought to the Kent County grand jury on June 6.
McGuiness is accused of official misconduct (a misdemeanor), felony theft, structuring (non compliance with procurement law – a misdemeanor), and act of intimidation (felony).
McGuiness has long maintained her innocence and continues to work as State Auditor via a statement from her attorney after the initial indictment was handed down in October 2021.
“Delaware law does not prohibit family members from hiring family members, and there have been many instances of such employment all throughout state government – including in the Attorney General’s Office,” McGuiness said via her attorney, Steven Wood. “It is also true that, like millions of Americans, Ms. McGuiness’s daughter worked remotely during the COVID pandemic. However, the Indictment’s assumption that the only way for a state worker to work remotely is by using the State’s email network is false.”
Her trial date is to be determined.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness was indicted by a grand jury Monday afternoon as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into multiple claims of misconduct while in office.
A press conference was held outside the New Castle County Courthouse where Attorney General Kathy Jennings said their investigation confirmed a “clear and disturbing pattern.”
“The investigation has confirmed a clear and disturbing pattern of behavior that was not only unethical, but it was against the law,” Jennings said. “We uncovered corruption, nepotism, fraud, and misconduct that implicated thousands of taxpayer dollars.”
The investigation, which Attorney General Jennings stressed remains ongoing, comes after several whistleblowers came forward to inform the state Department of Justice (DOJ) of the alleged misconduct.
The Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust was able to obtain an indictment following a full-scale investigation involving witness interviews and document reviews that officials say prove the allegations.
McGuiness was indicted on charges of conflict of interest in violation of the state’s code of conduct, felony theft, non-compliance with procurement law by structuring state payments, official misconduct, and felony witness intimidation.
Attorney General Jennings said the investigation uncovered a “sweetheart deal” to avoid oversight of State Auditor McGuiness’ state contract with campaign vendor ‘MyCampaignGroup.’
“She informed them of a loophole that would allow them to avoid a competitive bidding process by keeping the initial contract amount below $50,000,” Jennings stressed. “The bidding process exists to protect taxpayers. It’s there to prevent this exact behavior. A month later, the defendant entered into a contract with MyCampaignGroup, which was never submitted for public bidding whatsoever. In total, the State Auditor’s Office paid MyCampaignGroup $49,900, just $100 shy of the public bidding threshold thus avoiding public oversight.”
McGuiness illegally structured a series of payments, according to the DOJ, to MyCampaignGroup in order to remain under the state approval threshold. She later approached the company a second time, according to Jennings.
“It’s important to keep this in mind, this was done by the State Auditor, whose job is literally to protect your tax dollars from this very kind of spending.”
The investigation also uncovered what Attorney General Jennings said was “clear nepotism.”
McGuiness’ daughter and a friend were employed by the office, neither of whom were interviewed, according to the investigation.
As the pandemic triggered record unemployment across the country, Jennings said McGuiness fired an employee citing lack of work hours and two others left under the same premise, but despite that she still hired her daughter and her friend.
“The defendant’s daughter enrolled in a college in South Carolina. For months, despite not coming into work, never logging in remotely, barely ever sending so much as an email, her daughter continued to receive taxpayer checks. Those paychecks were deposited into an account co-owned by her mother, the defendant,” Jennings said. “As of August, 2021 the defendant still employs her daughter on the state payroll.”
McGuiness’ daughter has been paid over $19,000 in taxpayer dollars, according to the investigation, in addition to $8,000 paid to her daughter’s friend.
“She used her power to hire her daughter no questions asked,” Jennings said. “She paid her daughter thousands of tax dollars even when her daughter wasn’t showing up to work. And when her staff discovered her misconduct, and did the right thing by speaking up, the Auditor, whose job is to be a government watchdog, engaged in an extensive pattern of surveillance and intimidation against those whistleblowers.”
During the course of the investigation, officials discovered that McGuiness allegedly monitored and intimidated real or perceived whistleblowers.
Over three dozen requests were submitted to monitor employees emails, including at least one former employee at a completely separate agency, according to the DOJ.
Jennings stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and requested anyone with any pertinent information related to the investigation to come forward by calling (302) 577-5400.
Multiple requests to reach McGuiness for comment have went unanswered.
“If anyone should know better, it is the State Auditor,” Jennings said. “Instead, as our investigation has shown, Kathleen McGuiness carried out the very misbehavior that she was elected to stop.”
It was a hectic scene in Dewey Beach on Saturday night, as officers responded to reports of gunshots in the area of Saulsbury Street just before midnight.
A Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement agent reported hearing and seeing a gunshot and apprehended male suspects, all in their 20s and from the Pennsylvania area. When Dewey Beach Police arrived, it was determined through an investigation that they were involved in a large fight with other suspects who fled the scene. The suspects were taken into custody for questioning and later released. No charges have been filed at this time and police say those arrested were cooperating with the investigation.
Meanwhile, Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach is being praised for its response to the shooting, which cause a chaotic scene, as people scrambled to shelter and safety. Initial social media posts stated that the shooting took place at the restaurant, which Dewey Beach Police and the restaurant quickly said was not the case. Instead, the restaurant initiated safety protocols to ensure the safety of staff and patrons.
In a Facebook post, Starboard says “As soon as we were alerted of the incident, our security staff immediately initiated the safety protocols they’ve been trained to follow. They asked all patrons remain inside and “shelter in place” until we confirmed what was actually happening. We took action based on everyone’s best interest and safety, and as soon as we confirmed all was OK, we let everyone know it was safe to proceed with their evening.”
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dewey Beach Police at 302-227-1110 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333. No injuries were reported and no firearms were recovered on the scene.
Dover Police have identified the victim of a fatal crash on Kings Highway and Park Drive on Saturday night (June 3).
Police say 21-year-old Briyana Berry was in the front passenger seat of a vehicle when the 20-year-old driver reportedly crossed the center line, hitting a traffic island and then a traffic signal pole. Police say Berry was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver was not injured, but officials say he is being evaluated for a possible medical condition. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
A Milford 5th grader is being recognized for her drawing, representing Delaware in a nationwide annual contest held by Google.
Anamirel Campos is a student at Mispillion Elementary School with her Doodle titled “Family Will Always Care for You”. The Doodle for Google is a nationwide competition among K-12 students, representing a drawing from a student in each state and territory.
The Milford School District says the competition receives thousands of submissions every year, so its quite an achievement to become a state representative. First-round voting recently ended over the weekend, the final five finalists will be announced this month. The winner will be featured on Google for a day, receive a $30,000 scholarship and their school will receive a $50,000 tech package to benefit its computer lab or technology program.
You can find out more on the nationwide competition at
https://doodles.google.com/d4g/
With spring heading into summer – it’s prime time for ticks – and as a result DNREC has partnered with the Division of Public Health to educate the public about the parasitic insects, including where they are found, how to identify different types, and what precautions to take if you’ve been bit.
Some precautions to avoid or reduce tick exposure include:
For more tips on ticks – visit de.gov/ticks
A Greenwood man was arrested after police say he pointed a rifle at a group of kids in Harrington.
According to the Harrington Police Department, on Wednesday officers arrested 20-year-old Justin Williams on numerous weapons and aggravated menacing charges.
Around 6:30 p.m., officers were notified of an incident where a male suspect reportedly drove near where four juvenile victims were riding bicycles on West Mispillion Street.
As the vehicle approached the children, police say a male, later identified Williams, pointed a black rifle at the them.
The juveniles fled the scene and reported the incident to a parent who in turn called 911.
While officers were gathering information from two of the victims and a parent, they were notified of a witness who had attained a tag number from the suspect’s vehicle.
Officers were able to identify Williams as the suspect through the information provided by the witness.
Police made contact with Williams at his home in Greenwood where he was taken into custody without incident.
While on the scene, officers secured a black .22 caliber rifle.
Williams was transported to the Harrington Police Department on a slew of charges and was later committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $50,000 cash bond.
Governor John Carney on Tuesday vetoed House Bill 371, legislation that would have legalized the possession of marijuana in Delaware.
The bill, which Governor Carney vetoed Tuesday morning, would have removed all penalties for possession by a person 21 years of age or older of one ounce or less of marijuana and ensure that there are no criminal or civil penalties for transfers without remuneration of one ounce or less of marijuana between persons who are 21 years of age or older.
The following is Governor Carney’s statement to the Delaware House of Representatives:
“Pursuant to Article III, Section 18 of the Delaware Constitution, I am vetoing House Bill No. 371 by returning it with my objections to the Delaware House of Representatives without my signature.
House Bill No. 371 would, among other things, remove all penalties for possession by a person 21 years of age or older of one ounce or less of marijuana and ensure that there are no criminal or civil penalties for transfers without remuneration of one ounce or less of marijuana between persons who are 21 years of age or older.
I recognize the positive effect marijuana can have for people with certain health conditions, and for that reason, I continue to support the medical marijuana industry in Delaware. I supported decriminalization of marijuana because I agree that individuals should not be imprisoned solely for the possession and private use of a small amount of marijuana — and today, thanks to Delaware’s decriminalization law, they are not.
That said, I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people. Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.
I respect the Legislative Branch’s role in this process, and I understand that some hold a different view on this issue. However, I have been clear about my position since before I took office, and I have articulated my concerns many times.
For the reasons stated above, I am hereby vetoing HB 371 by returning it to the House of Representatives without my signature.”
In light of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations around the country, including in Delaware over the past week, the University of Delaware is reinstating its masking requirement for all indoor spaces, effective at 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 24.
Face masks must be worn indoors except when actively eating or drinking. This requirement applies to all UD-sponsored events, no matter the location on or off campus, as well as all indoor facilities, including residence halls, libraries, classrooms and other public/common spaces. Classroom and/or presentation speakers may remove their masks while presenting as long as they are more than six feet from others in attendance. Masks also continue to be required on all campus shuttles and University transportation services, as well as health care clinics.
KN95 masks, which are recommended, are available to all UD students, faculty and staff at designated campus locations. This includes campus residence halls, the Trabant University Center, Perkins Student Center, the Morris Library and the Carpenter Sports Building. Those picking up a mask at these locations will need to show valid UD Identification. Faculty and staff can get masks from their individual departments or units. Detailed information about mask protocols is available on the UD coronavirus site.
Members of the University community also can pick up home antigen test kits at various campus locations. Positive results should be uploaded to the UD Health Portal.
As a reminder, COVID PCR testing is available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through this Thursday at Harker ISE Lab. Any members of the UD community who would like to get tested may register here.
This is a special time of year with many celebratory events as we mark the end of the academic year at UD, including Commencement and convocations, so it’s important that we all take every step possible to safeguard the health of ourselves and those around us. This means wearing a face mask indoors, getting tested and staying home when you are sick. The masking requirement applies to everyone regardless of vaccination status or past testing results.
UD officials will continue to monitor the spread of the disease. In the meantime, the face mask requirements will remain in effect until further notice.
U.S. Coast Guard officials along with local fire agencies battled a barge fire early Monday morning in the Delaware Bay.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, watchstanders at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call around 1 a.m., Monday reporting a barge on fire in the Delaware River.
The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap.
The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew to assist and continue to monitor the situation. There are six fire boats on scene from local fire agencies actively fighting the fire.
“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of firefighters and response personnel on scene,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port. “We will also work to mitigate any environmental threats and protect the flow of commerce within this vital port.”
There are no injuries and no evidence of pollution impacting the waterway. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
The Coast Guard requests that all mariners avoid the area of the incident.
Three men were arrested on drug and weapons charges in Dover.
According to Dover Police, on Tuesday officers were conducting surveillance for a firearms investigation in the area of New Hope Apartments when they spotted 19-year-old Shaquan Shields leave the area as a passenger in a vehicle.
Shields was wanted on Family Court capiases and officers contacted him when the vehicle stopped in the parking lot of a convenience store around 2 p.m. on DuPont Highway.
During the stop, police say they located 50 grams of marijuana in plain view, next to Shields.
Shields was taken into custody without incident and found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and 21 bags of heroin, according to police.
Later that day, around 3:50 p.m., officers tried to make contact with 19-year-old Devon Randall on New Street after police say he was spotted with a handgun.
When officers approached, Randall reportedly fled into the building and into an apartment.
Officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in the path where Randall fled from officers.
Officers then applied for a search warrant for the apartment and were able to take Randall and 18-year-old Zyaier Payne into custody.
During the search, officers located a loaded .40 caliber handgun and 87 grams of marijuana.
All three were committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on cash bonds.
A Georgetown man was arrested on felony manslaughter charges following a shooting that killed a 54-year-old woman.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 6 p.m., Tuesday as troopers responded to the 22000 block of Deep Branch Road in Georgetown for reports that a woman had been shot.
When police arrived they located a 54-year-old female victim inside of the home suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identification is pending notification to next of kin.
Police say 26-year-old Jordan Walls was showing the victim his weapon at the home and a gunshot was fired. Troopers recovered a 20-gauge shotgun at scene.
Walls was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes: Manslaughter (Felony) and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $120,000 cash bond.
Delaware State Police have released the identity of the bus aide who was arrested and charged after allegedly punching an eight-year-old girl with Down Syndrome in the Cape Henlopen School District.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2022 when Clar Ellen Branca, a now former bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District, struck an eight-year-old girl in the head on a school bus.
A warrant for Branca’s arrest was drafted on March 18 after the school resource officer at Milton Elementary School where the student attends reviewed the case with the Attorney General’s Office.
Branca turned herself in to State Police on March 21 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both misdemeanors. The case is still pending adjudication at this time.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree was able to sit down over the weekend with Ryan Pickett who addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome.
Pickett tells us how he and his wife didn’t learn about what happened until two weeks after the incident occurred by Delaware State Police.
“It happened on January 21, my wife got a phone call from the State Police Resource Officer telling us that there had been an incident on the 21st, which was two weeks before,” Pickett tells our news department. “We immediately wanted to find out what happened, so that was a Friday afternoon and I, over the weekend, left a message with the Superintendent asking to speak with him regarding this.”
All requests to meet with Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton went ignored, according to Pickett who said he was finally able to meet with two other district officials who allowed he and his wife to review what happened through the school bus surveillance footage.
The severity of what happened didn’t really sink in until Pickett and his wife viewed the video footage from the bus that allegedly shows the aide punch their eight-year-old daughter twice in the head, all the while screaming profanities.
“The video shows her punching our daughter in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “Also, on top of it, they’re saying from the district that they can’t hear what the woman is saying, and that the bus driver didn’t know, but from the video and us watching the video, and I’m confident when you watch the video you’ll hear the same thing, you can hear very clearly what the lady is saying. She’s verbally assaulting our daughter and yelling at her.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett took his concerns to the Cape Henlopen School Board. He was cut off by Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
We have yet to receive a response from Dr. Myers.
Pickett says he received a plethora of praise for his restraint at the callous way the board treated him, but the issue dives much deeper than that and is deeply concerning.
“It’s funny, I’m getting a lot of respect for my restraint, and I am naturally a very mild-mannered person, anybody who knows me would probably say that, but I was in my seat and there’s a couple times you can hear me yelling and her saying ‘sir’ and the plan with all of this was not to make this some big known thing,” Pickett stressed. “When we originally went to the school district, we wanted help for our daughter and we wanted to make sure that this never happened again, we gave them time to do it, and the district failed on all accounts.”
Pickett, rightfully upset as he reflected on what transpired, questioned the moral and ethics of the school board as a result of how he was treated, specifically Dr. Alison Myers.
“They proved that they’re more interested in securing their six figure jobs than they are protecting the children that they’re mandated to protect,” Pickett said. “When I began the speech, I was pretty calm, I think I even joked with them in the very beginning, but this is a situation that is very troubling as a parent. Every time I talk about it, it reminds me that my child was punched by a member of the Cape Henlopen School District, and they’re doing nothing about it. So, to be cut off by a woman with a special education background, a woman who has her own children, and I’m sure she’s a wonderful mother, but she has proven that she doesn’t care about my kids and that tells me that she’s probably not in the position that she needs to be in.”
Pickett and his family are calling on the school board to investigate the incident and find out if this happened to their daughter more than the one time they’re aware of, and if the aide abused other children. So far, the district has refused to say whether or not they’re investigating.
We reached out to the Cape Henlopen School District and were issued the following response from Communications Coordinator, Stephanie DeMalto:
“In response to your May 13, 2022 email, you have requested information pertaining to the conduct of a former employee and related matters. We take the safety of all of our students very seriously and hold all of our employees to the highest of standards. The individual involved is no longer an employee of the District. Under Delaware law, even former employees have privacy rights, and thus we cannot provide further comment.“
In a follow-up response, we formally requested an interview with Superintendent Bob Fulton and are awaiting a response.
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware has issued a statement and is assisting the family of the eight-year-old girl who was assaulted by a bus aide in the Cape Henlopen School District.
“Recently the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSA of DE) became notified of an incident regarding alleged abuse of an 8-year-old girl with Down syndrome in Cape Henlopen School District. Our organization has been in direct communication with the child’s family and is currently providing support through this extremely difficult situation,” Lauren Camp Gates, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware stated. “The DSA of DE holds a formal partnership with the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children since 2018. As stated in our Child Protection Policy, we are devoted to the safety of individuals with Down syndrome. We understand that this incident poses great concern to many of our families, particularly those who have individuals in this school district.”
The organization also linked to our full report in their statement.
This remains a developing story that TV Delmarva continues to investigate.
The Down Syndrome Association of Delaware has issued a statement and is assisting the family of the eight-year-old girl who was assaulted by a bus aide in the Cape Henlopen School District.
“Recently the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware (DSA of DE) became notified of an incident regarding alleged abuse of an 8-year-old girl with Down syndrome in Cape Henlopen School District. Our organization has been in direct communication with the child’s family and is currently providing support through this extremely difficult situation,” Lauren Camp Gates, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware stated. “The DSA of DE holds a formal partnership with the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children since 2018. As stated in our Child Protection Policy, we are devoted to the safety of individuals with Down syndrome. We understand that this incident poses great concern to many of our families, particularly those who have individuals in this school district.”
The organization also linked to our full report in their statement where earlier this week we got a chance to sit down with the father of the little girl who was assaulted.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree was able to sit down over the weekend with Ryan Pickett who addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome.
Pickett tells us how he and his wife didn’t learn about what happened until two weeks after the incident occurred by Delaware State Police.
“It happened on January 21, my wife got a phone call from the State Police Resource Officer telling us that there had been an incident on the 21st, which was two weeks before,” Pickett tells our news department. “We immediately wanted to find out what happened, so that was a Friday afternoon and I, over the weekend, left a message with the Superintendent asking to speak with him regarding this.”
All requests to meet with Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton went ignored, according to Pickett who said he was finally able to meet with two other district officials who allowed he and his wife to review what happened through the school bus surveillance footage.
The severity of what happened didn’t really sink in until Pickett and his wife viewed the video footage from the bus that allegedly shows the aide punch their eight-year-old daughter twice in the head, all the while screaming profanities.
“The video shows her punching our daughter in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “Also, on top of it, they’re saying from the district that they can’t hear what the woman is saying, and that the bus driver didn’t know, but from the video and us watching the video, and I’m confident when you watch the video you’ll hear the same thing, you can hear very clearly what the lady is saying. She’s verbally assaulting our daughter and yelling at her.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett took his concerns to the Cape Henlopen School Board. He was cut off by Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
We have yet to receive a response from Dr. Myers.
Pickett says he received a plethora of praise for his restraint at the callous way the board treated him, but the issue dives much deeper than that and is deeply concerning.
“It’s funny, I’m getting a lot of respect for my restraint, and I am naturally a very mild-mannered person, anybody who knows me would probably say that, but I was in my seat and there’s a couple times you can hear me yelling and her saying ‘sir’ and the plan with all of this was not to make this some big known thing,” Pickett stressed. “When we originally went to the school district, we wanted help for our daughter and we wanted to make sure that this never happened again, we gave them time to do it, and the district failed on all accounts.”
Pickett, rightfully upset as he reflected on what transpired, questioned the moral and ethics of the school board as a result of how he was treated, specifically Dr. Alison Myers.
“They proved that they’re more interested in securing their six figure jobs than they are protecting the children that they’re mandated to protect,” Pickett said. “When I began the speech, I was pretty calm, I think I even joked with them in the very beginning, but this is a situation that is very troubling as a parent. Every time I talk about it, it reminds me that my child was punched by a member of the Cape Henlopen School District, and they’re doing nothing about it. So, to be cut off by a woman with a special education background, a woman who has her own children, and I’m sure she’s a wonderful mother, but she has proven that she doesn’t care about my kids and that tells me that she’s probably not in the position that she needs to be in.”
Pickett and his family are calling on the school board to investigate the incident and find out if this happened to their daughter more than the one time they’re aware of, and if the aide abused other children. So far, the district has refused to say whether or not they’re investigating.
We reached out to the Cape Henlopen School District and were issued the following response from Communications Coordinator, Stephanie DeMalto:
“In response to your May 13, 2022 email, you have requested information pertaining to the conduct of a former employee and related matters. We take the safety of all of our students very seriously and hold all of our employees to the highest of standards. The individual involved is no longer an employee of the District. Under Delaware law, even former employees have privacy rights, and thus we cannot provide further comment.“
In a follow-up response, we formally requested an interview with Superintendent Bob Fulton and are awaiting a response.
Delaware State Police released the identity of the bus aide who was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2022 when Clar Ellen Branca, a now former bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District, struck an eight-year-old girl in the head on a school bus.
A warrant for Branca’s arrest was drafted on March 18 after the school resource officer at Milton Elementary School where the student attends reviewed the case with the Attorney General’s Office.
Branca turned herself in to State Police on March 21 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both misdemeanors. The case is still pending adjudication at this time.
This remains a developing story that TV Delmarva continues to investigate.
Governor Carney, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Nikko Brady, and state legislators honored four Delaware farm families for their commitment to keeping farmland within the family for 100 years.
“There is no better way to kick off Delaware Grown Week than to highlight the history of Delaware agriculture with the presentation of this year’s Century Farm Awards,” said Governor John C. Carney. “We are fortunate to have generations of farm families still engaged in agriculture here in Delaware.”
The Delaware Century Farm Program was established in 1987 to honor farm families who have owned and farmed their land for at least 100 years. The farms must include at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $10,000 annually in agricultural sales.
With the announcement of these four new families, Delaware will have recognized 152 Century Farms over the past 35 years. Delaware Century Farm families receive a sign for their farms, an engraved plate, a certificate, and legislative tributes.
“While the Century Farm Program has been in existence for 35 years, we know there are many Century Farms we have recognized that have been in the family for 150 years…200 years or even longer,” said Deputy Secretary Nikko Brady. “Secretary Scuse and I have charged the Aglands team to research these farms so we can recognize those families that continue to pass their farms down to the next generation. Keeping land in agriculture is essential to the success of our industry.”
2022 Delaware Century Farm Awardees
Lana Rae Eashum and Family (Dagsboro, Sussex County): The Eashum family is recognized for their 36-acre family farm located in Dagsboro Hundred.
Mr. John H. Baker purchased a 36-acre and 15-square-perch farm from Isaac W. Timmons Etux on September 28, 1899, for $11,000. After John died in 1961, the farm was left to his daughter Louise Marie Baker by operation of law. On August 29, 1994, the farm was sold to Meredith Kay Emory for $1.00 and bought back the same day by Louise Marie Baker. When Louise Marie died in 1995, she left the farm to her son, J. Caleb Eashum. In 2014, J. Caleb added his wife, Lana Rae Eashum, to the deed. In 2016, J. Caleb passed away.
Since then, his wife, Lana Rae Eashum has owned the Eashum Family Farm. Mrs. Eashum’s daughter Denise Shortridge and her husband C.J., who now lives on the farm, received the award on her behalf.
Charles L. Everett, Teresa L. (Everett) Timmons, and Chad L. Everett and Families (Clayton, Kent County): The Everett family is recognized for their 274-acre farm located in Kenton Hundred.
The original 417-acre farm was purchased by Levi L. Everett and Katherine F. Everett for $12,750 from James M. Downs on April 23, 1920. When Levi died, the farm was left to his wife Katherine and their four children, Levi, Andrew, Roy, and James. In 1936, Andrew purchased the entire farm from his mother for $6,500. After he passed in 1981, his will split the farm between his two sons, George Lee Everett and Robert L. Everett. George and his wife, Louise, purchased the 274-acre farm parcel in 1988. In 2014, with the passing of Louise, the farm was willed to her three children, Charles L. Everett, Teresa L. (Everett) Timmons, and Chad L. Everett.
This farm produces corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, and hay. The family has raised dairy and beef cows, along with hogs. In 2004, the farm had an easement established for Aglands Preservation, permanently preserving this farmland. The Everett Family has also been involved in wildlife conservation. They have four ponds on the farm and have raised and released quail, Canadian Geese, and Mallard Ducks, along with establishing dove plots.
Stanley L. Johnson and Family (Millsboro, Sussex County): Stanley Johnson and his family are recognized for their 25-acre farm in Indian River Hundred.
Mr. George T. Johnson purchased the 25-acre farm from Annie J. Hudson, John B., and Martha J. Mitchell on November 21, 1918, for $2,000. In 1976, George passed away, leaving the farm to his wife, Ella Moore Johnson, with their four children, Elizabeth Smith, Ruth Hudson, Granville L. Johnson, and Richard C. Johnson. Ella died in February 1989, leaving Granville as the Executor of her Estate. In July 1989, Richard and his wife, Patricia, purchased the farm from Granville. In 2011, the farm was put into the Richard C. Johnson 2011 Asset Preservation Trust by Co-Trustees, Stanley and Thomas C., children of Stanley and Patricia. In 2018, Stanley and his wife Linda purchased the farm from the trust.
Looking back, Stanley’s grandfather, George T. Johnson, raised chickens on the farm for Townsends. The main crops grown on this Delaware farm include corn and soybeans, but they are looking to transition into more specialty crops as the younger generation gets more involved.
Alvin and Normal Warner (Milford, Kent County): Mr. Alvin Warner, and his wife, Norma, were honored at the program for their 29.3374-acre farm in Milford Hundred.
Mr. James W. Warner purchased a 121-acre farm from Willie and Jennie Russell on January 2, 1921, for $4,500. When he died, the farm was left to his wife Addie V. Warner, and their 11 children, Blanche Eisenbrey, Gordon Warner, Maude Hall, Harvey Warner, Floyd Warner, Hazel Waldron, Stella Willis, Ethel Burns, Wilbur Warner, Howard Warner, and Doris Raughley. In January 1945, son Howard purchased the 121-acre farm from his mother for $1.00. In 1976, Howard’s son Alvin and his wife Norma purchased the 29.3374 acres from the original farm. By 1979, it was determined through a survey that under Howard and his wife, Jeannette, the farm was portioned into various percentages of land owned between Joan M. and Earl H. McMullen, Robert L. and Kathleen A. Warner, and Alvin H. and Norma V. Warner. Alvin and Norma’s portion included the farm they had purchased and an additional 3.7249 acres. In 1981, Alvin and Norma transferred the 29.3374 acres farm to Warner Enterprises, Inc.
Previously a dairy farm, as evidenced by the milk house and cowshed that still stand on the farm, the family transitioned to raising poultry in 1977. They raise small grains, corn, soybeans, and Delaware Grown vegetables and produce to sell at their on-farm market.
The father of the young girl with Down Syndrome who was assaulted in the Cape Henlopen School District is speaking out in an exclusive interview where he tells us his story of what happened and calls out district officials and the school board.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree was able to sit down over the weekend with Ryan Pickett who addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome.
Pickett tells us how he and his wife didn’t learn about what happened until two weeks after the incident occurred by Delaware State Police.
“It happened on January 21, my wife got a phone call from the State Police Resource Officer telling us that there had been an incident on the 21st, which was two weeks before,” Pickett tells our news department. “We immediately wanted to find out what happened, so that was a Friday afternoon and I, over the weekend, left a message with the Superintendent asking to speak with him regarding this.”
All requests to meet with Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Bob Fulton went ignored, according to Pickett who said he was finally able to meet with two other district officials who allowed he and his wife to review what happened through the school bus surveillance footage.
The severity of what happened didn’t really sink in until Pickett and his wife viewed the video footage from the bus that allegedly shows the aide punch their eight-year-old daughter twice in the head, all the while screaming profanities.
“The video shows her punching our daughter in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “Also, on top of it, they’re saying from the district that they can’t hear what the woman is saying, and that the bus driver didn’t know, but from the video and us watching the video, and I’m confident when you watch the video you’ll hear the same thing, you can hear very clearly what the lady is saying. She’s verbally assaulting our daughter and yelling at her.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett took his concerns to the Cape Henlopen School Board. He was cut off by Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
We have yet to receive a response from Dr. Myers.
Pickett says he received a plethora of praise for his restraint at the callous way the board treated him, but the issue dives much deeper than that and is deeply concerning.
“It’s funny, I’m getting a lot of respect for my restraint, and I am naturally a very mild-mannered person, anybody who knows me would probably say that, but I was in my seat and there’s a couple times you can hear me yelling and her saying ‘sir’ and the plan with all of this was not to make this some big known thing,” Pickett stressed. “When we originally went to the school district, we wanted help for our daughter and we wanted to make sure that this never happened again, we gave them time to do it, and the district failed on all accounts.”
Pickett, rightfully upset as he reflected on what transpired, questioned the moral and ethics of the school board as a result of how he was treated, specifically Dr. Alison Myers.
“They proved that they’re more interested in securing their six figure jobs than they are protecting the children that they’re mandated to protect,” Pickett said. “When I began the speech, I was pretty calm, I think I even joked with them in the very beginning, but this is a situation that is very troubling as a parent. Every time I talk about it, it reminds me that my child was punched by a member of the Cape Henlopen School District, and they’re doing nothing about it. So, to be cut off by a woman with a special education background, a woman who has her own children, and I’m sure she’s a wonderful mother, but she has proven that she doesn’t care about my kids and that tells me that she’s probably not in the position that she needs to be in.”
Pickett and his family are calling on the school board to investigate the incident and find out if this happened to their daughter more than the one time they’re aware of, and if the aide abused other children. So far, the district has refused to say whether or not they’re investigating.
We reached out to the Cape Henlopen School District and were issued the following response from Communications Coordinator, Stephanie DeMalto:
“In response to your May 13, 2022 email, you have requested information pertaining to the conduct of a former employee and related matters. We take the safety of all of our students very seriously and hold all of our employees to the highest of standards. The individual involved is no longer an employee of the District. Under Delaware law, even former employees have privacy rights, and thus we cannot provide further comment.“
In a follow-up response, we formally requested an interview with Superintendent Bob Fulton and are awaiting a response.
Delaware State Police released the identity of the bus aide who was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred on January 21, 2022 when Clar Ellen Branca, a now former bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District, struck an eight-year-old girl in the head on a school bus.
A warrant for Branca’s arrest was drafted on March 18 after the school resource officer at Milton Elementary School where the student attends reviewed the case with the Attorney General’s Office.
Branca turned herself in to State Police on March 21 and was charged with Offensive Touching and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both misdemeanors. The case is still pending adjudication at this time.
This remains a developing story that TV Delmarva continues to investigate.
The father of a child with down syndrome who attends Milton Elementary School is speaking out after his daughter was allegedly assaulted by a bus aide.
Ryan Pickett addressed the Cape Henlopen School Board on Thursday, April 28 where he spoke about an incident that occurred in January on a school bus involving his daughter who has down syndrome. He was granted three minutes to speak where he told board members how his daughter was reportedly punched by a bus aide and that district officials did not notify him or investigate the matter in a timely manner.
Pickett was dismayed to learn of the incident, not from district personnel, but rather from the police who called to notify him of what happened two weeks after the incident occurred.
“I came here today to share that my eight year old was physically assaulted by a district employee while riding the bus to school in January of this year, and to convey our concern over the lack of action taken by the leadership in the Cape Henlopen School District as a result,” Pickett told the board. “Two weeks after the incident in question my wife received a phone call from the State Police to inform us that our daughter was hit by a bus aide.”
After Pickett and his wife learned of what transpired, they immediately contacted the Cape Henlopen School District Offices and requested a meeting with leadership to discuss what happened and to find out why they were not notified.
“Shocked and devastated, we contacted district office and asked to meet with Superintendent Fulton. We were eager to meet and offered to do so at a time of their choosing,” Pickett said. “Despite being made aware of abuse of a child on his watch, Mr. Fulton refused to meet with my wife and I. I remain curious to know what was more important to Mr. Fulton than reported child abuse in the Cape Henlopen School District on that day.”
After it was clear Superintendent Bob Fulton would not meet with the family, Pickett says he was contacted by other officials in the district who set up a meeting where he was able to view footage from the bus that reportedly showed the employee physically punching his daughter.
“At the meeting, my wife and I watched the bus video in which the aide punched our child in the head twice,” Pickett stated. “We could also hear the verbal abuse the aide gave towards our daughter, despite the severity of the situation, the only assurance we were given was that the aide would never be on our child’s bus again. At the time of the meeting, the aide was still employed with the district. Let me be clear, there is a video of a Cape employee punching and verbally abusing our daughter with special needs.”
Around that time, Pickett was cut off by Cape Henlopen School Board President Dr. Alison Myers who said “sir, that’s your three minutes. Mr. Pickett, that’s your three minutes” to which Pickett responded by saying “I can finish here or with the local news” to which Dr. Myers responded by saying “that’s what you’re going to have to do sir, three minutes is all you have.”
Interestingly enough, Dr. Myers, according to her biography on the Cape Henlopen School District website, is a former special education teacher. TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree reached out to Dr. Myers in an email:
‘You cut him off right at 3 minutes, when the board can and has in the past extended time for sensitive issues like this, but yet you cut him off and were entirely unsympathetic to the issue he and his family are facing due to a lack of due diligence on the part of the school district. Seeing as you are a former special education teacher, how do you justify how you treated Mr. Pickett?‘
According to Pickett, the bus aide who assaulted his daughter was arrested and charged by Delaware State Police; however, it remains unclear at this time whether or not the employee in question is still employed with the district.
We still have not received a response from Dr. Myers or officials with the Cape Henlopen School District requesting additional information. TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree is set to meet with Ryan Pickett this weekend to hear the full story and further investigate the matter.
The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that damaged an unoccupied vehicle on Thursday night.
According to the Dover Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:54 p.m. as officers responded to the Capitol Green neighborhood for a report of shots fired.
Shortly thereafter, police say a 23-year-old male notified police that his vehicle had been struck by gunfire multiple times.
The vehicle was parked in the rear alley of the 400 Block of New Castle Avenue and was struck at least seven times.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police.
Delaware State Police are investigating after more than 100 bronze flower vases were stolen from plots at the Henlopen Memorial Cemetery in Milton.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, on the morning of May 2, troopers responded to Henlopen Memorial Park Cemetery in Milton regarding a theft complaint.
Police arrived and learned that over 100 bronze flower vases have been stolen from cemetery plots since 2021.
Troopers are asking that anyone who had a vase purchased and placed for a deceased relative or friend in Henlopen Memorial Park to contact Trooper First Class R. Prettyman of Troop 7 at 302-703-3322.
Anyone with information regarding these thefts are urged to contact police.
The City of Lewes has announced that its beaches will be unguarded this season as officials have been unable to recruit certified lifeguards.
TV Delmarva’s Rob Petree spoke to Lewes City Manager Ann Marie Townshend who said the city has went above and beyond to recruit lifeguards, but has ultimately been unable to attract the certified staff and as a result both Savannah Beach and Johnnie Walker Beach will be unguarded this season.
“We have been unable to recruit sufficient lifeguards to effectively guard the beaches,” Townshend said. “We only had two lifeguards returning from last year and, of those who applied this season, only one was certified.”
In past years, the City of Lewes has employed at least ten active lifeguards to protect and serve on the beaches. Last year, the city was short by two, and while they made due with what they could in 2021, many of their lifeguards left the town early to return to college.
City officials took several steps to try to recruit lifeguards ahead of this year’s season, including increasing the starting wage for their lifeguards from $13 an hour to $16, and calling around to other municipalities to see if they could spare some of their lifeguards to help out. Ultimately, all efforts fell short.
Lewes City Councilman Khalil Saliba issued the following statement to WGMD News where it appears that the ‘icing on the cake’ to this issue was when it was learned that their long-time lifeguard captain would not be returning this season.
“There has been an almost frantic effort to recruit more guards but will no luck,” Saliba said in the statement to WGMD. “Our Captain of nearly 18 years abruptly left for a new job which hurt as she was instrumental in recruitment. The worker shortage has even hit what used to be a very desirable summer job.”
The City is taking all available measures at this time to develop a communication strategy to ensure that the public is aware of that the beaches will be unguarded this season. Signage will be erected on the beach and public awareness efforts will be underway moving forward.
“It’s better to not do it than to do it poorly,” Townshend concluded. “Lives could be at risk.”
Dover Police are yet again investigating another shooting, this time involving a 23-year-old who was shot in the arm, marking the fourth person to be shot in the city in less than a week.
According to the Dover Police Department, the shooting occurred around 11:48 p.m., Wednesday when officers were called to the 100 Blocks of South New Street and South Queen Street for report of shots fired.
While checking the area, police say a 23-year-old male victim arrived at Bayhealth Kent Campus with a gunshot wound to his right forearm. The victim was uncooperative with detectives, providing multiple versions of the incident, but stating it occurred in the area of Reed Street, between South Bradford Street and South Governors Avenue.
Downtown surveillance video showed that no incident occurred in the area where the victim stated.
Surveillance showed that the victim was in the 100 Block of South New Street when an unknown black male runs into the area. At that time, several people were seen fleeing on foot, which is believed to be when shots were fired and the male victim was struck.
A 12-year-old male and a 17-year-old male were both shot and hospitalized Tuesday evening. Another person, a 27-year-old female, was shot in the leg in downtown Dover on Saturday, May 7.
Anyone with any information on these incidents are urged to contact police.
A 72-year-old New Castle woman was arrested on felony assault charges after police say she stabbed a person who tried to throw away her walker.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m., Tuesday at the Hollywood Motel on South Dupont Highway in New Castle.
Police arrived and learned that a 57-year-old victim was engaged in a verbal argument with 72-year-old Gloria Williams over a suspected theft, according to police. The argument escalated and turned physical.
After the two were separated, police say a short time later the victim tried to throw Williams’ walker in the dumpster. During this action, Williams allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the upper extremity. The victim was treated at an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
When police arrived, Williams reportedly still had the knife in her hand. The knife was recovered and she was taken into custody without incident.
Williams was charged with Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) and Assault 2nd Degree (Felony). She was arraigned and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution on $30,000 secured bond.
Top Stories: Georgetown Council approves tiny home proposal for the homeless. Two boys were shot and injured in a Dover shooting. And Biden’s job approval rating drops in Delaware.
Weather: An isolated sprinkle or shower may be possible for the rest of this evening as even more clouds begin to settle in. More gray and breezy conditions will be back on Thursday with rain developing during the overnight hours. Rain is in the forecast this weekend for the last hoorah for this coastal storm before much warmer and drier weather settles in.
Police are investigating after a 12-year-old and 17-year-old were shot Tuesday night in Dover.
According to the Dover Police Department, shortly before 9 p.m., Tuesday officers were called to the 400 Block of Barrister Place for a report of shots fired.
When officers arrived, several shell casings were located at the rear of a home.
While on-scene, police learned that a 12-year-old male and 17-year-old male had been shot.
The 17-year-old was flown to Christiana Hospital with a gunshot wound to the lower torso, and the 12-year-old was shot in the hand and remained in Dover for treatment. Both are expected to survive their injuries.
Police say both victims provided multiple and differing accounts of the incident.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police.
A Rehoboth teen was arrested on drug and weapons charges in Milton.
According to Delaware State Police, around 11:30 a.m., Monday troopers on patrol in the Milton area spotted a black Cadillac sedan traveling northbound on Coastal Highway south of Broadkill Road at a high rate of speed.
The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the operator and sole occupant, identified as 18-year-old Kyree Coxon, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
As police made contact with Coxon, troopers reportedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle’s interior.
Coxon was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A search of the Cadillac led to the discovery of approximately 64.47 grams of marijuana, a FHN 9-millimeter handgun, and over $1,100 in suspected drug proceeds.
Coxon was charged with Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony), Possession of Marijuana Other Than Personal Use Quantity, and numerous traffic offenses. He was arraigned and released on $8,500 unsecured bond.
Top Stories: A Millsboro man has died following a serious crash in Lewes. A Millsboro woman was arrested on assault charges after police say she fought a co-worker in the parking lot of a local nursing home. And DART First State is looking for bus drivers to help fill the demand for the busy busing season at the beach.
Weather: More cloudy and breezy conditions will continue into the overnight hours tonight. Similar ordeal once we get into Wednesday with more clouds, breezy conditions, and a cooler day overall. We will see that coastal low make a return towards the weekend with more rain chances but warmer weather is finally on the way towards the weekend.
Top Stories: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced a $141 million settlement with TurboTax. Delaware’s U.S. Senator Chris Coons speaks out against the possibility of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade. And Governor Carney Proclaims May 2022 as Trauma Awareness Month.
Weather: We are patiently awaiting the arrival of our long-duration late-season nor’easter moving into the region tonight. Expect heavy rainfall, gusty winds, scattered strong thunderstorms, and the primary threat being coastal flooding. These conditions will continue throughout the entire weekend but the good news is we have much drier and warmer weather ahead next week.
Top Stories: We sit down with a candidate running for the Smyrna School Board. Police are investigating after a vehicle was shot in Dover. And May Is Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month in Delaware.
Weather: Clouds will still be remaining in place as we head into the overnight hours tonight. We are continuing to watch out for the threat of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and coastal flooding concerns throughout the weekend all thanks to a late-season nor’easter.
Top Stories: Sussex County man sentenced to a hate crime. Dover Police investigate brawl that led to shots fired at Schutte Park. Dolly Parton is coming to Delaware.
Weather: we will still be under the impacts of a stationary boundary as we head into the overnight hours with showers developing just after midnight. We will see the sun return on Wednesday with very warm temperatures and the possibility of seeing an afternoon thunderstorm. We get a break from the precipitation on Thursday but there is the chance of a coastal storm to finish out the week.
A Sussex County man has been sentenced to two years in prison for a hate crime involving a neighbor.
James Raab, of Laurel, was sentenced on April 22 after pleading guilty to felony Hate Crime, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Aggravated Menacing, and Resisting Arrest.
Raab, 38, was arrested following investigation into an incident in which he threatened a neighbor with a knife while yelling racial slurs, according to the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.
“These crimes have the potential to shake entire communities and rob them of their sense of peace and security,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “We cannot allow racial, religious, or other hate-motivated crime to fester. I am grateful to the prosecutors in the Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust and Delaware State Police for working to ensure that hate has no safe quarter in this state.”
Raab has remained incarcerated since his arrest on May, 25, 2021. This sentence was secured by Deputy Attorney General David Skoranski with the assistance of DOJ Paralegal Trisha McGinnis following an investigation led by the Delaware State Police, Troop 5.
Governor John Carney, First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, and Dr. Annie Norman of the Delaware Libraries will welcome Dolly Parton on Thursday for a statewide celebration of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
In Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Delaware program, children ages birth to 5 years old receive a free book in the mail each month to inspire a love of reading.
Families can sign up for the Imagination Library on Delaware Libraries’ website: lib.de.us/imagination
Children whose parents enroll them with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through Delaware libraries receive one new book in the mail each month from birth until the child’s fifth birthday at no cost to the family, creating a personal library of as many as 60 books that can help form the foundation of a child’s early reading experience. Information and registration are available online through the Delaware Division of Libraries.
Governor Carney announced a pilot launch of the Imagination Library program in five Delaware school districts in his 2020 State of the State address. Beginning in February, the Division of Libraries partnered with 13 local public libraries to make the program available to families within the pilot districts. So far, more than 3,800 children have been enrolled in the program and received more than 16,000 books.
The Imagination Library program is also an important component of the First Chance Delaware initiative for children, led by First Lady Carney. The mission of First Chance Delaware includes promoting learning readiness through literacy and parent-child engagement.
This event will be livestreamed on Governor Carney’s Facebook page, YouTube, and de.gov/live.
A Dover man has been arrested on drug and weapons charges.
The Dover Police Department arrested 18-year-old Javian Scott on gun charges during a traffic stop on Saturday night, according to police. Officers stopped Scott in the area of Lincoln Street and Forrest Street for a motor vehicle violation around 10:58 p.m.
During the stop, police say they could smell a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle. During a search, they located 23 grams of marijuana, a loaded .45 caliber handgun under the driver seat, and a loaded revolver in a backpack inside the vehicle.
Scott was released after posting a $25,000 secured bond on the following charges: Possession of Firearm/Ammo by Person Prohibited (3x), Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon (2x), and Possession of Marijuana.
The Dover Police Department is investigating a large fight that resulted in shots being fired at Schutte Park on Saturday evening.
According to the Dover Police Department, the incident occurred 7:08 p.m. as officers were called to the park for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, police say a large uncooperative crowd was dispersing
Officers located multiple shell casings in the area and found that one vehicle was struck. No injuries were reported. It was learned that there was a large gathering/party in the park and that a fight occurred prior to shots being fired.
If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
A wanted Lincoln man was arrested on felony charges after police say he resisted arrested.
According to Delaware State Police, around 1:30 p.m., Sunday troopers on patrol witnessed 35-year-old Andrew White walking northbound on Greentop Road, south of Ross Road.
The trooper was familiar with White and knew that he had several active warrants for his arrest, according to police. A traffic stop was initiated and during the interaction, police say White fled the scene on foot.
After a brief foot pursuit, the trooper tried to take White into custody, but police say he resisted and had a physical altercation with the trooper.
White was successfully taken into custody and the trooper was not injured during the incident, but there was damage to his uniform.
White was charged with Resisting Arrest (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief, and Disorderly Conduct. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $2,400 secured bond.
Top Stories: A cloud of secrecy surrounds Smyrna School District. FOIA request filed as DelDOT remains silent on toll scandal. Clayton man arrested on child pornography charges.
Weather: A warm and sunny afternoon today will lead to an increase in clouds once we get into the overnight hours tonight. Tomorrow will be a few degrees colder with a persistent onshore breeze keeping our coastal location a little bit on the chilly side. Multiple rain chances are expected this week all the way into this weekend.
A Wilmington man was arrested on his 8th DUI charge in Lewes.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, around 1:59 p.m., Saturday a trooper on patrol observed a blue Ford Expedition traveling at a high rate of speed on northbound Coastal Highway in the area of Dartmouth Drive.
A traffic stop was initiated and the trooper made contact with the operator of the Ford, identified as 51-year-old Donald Sheldon. Upon contact with Sheldon, the trooper reportedly observed signs of impairment and a DUI investigation ensued.
Sheldon was subsequently taken into custody at the scene without incident. A computer inquiry revealed that Sheldon had been convicted for seven prior DUI offenses.
Sheldon was charged with Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony) and Speeding. He
was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $20,050 secured bond.
A cloud of secrecy looms over the Smyrna School District after their now former Superintendent Patrik Williams was reportedly fired over the weekend following an executive school board session that district officials have refused to comment on leaving the public to speculate.
Concerned parents, staff, and citizens in the Smyrna School District took to social media Saturday after the school board announced an emergency meeting Saturday morning with no details as to what the executive session pertained to. Following that meeting, it was learned that the district’s Superintendent Patrik Williams had been relieved of his duties.
TV Delmarva News Director Rob Petree reached out to the offices of the Smyrna School District first thing Monday morning and spoke to Andrea McCready, executive secretary to the superintendent, who initially refused to provide any information, forcefully saying “no comment.” After we pushed for additional information, reminding her how the public deserves answers, she said “you don’t have to get pushy” and confirmed to us that Williams was in fact no longer the district’s superintendent.
When asked what the reasoning was behind Williams’ departure, McCready refused to provide any information and instead directed us to Assistant Superintendent Deborah Judy who is now operating as the Acting Superintendent for the time being in light of Williams’ departure. A message was left with Judy’s office requesting more information.
While the district has been reluctant to provide any specifics surrounding Williams’ absence, it didn’t take us long to find numerous online petitions, some of which date back all the way to January of last year, demanding his resignation over a host of alleged misconduct issues that were raised by concerned parents in the district.
“He is on paid leave until he is formally removed,” one woman wrote online. “His voice is silenced. His years of bullying teachers, staff, family members, students, and taxpayers has ended.”
Allegations of misconduct were raised in an online petition demanding Williams’ resignation.
“Williams carried on a very public, divisive and aggressive twitter social media campaign from May until late Fall 2020. In one tweet, Mr. Williams even tweeted an emoji “hand raise” appearing to volunteer to be ‘part of the mob’ to attack a federal government building and duly elected official in our nation’s capitol,” the petition read.
Williams came under fire back in February after he defended a controversial book that was being used in the high school curriculum for an AP class that detailed graphic descriptions of sex, violence, and racism which at the time outraged parents.
The book titled “Song of Solomon” is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel that the district says represents “academic, cultural, and generational diversity.” In the book, which has been banned by numerous states, with others requiring parental permission prior to allowing a student to read it, contains graphic descriptions of sexual intercourse, laden with profanities, and racist, homophobic language.
Here are some excerpts from the book:
Williams defended the use of the book and issued the following statement to our news department which outraged parents who had called for it to be banned from the school’s curriculum:
“All of our AP courses offered at Smyrna High School are strictly voluntary, and students who sign up for them are introduced to postsecondary curricular content established by the College Board. Parents make the decision for their own students whether or not to enroll, and we are happy to accommodate their wishes,” Williams stated. “In short, there is no district requirement to take this particular course or any other AP course offered. Should any parent of a student enrolled in this particular course wish for his/her student to read an alternate work in lieu of Song of Solomon, all that is required is a simple request of the teacher to offer a substitution that remains consistent with the College Board’s curriculum.”
It remains unclear if the online petitions, or Williams’ handling of the book controversy, contributed to his abrupt departure. But, what is clear, is that for at least the past year a large group of parents and concerned citizens have been steadfast in their attempts to remove Williams as Superintendent.
At the time of publication, there still remains no official word on what the reasoning was behind Patrik Williams’ departure. This is a developing story and TV Delmarva News will bring you further details once they’re available.
BREAKING NEWS | Large-scale brush fire reported near Greenwood.
Top Stories: Virginia man killed in serious crash near Bridgeville. A Dover woman was arrested on robbery charges. Governor extends the emergency order for another 30 days.
Weather: Critical fire weather conditions continue throughout the afternoon and evening hours as we have another night of clear skies and chilly temperatures. Saturday we will finally be done with the windy conditions and will favor some even warmer temperatures as well. The rain chances return from Sunday through Wednesday with even warmer temperatures on the horizon.
Top Stories: Seaford woman arrested after police say she stabbed another woman. Sussex County pair wanted for vehicle thefts. Selbyville man arrested on drug charges.
Weather: critical fire weather remains a threat for the rest of this afternoon and a good chunk of this evening before the winds start calming down. Another chilly night in-store with an area of high pressure dominating our weather conditions. a warmer day is in store for Friday with a return of those winds. and a bigger warm-up on the way next week.
Governor John Carney, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) on Tuesday announced a $16 million investment to renovate and remodel Wharton Hall on the DSCYF campus.
The new facilities will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA was championed in Congress by members of Delaware’s congressional delegation – Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester – and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.
“Our Children’s Department showed up every day during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve our community. These ARPA investments will help us support the work these public servants do every day and address a gap in behavioral health services,” said Governor Carney. “Thank you to Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Representative Blunt Rochester for their advocacy efforts on the American Rescue Plan Act that will help Delaware recover from this pandemic and make our community stronger.”
The goal of this investment is to add more in-state crisis beds and create a state-of-the-art, trauma-informed behavioral health diagnostic center to meet the complex needs of adolescents.
“Investing in our children means we’re investing in our future,” said Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “Thanks to funds from the American Rescue Plan, which we voted to pass in March of last year, the State of Delaware will be able to completely renovate Wharton Hall on the Delaware Youth and Family Center campus. With these improvements, Wharton Hall will once again be able to provide much-needed support for Delaware children and their families.”
“Our children are faced with challenges every single day that affect their mental and physical health. Since the pandemic, mental health related visits for teenagers has increased 31 percent and suspected suicide attempts has increased 39 percent,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RNC, FAAN. “Ensuring we have a top-tier equitable system in place to support the behavioral health needs of our youth, especially when they are most vulnerable and in crisis, is one of the most critical investments we can make. These enhancements, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, will help us deliver quality care to make Delaware families stronger and healthier. I am grateful for the leadership of our Governor and congressional delegation.”
“One in three high school students are reporting that they feel persistently sad and hopeless,” said Secretary of DSCYF Josette Manning. “This adolescent diagnosis center and expansion of crisis beds will allow us to provide better services to youth and adolescents while we keep them closer to their homes and closer to their communities, with targeted interventions to help stabilize them so that, ideally, they can return to their homes and their communities sooner. Thank you to the Governor, Lt. Governor, Federal Delegation, and the General Assembly for their support.”
Top Stories: Tiny home proposal to help homeless considered in Georgetown. Frankford man arrested on drug charges in Millsboro. Gas prices soar overnight, rising 20 cents in Delaware.
Weather: We are patiently awaiting the arrival of a cold front to move through over the next several hours giving us the chance of some scattered rain showers and maybe an isolated thunderstorm. Cooler weather will filter in behind this front tonight and we will see an increase in those winds over the next day or two. A slow and steady warm-up is ahead towards this weekend with more rain chances on the way early next week.
A Harrington man has been arrested on kidnapping charges.
According to the Harrington Police Department, on Monday, officers were dispatched to a business in the 16000 block of S. DuPont Highway for reports of a domestic disturbance.
Responding officers were advised by witnesses and also were able to observe on security cameras in the store that a male suspect entered the store and engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim, according to police.
The victim then fled to the office of the business where the male suspect followed her, grabbed her by the arm, and began pulling her toward the exit. As the victim struggled to get away, police say the suspect picked her up and carried her from the store and threw her into a vehicle.
The vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction.
Through investigative measures, officers were able to identify Antonio Boyer, 23, of Harrington, as the suspect.
Police responded to the last known address for Boyer and located the vehicle. He was taken into custody without incident and the victim was located in good condition.
Boyer was charged with Kidnapping Second Degree (C Felony), Unlawful Imprisonment Second Degree (A Misdemeanor), Offensive Touching (Misdemeanor), Criminal Trespass Third Degree (Violation), and Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor). He was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $7001 secured bond.
Top Stories: UPDATE: Dover woman’s missing husband located in Arizona. Farmers fight proposed. solar farm near Smyrna. Harrington man arrested on drug, weapons charges in Lewes
Weather: Influences of a pesky stationary boundary will keep the clouds in the region tonight along with the shot of some patchy fog for our coastal locations. We will see a return of that sunshine tomorrow out ahead of a cold front that will be sparking some showers in the afternoon and evening hours. behind that front will bring in some below-average temperatures and some wind to finish out the week.
A Dover woman is speaking out, pleading for her husband to come back home after he left over a week ago and has not been seen or heard from since.
What was initially perceived as a spat became much more, according to Jamie Clark who reached out to our news department and tells us that her husband, Charles stormed out and left their house on the evening of Wednesday, April 13 after the two got into a dispute over feeding their 9-month-old twins.
“He walked out of the house Wednesday night,” Jamie explained. “We got into a little disagreement, ya know, about babies, babies didn’t want to eat for him, typical married stuff. He stormed out and he pulled into the driveway Thursday morning first thing. He was drunk, he does have a drinking problem, he did a stint in DBH [Dover Behavioral Health Facility] back years before we got together, either 2014 or 2015, and while there he was diagnosed as bipolar disorder.”
After he pulled into the driveway on the morning of Thursday, April 14, Jamie says her husband stated that he was going to get something to eat at Waffle House, and then he left. She has not seen or heard from him since and worries for his safety.
“He said he was going to Waffle House and he’ll be back,” Jamie said. “He turned his phone off and nobody ever heard from him since. He turned his phone off and nobody ever heard from his since. Everybody has tried calling him, straight to voicemail, I can’t ping the phone, he’s on my cellphone account.”
Jamie says she reached out to Dover Police who investigated and learned that her husband was at the Days Inn where he reportedly checked out the Friday morning before Easter. Since he left voluntarily, police have not yet issued a Gold Alert, according to Jamie who went on to tell us of a message her husband sent to some friends before he left that said “the worst is yet to come.”
“He sent out a message to a bunch of his close friends Wednesday night,” Jamie said. “The message wasn’t released right away, it wasn’t until his parents started reaching out to his friends. In the message, it was just a bunch of rambling, but you could tell he was drunk, and in the message it specifically said ‘the worst is yet to come.’ So, to me, with him being back to drinking heavily like he did years and years prior, and with a bipolar disorder, that to me is very alarming and very frightening. Again, nobody has heard from him.”
Fighting back tears, Jamie begged for her husband to return home.
“Charlie, just come home for the kids,” Jamie stressed. “The babies know you’re gone, they miss you, the girls know you’re gone, they miss you, pick up the phone and call somebody. You need to come home. If you don’t want to call me, call your parents, call your sister, call somebody. Let us know where you are.”
Jamie says she hasn’t got any sleep since her husband left and that her whole family is sick over the situation and just wants Charles to come home.
“I’ve been trying to keep myself going the best I can for the kids,” Jamie said. “I’ve had a lot of help over the last week between my parents and his parents. Everybody’s been checking in on me, I have an amazing support system, but it’s been hard. It has been. My oldest, she’s taking it extremely hard.”
Jamie urges anyone who may think they saw her husband or anybody who knows of his whereabouts to contact her at (302) 423-0736.
Top Stories: Half a dozen arrested in Harrington gang investigation. Growing need for bus passes in Sussex County. 23-year-old arrested on murder charges in Dover.
Weather: A warm-weather weekend is ahead with well above average temperatures and dry conditions. But a big cool down is on the way next week.
Six people have been arrested after an investigation into a wanted individual.
Delaware State Police say on April 20, they responded to the area of Mill Street in Harrington to arrest 22-year-old Khaliell Pitts of Felton for a probation violation. Pitts allegedly fled on foot when contacted by officers, he was arrested a short pursuit later without incident and reportedly has about 1.5 grams of marijuana.
Police say 23-year-old Marc Johnson of Milford, 24-year-old Jackie Mitchell of Dover, 20-year-old Jajuan Reid of Harrington, 21-year-old Tyler Ellingsworth-Conde of Viola, and 24-year-old Laquan Johnson of Wilmington were all with Pitts.
Police say Johnson also fled on foot at was apprehended and found a loaded handgun on him.
Officers also uncovered an additional 123.94 grams of marijuana on Ellingsworth-Conde and Reid had 4.5 grams of marijuana on him.
The following charges were levied on the suspects:
Khaliell Pitts
Illegal Gang Participation (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of Marijuana
Pitts was issued a $6,001 secured bond and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution.
Marc Johnson
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Illegal Gang Participation (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Possession of Marijuana
Marc Johnson was issued a $43,000 cash bond and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution.
Tyler Ellingsworth-Conde
Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
Illegal Gang Participation (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Ellingsworth-Conde was released on his own recognizance.
Jackie Mitchell
Illegal Gang Participation (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Mitchell was issued a $15,000 cash bond and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution.
Laquan Johnson
Illegal Gang Participation (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Laquan Johnson was issued a $15,000 cash bond and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution.
Jajuan Reid
Possession of Marijuana
Reid was issued a civil citation and released.
Top Stories: Laurel woman speaking out after her car was broken into, sentimental necklace stolen. A Millsboro man was wanted on robbery charges at a Starbucks. Delaware Office of Highway Safety launched a motorcycle safety campaign.
Weather: Clouds will finally begin to clear out later tonight with an even nicer Friday ahead. Not to mention a very warm weekend in store with plenty of sunshine.
A Laurel woman is speaking out after her car was broken into and her late brother’s necklace was stolen.
Angel Oliver says her heart dropped when she woke up Tuesday morning and learned that a man had broke into her car the night before and stole a gold necklace that belonged to her brother who passed away seven years ago.
“The morning after it happened, I got on Facebook,” Angel said. “My neighbor had posted a video about a man that was trying to get into his car and he said for all the neighbors to check their cameras. I checked the front cameras, and sure enough, 12:45, got a hit, watched the video and there’s a man who walks right up to my car and opens the drivers door and gets into my car. And you can see him going through stuff in my car.”
Angel said as soon as she saw what happened on her surveillance video, she realized that she had left her late brother’s gold necklace in a cup holder inside her vehicle. Fighting back tears, she explained to us what the necklace means to her and her family.
“He’s [Angel’s late brother] been gone seven years and I never take it off,” Angel explained. “I take it off to get in the shower, or if I’m doing something where I don’t want to break it, I take it with me, it just happened to be in the car the one time I forgot to lock my car, I always lock my car, always.”
The necklace is the only thing left that Angel has of her late brother. She pleaded with the suspect directly, hoping he see’s the interview, urging him to return it, vowing not to pursue anything any further if he just returns the necklace.
“That’s the only thing I have from him,” Angel stressed. “I just want, if you can just leave it somewhere, I won’t show your face, I won’t show anything, I won’t pursue this anymore, but I’m going to continue to pursue this until I find you, to at least find out what you did with it to see if I can get it back, but no questions asked if you return this to me I won’t pursue this anymore. I just want the necklace.”
The same suspect, who appears to have been carrying a backup at the time of the incident, was also caught on another resident’s camera, just a few houses down on 6th street in Laurel.
Laurel Police are aware of the incident and are investigating.
Millsboro Police are looking for a man they say is the suspect of a robbery.
Brandon Staats is accused of robbing the Starbucks in the 28000 block of Dupont Blvd in Millsboro on Thursday (4/20). According to police, Staats stole an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene and rammed a bystander’s vehicle when they attempted to intervene. Police also accuse Staats of dragging an employee across the parking lot several feet, resulting in minor injuries to that person.
Staats is wanted for 2nd-degree Robbery, leaving the scene of a property collision, driving while suspended or revoked and reckless driving.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Millsboro Police at 302-934-8174 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Top Stories: Two arrested on drug charges in Milford. New Jersey man charged with indecent exposure in Newark. Governor Carney announces staffing changes.
Weather: High pressure begins to settle in keeping the warmer temperatures around but will see an increase in clouds later tonight. Warmer weather is on the way this weekend as well.
Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced that Jonathan Starkey, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, will leave the Office of the Governor early next month to join Newark-based private student lender Sallie Mae as Director of Corporate Communications.
“Jon has been a core member of our team since Day 1,” said Governor Carney. “His experience and strategic advice were critical in helping us navigate through a long list of challenges over the past 5 and a half years, and I’m especially grateful for his leadership in driving our communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jon’s discipline and focus around defining and implementing our Administration’s priorities have helped us follow through on our commitments to the people we represent. Most important of all, Jon has served as a sounding board and advisor on the many difficult decisions we’ve had to make during my time in office. Jon’s willingness and ability to deliver honest feedback and straightforward advice, always with a sense of humor, will be missed.”
Emily David Hershman, currently the Director of Engagement & Special Projects, will take on the role of Director of Communications and serve as the Office of the Governor’s main point of contact for the media.
Jessica Borcky Weinberg, currently the Deputy Communications Director/Digital Director, will take on the new role of Director of Digital Government & Senior Advisor to the Governor, responsible for coordinating digital government activities across cabinet agencies, and creating content to communicate Governor Carney’s priorities to the public.
“Jess and Emily have been critical members of our team for years as we’ve navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and engaged with Delawareans on any number of issues from education to the economy and public health,” said Governor Carney. “They share an incredible work ethic and a dedication to public service. I’m confident that Jess and Emily are the right people for the job. And I know they’ll step up in their new roles and continue to serve our state well.”
Top Stories: Delawareans urge DPH not to institute another mask mandate. One was arrested, and one was sought in Laurel theft investigation. Compassionate Hearts holds event to benefit veterans.
Weather: Breezy and chilly conditions continue into the overnight hours tonight. Warm temperatures are in store for Wednesday before a bigger warm-up is on the way this weekend.
Two men were arrested after police say a traffic stop turned up drugs in Milford.
According to the Milford Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., April 11, as an officer was conducting a uniformed patrol in the area of N. Walnut St. and Buccaneer Blvd. when he observed a white Chrysler 300 with dark window tint.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle did not have a tint waiver, at which time police say a traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as 19-year-old James Eley, of Milford, with passenger 21-year-old Tyone Matthews, of Dover.
As officers made contact with Eley, an odor of marijuana was found emanating from the vehicle, and both occupants were removed. Officers located large zip lock bags containing a total of 97.5 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a black smith and Wesson hand gun under the passenger seat.
Both parties were searched and Matthews was found to have oxycodone pills and large sum of currency on his person, according to police. Eley and Mathews were arrested and transported to the Milford Police Department. Warrants for both men were sent to a Justice of the Peace Court and approved.
Eley was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia not related to personal quantity use (marijuana), and failure to have insurance identification. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to The Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $10,500.00 secured bail.
Matthews was charged with Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of possess purchase, own or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Matthews was arraigned and committed to The Sussex Correction Institution in lieu of $55,000 secured bail.
One suspect was arrested and police are searching for a second wanted in connection with the theft and sale of a stolen trailer in Laurel.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, on March 28, troopers responded to the Accurate Pest Control business on Sussex Highway in Laurel for reports that a vehicle trailer had been stolen.
The ensuing investigation revealed that two suspects had stolen a Sure Trac trailer on March 26, according to police. The stolen trailer was later located on March 28 in Seaford after the suspects sold it to a third party.
Through investigative measures, police say it was determined that the two suspects were 29-year-old Jaread Mears and 39-year-old Chad Mitchell, both of Laurel, Delaware.
Mears was apprehended by Georgetown Police on April 15 after police say he tried to flee from officers on foot. He was charged with Theft Over $1,500 (Felony), Selling Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony), Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony), and Criminal Trespass Third Degree. He was arraigned and released on $6,050 unsecured bond.
Mitchell has yet to be located and has an active warrant for the same charges. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact police.
Top Stories: A fire causes over 1 million in damage to multiple homes in Dewey Beach. A man was shot in both legs outside Irish Mike’s in Dover. 17-year-old was killed in a serious crash near Lewes.
Weather: A coastal storm is beginning to develop this afternoon and evening bringing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and coastal flooding concerns.
A Lincoln man is behind bars after police say he stole a car and led them on a chase through Rehoboth.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 5:10 p.m., Saturday as troopers responded to the 20,000 block of Coastal Highway in Rehoboth for a theft in progress.
A white male suspect was spotted going through vehicles on the property and was confronted by a witness, according to police. The suspect then fled towards the Loft apartments across the highway and located a 2006 Infiniti M35 running in the rear of the apartment complex.
Police say the suspect then entered the vehicle belonging to a 21-year-old male victim. As the first trooper arrived on scene, he reportedly witnessed the victim being dragged as he was attempting to open the driver side door to stop the suspect from driving away.
The trooper activated his emergency lights and sirens and tried to stop the suspect, but he fled in the stolen vehicle. A pursuit ensued onto westbound Lewes-Georgetown Highway where the suspect allegedly tried to strike a trooper who was in the process of deploying stop sticks.
The pursuit continued to the area of Route 30 and Reynolds Pond Road where a trooper successfully deployed stop sticks disabling the stolen car. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old William Tatman, was taken into custody without further incident.
Tatman has been charged with Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)- 2 counts, Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony)- 2 counts, Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony), Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony), Theft Under $1,500- 3 counts, Resisting Arrest, and Numerous Traffic Violations. He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $146,353.00 cash bond.
A 29-year-old man has been hospitalized after he was shot in both legs outside Irish Mike’s bar in Dover.
According to the Dover Police Department, shortly before 1 a.m., Saturday officers were called to the area of Irish Mike’s bar on Loockerman Street after receiving reported of shots fired. When officers arrived, they located a 29-year-old male victim in front of 8 Loockerman Street (Citizen’s Bank) with gunshot wounds to both upper legs.
Officers immediately rendered aid to the victim until emergency medical personnel arrived and transported him to Bayhealth Kent Campus where he remains hospitalized.
Officers located a trail of blood from the front sidewalk of Irish Mike’s to where the victim was located in front of Citizen’s Bank. Video surveillance showed a large disorderly crowd on South Bradford Street, just north of W. Loockerman Street. Police say the crowd dispersed quickly along with a small group of people in front of Irish Mikes, which may have been a result of shots being fired.
During the incident, the victim was spotted running away in the direction of Citizen’s Bank where he was found by officers.
If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
A 17-year-old Middletown teen has died and several more were injured in a serious crash near Lewes.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the crash occurred around 2:10 p.m., Friday as a 2012 Honda CR-V was traveling eastbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), approaching the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive.
At the same time, police say a 2009 Ram 1500 was traveling westbound on Lewes-Georgetown Highway, crossing the intersection at Ebb Tide Drive. A non-contact vehicle was stopped eastbound waiting to turn left onto Ebb Tide Drive. A second non-contact vehicle was also slowing to a stop behind that vehicle.
The driver of the Honda failed to see the stopped traffic ahead, according to police, and in an attempt to avoid a collision, swerved left into the westbound lane.
The Ram also swerved towards the shoulder, to avoid the Honda, but the front of both vehicles struck in a near-head-on collision. After impact the Honda overturned and struck a utility pole before coming to rest off the roadway. The Ram came to rest in the same area as the impact.
There were five occupants inside of the Honda: An 18-year-old male of Bear, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; A 17-year-old female of Bear, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries; An 18-year-old female of Wilmington, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition; A 16-year-old female of Middletown, DE was flown to Christiana Hospital in critical condition; A 17-year-old male of Middletown, DE was transported to Beebe Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The driver of the Honda has not been confirmed. This remains an active and on-going investigation.
The 77-year-old male operator of the Ram was treated and released at an area hospital for minor injuries.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.
Fire crews are currently battling a large-scale blaze that tore through several homes early Saturday morning in Dewey Beach.
Crews responded around 3 a.m. for reports of a residential structure fire involving multiple houses in the 1900 block of Bayard Avenue in Dewey Beach.
Crews from Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Indian River, Milton, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Slaughter Beach, and Ellendale are currently operating on the scene.
This is a developing story and details are limited at this time. There’s no word yet on what caused the fire, or if anyone was injured.
Governor John Carney on Thursday signed House Bill 360 that will send $300 in direct payments to Delaware taxpayers and adults. The bipartisan tax rebate legislation, which will provide a total of $600 for married couples, is intended to help counter the impact of inflation on Delaware families.
Checks will be issued by the end of May to Delawareans who already filed their 2020 personal income tax returns.
“Delaware families are dealing with higher costs at the grocery store and the gas pump,” said Governor Carney. “Every taxpayer I’ve ever talked to expects us to manage their money in a way that’s responsible and sustainable over the long term. These direct payments to Delaware families are part of a broader, responsible budget proposal that will invest in education, our economy, and Delaware communities, and increase our reserves to prepare our state for the future.”
“The Delaware General Assembly and Governor John Carney have stepped up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to help our communities weather the economic impact of the worst public health crisis in generations,” said Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend. “We voted to raise the minimum wage, exempted Delawareans and local businesses from state unemployment taxes, increased access to primary care and, today, passed legislation to create a paid family and medical leave insurance program in the First State. Now, we are putting money back in the hands of taxpayers at a time when they are facing higher costs for groceries, fuel and other household bills. I am particularly grateful to my colleagues for working to ensure we are extending the same relief to retirees and people who may have been unemployed in 2020 and most likely need this assistance the most.”
“While our economic recovery has been strong in many ways, it has also slammed residents with new challenges of increasing costs in almost every facet of their life. Residents have seen increased costs at grocery stores and at the gas pump, but fortunately, we as a state are in a position to provide some assistance,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst. “Our record surplus has allowed us to provide direct relief to every taxpayer and adult resident in the state. These rebates are one way we can help offset residents’ recent hardships and ease the burden many are facing. I’m looking forward to seeing the first checks go out to residents in the coming weeks.”
“With prices of gasoline, food, and other necessities continuing to rise, the General Assembly needed to act quickly. I’m proud of the work each of the caucuses in the legislature accomplished to provide much needed relief to Delawareans,” said Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker.
“This rebate will return approximately $230 million to Delaware citizens,” said State House Minority Leader Danny Short. “My members believe this initiative should be the first significant step in a process to better balance the cost of providing state services and easing the tax burden on all Delawareans.”
Harrington and Farmington Fire crews responded to a fire just after midnight on Wednesday morning.
The fire occurred in the 23000 block of South DuPont Highway. When crews arrived, the home was engulfed in flames with dark smoke billowing from the roof of the home.
It took crews several minutes to aggressively put out the fire. No injuries were reported. A cause to the fire has not been released at this time.
Photos are courtesy of Harrington and Farmington Fire Companies.
Georgetown State Senator Brian Pettyjohn, along with members of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information, held a webinar update on broadband internet access in Sussex and Kent Counties.
According to Jason Clarke with DTI, more than 11,000 homes and businesses lack high speed internet. So on March 17, Comcast, Mediacom and Verizon were awarded a combined $56 million to build infrastructure Methenolone Enanthate for sale to reach every home and business within those rural and underserved areas.
Funding comes from the $110 million ARPA act and CARES relief funding. The build-out timeline is 24 to 48 months out and will also provide broadband services to over 25,000 low-income families, with the goal to create digital equity for all students and schools.
Now Mediacom has come under fire recently, and during the webinar, for its outages in parts of Sussex County recently. Clarke says the company, which is getting $11 million in funding, plans to address the issue.
Delaware State Police Sergeant Gary Fournier of Delaware State Police Troop 3 Patrol was recently recognized by Special Olympics Delaware as the recipient of the 2022 Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.
The Torch Runner of the Year award is the most prestigious honor presented to a law enforcement officer who supports the ideals, values, and principles of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics movement.
Sergeant Fournier received this award at a ceremony held on April 12, 2022, for his extensive involvement with Special Olympics Delaware (SODE). Over 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier began volunteering with Special Olympics Delaware as a recruit trooper. However, his passion for this program started as a young child growing up in New York.
Sergeant Fournier has fond memories of attending Special Olympic competitions to watch his cousin participate in various events. As a result, when he had the chance to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run as a Recruit Trooper in the Delaware State Police Training Academy, he did so without hesitation.
Since his initial Torch Run approximately 25 years ago, Sergeant Fournier’s involvement has expanded in positions held and time spent volunteering with Special Olympics. In 2012, he became a member of the Delaware Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Executive Committee and served in Kent County as a fundraiser and leg coordinator for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. In addition, Sergeant Fournier used his experience as a Delaware State Police Public Information Officer to ensure messaging related to the Torch Run events, activities, and purpose was effectively communicated to the community and media.
In addition, as the Delaware State Police Motorcycle Supervisor, Sergeant Fournier has coordinated motorcycle escorts for several SODE events, including the Torch Run, Ride to the Tide, and Truck Convoy events. He is also involved as a volunteer and participant in events such as Dodgeball Madness, Over the Edge, 5k Run to the Plunge, and the Polar Bear Plunge. In 2019, through his work with the Special Olympics of Delaware was awarded the honor of representing Delaware in the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Final Leg at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
At the 2022 Summer Games Opening Ceremony, Sergeant Fournier will be presenting the “Flame of Hope” to the Athlete of the Year, Steve Dagg. It will be one more opportunity for Sergeant Fournier to present an athlete with a symbol of accomplishment, as he has done numerous times. Special Olympics Delaware credits Sergeant Fournier’s efforts over the past 25 years for what contributed to him winning the title of 2022 “Winnie Spence Torch Runner of the Year.”
Congratulations, Sergeant Fournier, for your accomplishment, and thank you for proudly representing the Delaware State Police.
Top Stories: Delaware State Police investigate shots fired at a Lincoln home. Delaware saw an increase in suicide while the national average decreased. DMV on the GO launches with selected locations statewide.
Weather: Extremely mild temperatures will remain until Thursday as we have the chance of some scattered thunderstorms by the afternoon hours.
Delaware State Police are investigating after a home was shot up in Lincoln.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, on Tuesday troopers responded to a residence in the 10000 block of Dupont Boulevard for a report of shots fired. The investigation revealed that on April 11th, around 10 p.m., a 38-year-old female was inside of the home when she heard gunshots outside.
After further investigation the following morning, police say the resident discovered multiple bullet holes in the exterior of the home and in a vehicle parked outside. In addition, there was an 18-year-old male and two juveniles inside the home at the time of the shooting. No one was injured.
At this time there is no suspect information or surveillance images available.
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit is currently investigating this incident. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective D. Yencer by calling 302-752-3791 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Top Stories: Laurel Police investigating a bowling alley bar shooting. Gas prices dip a little bit in Delaware. Update on the subway attack in NYC.
Weather: Mild conditions this afternoon will give way to some increasing clouds by Wednesday morning. Exceptionally warm temperatures are expected for Wednesday well into the 80s.
April is Earth Month, and Governor John Carney joined volunteers, representatives of DNREC and the Department of Agriculture to kick off the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative, or TEDI, in Felton on Monday.
The initiative was announced in 2021 to plant one million trees, one for every Delaware resident, across the state.
Governor Carney says the initiative will not only benefit generations to come, but trees are a valuable tool to help reduce our carbon footprint and accomplish a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26% by 2025. Trees also provide a buffer zone for low-lying coastal areas and waterways.
Delawareans who plant a tree can contribute to the data on the state’s TEDI online tracker, which is at de.gov/tedi. The site not only tracks the number of trees planted in the state, but helps with volunteering events and opportunities.
So far, over 50,000 trees have been planted.
A massive manhunt is underway after a suspect opens fire in an underground subway station this morning in Brooklyn.
Footage of the attack was posted to Instagram, some of it too gruesome to show. As of this report, the NYPD and Fire Department says 13 people have been injured in the attack at the 36th Street Station in Sunset Park.
Several witnesses on Instagram and other social media sites reported that a suspect wearing what appeared to be an MTA uniform and gas mask threw smoke bombs on the train and opened fire.
All trains were halted as law enforcement sweep them for possible explosives and search for the suspect.
UPDATE: In a press conference, law enforcement officials say 16 people were injured. 10 people were treated for gunshot wounds, 5 of those are in critical but stable condition.
This is a very fluid and developing story. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva and NewsNet for additional updates as they come.
What seemed like a never-ending spike in gas prices to start spring seems to be trending downwards now.
According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, today’s average across Delaware is at $3.95 a gallon, down 12-cents from a week ago. Some of the area is seeing prices well below that in Sussex County.
Triple-A says the reason for the decrease is due to the price of oil remaining below $100 per barrel and the International Energy Agency’s decision to release 120 million barrels from its emergency stockpiles. This also includes 60 million barrels from the United States. It’s the second coordinated release of reserves in just over a month due to the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.
A dispute between two neighbors led to the arrest of both after they opened fire on each other outside their homes in Millsboro.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 6:42 p.m., Saturday when troopers responded to reports of a shooting in the 28000 block of Mount Joy Road.
The investigation determined 36-year-old Curtis Collick, and 47-year-old Clayton Sample, both of Millsboro, who are neighbors, were involved in a verbal dispute outside their homes on Mount Joy Road.
The argument escalated and both men fired multiple gunshots at each other, according to police. Curtis was struck one time in the lower torso area and fled in a vehicle prior to the arrival of police.
Troopers responding to the scene spotted Curtis’ vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted.
EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released. Clayton was uninjured and taken into custody without incident at the scene and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4.
Curtis was charged with Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), and Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony). He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $152,000.00 cash bond.
Clayton was charged with Assault First Degree (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $130,000.00 cash bond.
Pittsburg Steelers quarterback and former Ohio State standout Dwayne Haskins was killed in a roadside accident in Florida this morning, he was 24.
According to ESPN, who was first to report the story, Haskins was struck by a vehicle while training with other quarterbacks and running backs in South Florida. There are no other details on what happened at this time.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin released a statement, saying he was devastated by the news.
“He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken,” Tomlin says.
Haskins was a quarterback for Ohio State, famously fulfilling a viral video when he was a kid visiting Ohio State and saying he would play for the Buckeyes. He did in 2016 through 2019 and was a Rose Bowl MVP and first-team All Big Ten. He was drafted by the Washington Commanders and later landed a backup roll in Pittsburgh.
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has also released a statement.
This is a working story and we will update as new info is released.
Two men have been arrested for the shooting death of a 49-year-old Laurel man on Thursday.
Delaware State Police say they responded to the 18000 block of Laurel Road just after midnight on reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
An investigation determined that the victim had gotten into an altercation with 18-year-old Josiah Garrison of Denton, MD and 21-year-old Ramon Duker of Millsboro. Police say after the victim was shot in the altercation, the men allegedly held an acquaintance of the victim at gunpoint to drive away from the scene.
Police apprehended the suspects after they went to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes to treat an injury.
Duker and Garrison face several charges, including:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Kidnapping Second Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy First Degree (Felony)
Both suspects have been arraigned and lodged at SCI on $1,146,000 cash bond. Delaware State Police are asking any potential witnesses to contact them at 302-741-2821 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Top Stories: DelDOT remains silent as more and more Delawareans come forward over toll issues. Lt. Governor’s Challenge in search of nominees.
Weather: Sunshine this afternoon may give way to a few more isolated showers and maybe even a stray storm. Some of which may methandienone dose contain some small hail.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) remains silent, refusing to acknowledge the issue with their toll system as hundreds of Delawareans come forward who received false violations.
TV Delmarva News has been inundated with interview requests from dozens of residents across the state who received toll violations after traveling through the Biddle’s Corner Toll Plaza in New Castle County when they had a working E-ZPass with active funds in their account.
Following the publishing of our report on Thursday, our social media pages were flooded with hundreds of comments from Delawareans who received false toll violations, including Megan Brown, of Newark, who has been dealing with this issue for at least the past year. She’s now speaking out, demanding DelDOT do something to resolve the issue once and for all.
“It’s been going on at least a year now,” Brown said. “I was randomly getting these violations in the mail and I know that I had my E-ZPass, I know it was funded, I know it was in my car, and the one thing that stuck out to me is that I would go one-way down to the beach and then come back, and they would only send me a violation for one direction.”
Most recently, Brown said she received eight more of the false violations, totaling close to a thousand dollars. She was told by DelDOT that she must appeal all of them while having issues online dealing with the process.
“It was time consuming to fill out the form and then waste the stamp to put it in the mail, everything, but most recently I just got eight of them at one time in the mail from last summer too, so number one, I don’t even remember the times going, and when you add them up they’re asking for almost eight hundred to a thousand dollars.”
While initially the issue appeared to span over the course of at least the past six months, we are now receiving additional reports of false violations dating back over the course of the past two years for some residents.
TV Delmarva News Director & Reporter Rob Petree raised these concerns directly to DelDOT’s Community Relations Director, Charles McLeod, who refused to acknowledge the issue and repeatedly requested that everyone who raises theses concerns contact customer service. Our interview request was then denied.
“We encourage them to contact customer service,” McLeod stated in an email response. “We will be glad to investigate the issue with the individuals but won’t be providing any interviews at this time.”
Everyone we have interviewed and spoke to who has been impacted by this issue has already reached out to DelDOT customer service to no avail, some of whom have already had their false toll violations sent to collections, including Adam Pritchett, of Camden, who said DelDOT did nothing to resolve the issue, all the while knowing that it wasn’t his fault but rather an error on their end, and still nothing was done.
“It’s been a long stream of this,” Pritchett said. “They told me it was my transponder, so I invested in four new transponders for my vehicles, and then I’d go through there and it would say ‘good to go’ every time, and then I would get notices in the mail that I had ran through the violation and it would show a picture of my tag. And I’m like ‘why are they sending me notices’ I’m an E-ZPass account holder, it should be real simple. It’s happen multiple times and I’ve even been taken to collections because I can’t even resolve the issue when I call customer service.”
Kent County resident Matt Burge works in New Castle County and has to take the toll through Biddle’s Corner Toll Plaza daily. He says, like so many others, he’s received multiple violations when he had a working E-ZPass with active funds in his vehicle.
“That shouldn’t be an issue because my transponder is linked to a tag, and we get the money withdrawn into the E-ZPass monthly, it constantly refills,” Burge stated. “My thing is, the notice I just got was from 2/21/22 and I just got it two, three weeks ago. Why did it take a week and a half to get to me, and then it was supposed to be in by April 4th.”
Burge was very frustrated and said something needs to be done, calling out officials at DelDOT, saying they need to acknowledge the issue publicly and take steps to resolve it.
“Just do your job,” Burge stressed. “It’s not that hard, get the facts straight. From what I’ve been told they have people that cross-reference the tags with transponders, so if that’s the case then somebody’s not doing their job because I never should have got a fine.”
Some residents, including Sherry Steller, of Smyrna, have received dozens of false violations and are now speaking out, demanding DelDOT take action to resolve the issue.
“As of today, I have 17 more coming today,” Sherry said. “Once I add the 17 in today, I’ll be at 78 toll violations. I went down to E-ZPass in Dover, spent an hour in there and showed her all my transponders, she checked the batteries and everything is great, and then she tells me to write an appeal for every single violation that I got. My time is valuable to me, I don’t have time to sit around and do appeals when the fault is not my fault.”
Chris Phipps, of Smyrna, said he went above and beyond to get the issue resolved with DelDOT after he received a toll violation when he knew for a fact he had funds in his E-ZPass and that it wasn’t his fault. He has not heard back after he appealed the decision and is speaking out to call for a resolution to this issue that has affected countless Delawareans.
“I’m very frustrated, very angry, and I would hope if anything just a little transparency, a simple letter in the mail to say they received it, an email, or anything,” Phipps said. “Their online portal, in my opinion, is a joke. I don’t know how it takes two weeks to get a letter back. I don’t understand how it’s like this, it’s very old, but I’m just trying to get by as much as I can I guess.”
The extent of the issue, exactly how many people have been affected and what’s causing this to happen, all of which DelDOT has refused to acknowledge, is not yet known at this time. What is clear however is that the issue is affecting residents from all corners of the state, including Jeff and Barbara Baskin, of Lewes, who also received a toll violation from the Biddle’s toll plaza when they shouldn’t have.
“We discovered it when we got the letter in the mail saying we went through a toll booth and that we did not have a transponder, which is not true, we had one,” Jeff Baskin explained. “It’s more like it didn’t read it or something in my mind, but then I’m looking at it again, and on there, just eyeing the tolls because I’ve been running up to Pennsylvania regularly now, my Mom is ill and it’s a lot, and I looked down and for some reason it has us as a different class of vehicle at the same toll booth. Again, I’m going up to Pennsylvania and back, so I go through four toll booths, and the other three show me as a Class 2 and all of a sudden this one’s Class 4 and it’s like ‘what’s going on?’”
Kelsey Gallagher, of Smyrna, said she recently got a large stack of false toll violations, all with random dates, showing her tag. For each one of them, she says she had a working, funded, E-ZPass transponder in her vehicle and should not have received the violations.
“I tried to go online and enter them to put my transponder in, and it won’t even let me do that, it says ‘call the main office’,” Kelsey said. “I’m really frustrated with this. It’s just maddening, I’m a full-time working Mom, I’m just busy all the time, and I shouldn’t have to take so much time out of my day to try and call them and wait on hold forever, and then just try and get ahold of somebody, when I’ve had it in my window this whole time, why is it not being used the way it’s supposed to be used?”
Countless people from across the state have flooded our social media with reports of the same thing happening to them, receiving a toll violation when they didn’t violate the toll, and then having to run around in circles with DelDOT to resolve the issue that wasn’t their fault to begin with:
“About a month ago I got 13 toll violations,” one user wrote. “This week 5 more smh dated as far back as October 2021 to January 2022.”
“They sent me the violation letter and I checked my E-Z Pass account to find that I had already paid the toll with my E-Z Pass,” another user wrote on our Facebook page. “They were trying to charge me $51.00 for a $1.00 toll that had been paid. Glad I checked and called them today!”
“It’s another scam the state has to gain revenue if you don’t pay it any attention,” one user speculated.
“We have a stack of them from as far back as August 2021,” another user wrote. “We get them in groups of 3-8 every few days. All appeals have been denied, although we have active EZ Pass.”
“My husband and I had some violations as high as $4,000,” another user wrote online. “We have transponders in both of our vehicles.”
Sure do have a whole stack,” yet another user wrote. “I have an active E-ZPass account and a transponder in each vehicle. Was told perhaps it was my tinted windshield so I traded the car in…still happening with my new vehicle with no tint on windshield.”
For a $1 toll on Route 1, the cost of violating it is upwards of $50 in fines. Many people who’ve been billed have been unable to resolve the issue with DelDOT, who at this time is refusing to acknowledge the it and continues to direct everyone to contact customer service. An interview request with DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski was denied.
TV Delmarva News is continuing to investigate this developing story. We will continue to bring you stories of Delawareans impacted by this issue until DelDOT addresses it and resolves the problem.
The Dover Police Department arrested 22-year-old Kwamai Johnson on Thursday evening on firearms and drug offenses.
Johnson was contacted along with a female passenger during a traffic stop at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the area of North Governors Avenue and West Division Street. Police say he was seen placing a handgun underneath the driver’s seat by officers and then fled on foot but was taken into custody in the area of Fulton Street and North Governors Avenue.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located 50.7 grams of marijuana, 3.5 doses of oxycodone, a digital scale, and the loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat.
Johnson was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,900 cash bond on the following charges: Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (4x), Possession With Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Oxycodone (2x), Possession of Marijuana, and Violation of Probation.
Sometimes, animal control officers can have a dirty job. That was the case up in Newark on Tuesday.
Animal Control were called to reports of a cat hit by a vehicle. The cat ended up crawling into a drainage pipe and was injured, but that did not deter Officer Donna Vickers to crawl into the pipe and get the orange tabby cat.
Check out the Facebook post below from Newark Police.
“ACO Vickers’ efforts with this incident demonstrate the dedication that she has to her craft and her love of animals. Well done ACO Vickers!”
The cat was put in a carriage and transported to a nearby animal hospital where it is recovering.
BREAKING NEWS: DelDOT is under fire for false toll violations in the state of Delaware. Jimmie Allen is to release a new album about Delaware. Senator Carper weighs in on the Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Weather: Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this evening as a cold front arrives. Storms may contain some strong damaging winds and an isolated tornado.
Delaware State Police arrested a juvenile male for firearm and related charges after a shooting that occurred in Magnolia on Monday evening.
On April 4th, 2022 at approximately 8:26 p.m., troopers responded to Juanita Drive in Magnolia, DE regarding a report of shots fired. The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspect had fired multiple gunshots from a vehicle at a residence. The residence was occupied by three victims (ages 38, 32, and 14) at the time, all of whom were not injured. The residence was struck several times and suspect fled the area to an unknown destination.
Through investigative means, a 15-year-old male was developed as the suspect. On April 6th, 2022, the juvenile male was located in Dover and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently charged with the following crimes:
The 15-year-old male was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Stevenson House on $21,001 cash bond.
A 62-year-old man is facing his fifth DUI offense after crashing his vehicle into a Smyrna Police vehicle, injuring the officer and detainee.
Smyrna Police say the incident happened on Wednesday (April 6) just before 11:00 a.m. on US 13 near Cory Lane, where Paul Reed allegedly driving his red pickup truck recklessly.
An officer attempted to stop Reed, but allegedly fled after side-swiping another vehicle. A short distance later, Reed struck another Smyrna officer’s cruiser while he was conducting a traffic stop in the northbound lane and coming to a stop.
Nearby fire crews and paramedics rescued the officer, who was entrapped in the vehicle. The detainee was able to get out of the vehicle. Both the officer and detainee were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Reed was also transported to the hospital. Following his release, he was charged with his fifth DUI offense and also faces several other charges:
Disregarding a Police Officers signal
Possession of ammunition by a person prohibited
3 counts of Reckless Endangering 2nd degree
2 counts of Vehicular Assault 2nd degree
28 other traffic offenses
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is under fire after countless people were sent false toll violations when they didn’t run the toll. DelDOT is refusing to acknowledge the issue as more people continue to speak out, demanding something be done to fix the issue.
TV Delmarva News has been inundated with interview requests from dozens of residents across the state who received toll violations after traveling through the Biddle’s Corner Toll Plaza in New Castle County when they had a working E-ZPass with active funds in their account.
The issue appears to span over the course of at least the past six months as reports of the false violations, for some residents, date all the way back to October, 2021. Some residents, including Sherry Steller, of Smyrna, have received dozens of false violations and are now speaking out, demanding DelDOT take action to resolve the issue.
“As of today, I have 17 more coming today,” Sherry said. “Once I add the 17 in today, I’ll be at 78 toll violations. I went down to E-ZPass in Dover, spent an hour in there and showed her all my transponders, she checked the batteries and everything is great, and then she tells me to write an appeal for every single violation that I got. My time is valuable to me, I don’t have time to sit around and do appeals when the fault is not my fault.”
TV Delmarva News Director & Reporter Rob Petree raised these concerns directly to DelDOT’s Community Relations Director, Charles McLeod, who refused to acknowledge the issue and repeatedly requested that everyone who raises theses concerns contact customer service. Our interview request was then denied.
Is Bodybuilding a Dysfunctional Vanity Sport? clomid vs nolvadex for pct lines drawn | bodybuilding steroids banned, buy testosterone cypionate online with credit card“We encourage them to contact customer service,” McLeod stated in an email response. “We will be glad to investigate the issue with the individuals but won’t be providing any interviews at this time.”
Everyone we have interviewed and spoke to who has been impacted by this issue has already reached out to DelDOT customer service to no avail, some of whom have already had their false toll violations sent to collections, including Adam Pritchett, of Camden, who said DelDOT did nothing to resolve the issue, all the while knowing that it wasn’t his fault but rather an error on their end, and still nothing was done.
“It’s been a long stream of this,” Pritchett said. “They told me it was my transponder, so I invested in four new transponders for my vehicles, and then I’d go through there and it would say ‘good to go’ every time, and then I would get notices in the mail that I had ran through the violation and it would show a picture of my tag. And I’m like ‘why are they sending me notices’ I’m an E-ZPass account holder, it should be real simple. It’s happen multiple times and I’ve even been taken to collections because I can’t even resolve the issue when I call customer service.”
Chris Phipps, of Smyrna, said he went above and beyond to get the issue resolved with DelDOT after he received a toll violation when he knew for a fact he had funds in his E-ZPass and that it wasn’t his fault. He has not heard back after he appealed the decision and is speaking out to call for a resolution to this issue that has affected countless Delawareans.
“I’m very frustrated, very angry, and I would hope if anything just a little transparency, a simple letter in the mail to say they received it, an email, or anything,” Phipps said. “Their online portal, in my opinion, is a joke. I don’t know how it takes two weeks to get a letter back. I don’t understand how it’s like this, it’s very old, but I’m just trying to get by as much as I can I guess.”
The extent of the issue, exactly how many people have been affected and what’s causing this to happen, all of which DelDOT has refused to acknowledge, is not yet known at this time. What is clear however is that the issue is affecting residents from all corners of the state, including Jeff and Barbara Baskin, of Lewes, who also received a toll violation from the Biddle’s toll plaza when they shouldn’t have.
“We discovered it when we got the letter in the mail saying we went through a toll booth and that we did not have a transponder, which is not true, we had one,” Jeff Baskin explained. “It’s more like it didn’t read it or something in my mind, but then I’m looking at it again, and on there, just eyeing the tolls because I’ve been running up to Pennsylvania regularly now, my Mom is ill and it’s a lot, and I looked down and for some reason it has us as a different class of vehicle at the same toll booth. Again, I’m going up to Pennsylvania and back, so I go through four toll booths, and the other three show me as a Class 2 and all of a sudden this one’s Class 4 and it’s like ‘what’s going on?’”
Kelsey Gallagher, of Smyrna, said she recently got a large stack of false toll violations, all with random dates, showing her tag. For each one of them, she says she had a working, funded, E-ZPass transponder in her vehicle and should not have received the violations.
“I tried to go online and enter them to put my transponder in, and it won’t even let me do that, it says ‘call the main office’,” Kelsey said. “I’m really frustrated with this. It’s just maddening, I’m a full-time working Mom, I’m just busy all the time, and I shouldn’t have to take so much time out of my day to try and call them and wait on hold forever, and then just try and get ahold of somebody, when I’ve had it in my window this whole time, why is it not being used the way it’s supposed to be used?”
Countless people from across the state have flooded our social media with reports of the same thing happening to them, receiving a toll violation when they didn’t violate the toll, and then having to run around in circles with DelDOT to resolve the issue that wasn’t their fault to begin with:
“About a month ago I got 13 toll violations,” one user wrote. “This week 5 more smh dated as far back as October 2021 to January 2022.”
“They sent me the violation letter and I checked my E-Z Pass account to find that I had already paid the toll with my E-Z Pass,” another user wrote on our Facebook page. “They were trying to charge me $51.00 for a $1.00 toll that had been paid. Glad I checked and called them today!”
“It’s another scam the state has to gain revenue if you don’t pay it any attention,” one user speculated.
“We have a stack of them from as far back as August 2021,” another user wrote. “We get them in groups of 3-8 every few days. All appeals have been denied, although we have active EZ Pass.”
“My husband and I had some violations as high as $4,000,” another user wrote online. “We have transponders in both of our vehicles.”
Sure do have a whole stack,” yet another user wrote. “I have an active E-ZPass account and a transponder in each vehicle. Was told perhaps it was my tinted windshield so I traded the car in…still happening with my new vehicle with no tint on windshield.”
For a $1 toll on Route 1, the cost of violating it is upwards of $50 in fines. Many people who’ve been billed have been unable to resolve the issue with DelDOT, who at this time is refusing to acknowledge the it and continues to direct everyone to contact customer service. An interview request with DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski was denied.
TV Delmarva News is continuing to investigate this developing story. We will continue to bring you stories of Delawareans impacted by this issue until DelDOT addresses it and resolves the problem.
A Dover man is wanted on felony theft and forgery charges in Laurel.
According to the Laurel Police Department, officers are currently conducting a felony investigation that occurred on April 4, 2022 at the Bank of Delmarva located at 200 E Market Street.
At this time, police say the primary suspect in the investigation has been identified as 34-year-old Anthony J. Oscar, of Dover, Delaware.
Oscar is currently wanted out of the Laurel Police Department for Theft Over $1500, Forgery 2nd Degree, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. Additionally, he is wanted for similar charges by the Seaford Police Department and by the Kent County Court of Common Pleas for a Failure to Appear capias.
Oscar was last seen occupying a newer model Honda sedan with an unknown driver.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact PFC Lieber of the Laurel Police Department at [email protected] or by phone at 302-875-2244 reference case 70-22-1021 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at0 1-800-847-3333.
After more than 125 years as one of sport’s most iconic snacks, Cracker Jack® is adding a new face to its roster, with the introduction of Cracker Jill™ to celebrate the women who break down barriers in sports.
Tapping into the brand’s rich history with America’s favorite pastime, Cracker JillTM comes to life through five different representations on a series of special-edition bags, which will be available at the start of this year’s baseball season in professional ballparks across the country and through a donation of $5 or more to the Women’s Sports Foundation.
“We are constantly inspired by the many women who are making history by breaking the mold, and we want to celebrate their achievements while supporting the progress,” said Tina Mahal, vice president, marketing at Frito-Lay North America. “Cracker Jack has been part of sports for over a century, as records were made and rules changed. We’ve been so inspired by how girls and women are changing the face of the game, so in this spirit we introduce Cracker Jill to show girls that they’re represented even in our most iconic snacks.”
To extend its impact, Cracker Jack® is donating $200,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), a national non-profit that conducts research and advocacy and supports community programming, to help girls and women across the country reach their potential in sport and life.
To further support the Foundation’s work in gender equity, Cracker Jack® is encouraging fans to donate to WSF via this link. As a thank you, Cracker Jack® will send a Cracker Jill™ bag to fans who donate $5 or more, while supplies last.
“Our Foundation is an ally, advocate and catalyst to help unlock the possibilities in every girl and woman through the power of sport,” said Danette Leighton, WSF CEO. “Representation matters – it encourages and inspires the next generation. It’s wonderful to see Cracker Jill come to life, emphasizing the power that representation can have by celebrating women who’ve broken barriers.”
One of the most well-known ways Cracker Jack® is woven into sports culture is through the seventh inning stretch, where the lyrics of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” include “buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.” Tapping into this cultural cornerstone, the Cracker Jack® brand partnered with award-winning artist Normani to reimagine this iconic song, updating the lyrics to include Cracker JillTM and celebrate the tenacity and grit of women and girls in sports.
“As a young girl, I remember being inspired by athletes and artists who looked like me,” said Normani. “They made me believe that I could also achieve greatness as I watched them break barriers for women. I’m proud to be part of a campaign entrenched in inclusivity and empowerment because it’s vital for young girls to see themselves represented and join in on the celebration of the achievements made by the women before them.”
The barrier-breaking spirit of Cracker Jill™ was brought to life by artist and model Monica Ahanonu, an expert in color theory and a trailblazer for Black artists. Her colorful portrait illustrations resonated with the campaign goal of highlighting and celebrating women in sports through strong, determined and vibrant Jills. These unique depictions of Jill also celebrate the remarkable diversity throughout the country, as the five Jills were inspired by the most represented ethnicities in the U.S., per data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Truly embodying the campaign’s mission, the team behind this initiative is led by women and underrepresented creatives. In addition to Ahanonu, the Cracker JillTM campaign is fueled by powerful female and non-binary voices, including the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” creative director, Ro Haber, the entire film crew, and the Cracker Jack® team.
This collection of Cracker JillTM packaging was created to coincide with the opening of the 2022 baseball season, but the intention is for Jill to continue to join Sailor Jack as a member of the team roster and part of the brand ethos.
To learn more about Cracker Jill and to donate to the Women’s Sports Foundation, fans can visit CrackerJill.com.
Delaware State Police arrested 20-year-old Amir Harris of Millsboro, DE on drug and weapons charges following a traffic stop on Tuesday morning.
On April 5th, 2022 at approximately 12:15 a.m., a trooper on patrol in the Millsboro area observed a gray Pontiac sedan traveling southbound on Dupont Boulevard south of Delaware Avenue. The trooper observed the Pontiac fail to remain within its lane of travel and also commit a turn signal violation. A traffic stop was then initiated on Parker Circle, Millsboro. Upon contacting the operator and sole occupant, identified as Amir Harris, the trooper detected the strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside of the vehicle. Harris was asked to exit the vehicle, and as Harris complied, he fled the scene on foot. Troopers gave chase and took Harris into custody a short distance away. Upon detaining Harris, troopers discovered he was in possession of approximately .035 grams of suspected heroin and a loaded U.S. Revolver Company handgun with five .32 caliber rounds. Harris has a prior felony conviction and is a person prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition.
Harris was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:
Harris was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $36,750 secured bond.
