TV Delmarva CHANNEL 33 WOWZ

Blog

  • DNREC, DEMA Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week

    DNREC, DEMA Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week

    Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss. “Every Delawarean should make sure that they are prepared for unexpected flood events,” said Governor Carney. “Flood Awareness Week allows for federal, state and local emergency agencies to increase public awareness of flood risks. Explore the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s resources to make sure that you’re prepared.”

    Throughout next week DNREC and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will highlight numerous resources for flood awareness in Delaware, to include an interactive quiz, webinar and floodplain mapping tool.

    “Delaware is the lowest-lying state and has the lowest average land elevation in the country – we are already susceptible to flooding and becoming more at risk from sea level rise,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “With climate change spawning more extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes, flooding is an issue that we must confront with greater urgency. It’s imperative to get word out on flooding and flood risk management.”

    “Delaware is experiencing significant flooding with increasing frequency in areas that have not previously experienced flood events. We encourage residents to be proactive to understand how flooding could affect them and take the appropriate precautions to protect their property and families,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

    Much of the impetus behind Delaware Flood Awareness Week is helping the public become better informed about flood insurance, which provides policy holders with financial security and ensures quick recovery of personal property from flood damage. Delawareans can learn how much they know with a new interactive online flood quiz, available on Monday, May 9 from @DelawareDNREC social media pages. The quiz and much more information about flood awareness also can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

    Much of the focus for Flood Awareness Week is on the tools and resources available to help Delawareans understand flood risk and be proactive addressing it on a personal property level. DNREC and DEMA staff will be on hand virtually and via social media during the week to explain flood insurance issues, to help residents access a flood insurance policy, and to advise on mitigation assistance resources in Delaware.

    On Tuesday, May 10, DNREC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a flood insurance virtual open house, with two hour-long discussions, in the morning from 10 to 11 a.m. and an evening session from 6 to 7 p.m. The open house offers expert commentary from the state and federal level, and the private sector on flood insurance and Risk Rating 2.0, the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) new risk rating and pricing methodology. At the end of each open house, the panel will address general questions from attendees via Zoom chat. More information, including Zoom registration, can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

    DNREC’s Floodplain Management program will drive more flood insurance and flood awareness outreach later this month, with a DART bus traveling Sussex County routes outfitted with a graphic depiction of a flooded Delaware community under the heading “FLOODS. Are You Prepared?”

    The Wednesday, May 11 theme “Flood Safety” is highlighted by more social media and outreach from DEMA, carrying messages such as “Flooding Can Be Dangerous” and, particularly in Delaware, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering flooded roadways – a typical passenger vehicle can be swept away toward a tragic outcome by as little as 12 inches of onrushing water.

    The flood awareness theme for Thursday, May 12 is “Know Your Flood Risk,” with a goal of encouraging Delawareans to research flood risk for their property. DNREC supports this effort by providing the Delaware Flood Planning Tool app, which can be found at de.gov/floodplanning. DNREC’s social media awareness message for the day is “Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Know your flood risk. Use the Delaware Flood Planning Tool to view other flood risk information for your property.”

    For the Friday, May 13, and the flood awareness theme of “Remediation and Mitigation,” DEMA will turn to social media for explaining how actions taken now can reduce Delaware’s vulnerability to future disasters – how, on average, $1 spent on hazard mitigation provides Delawareans $4 in future benefits. The theme extends to helping Delawareans understand the benefits of mitigating at the local level, including how they can apply for mitigation grants through their local communities.

    The finale for flood awareness week outreach efforts is a bonus for the next generation of Delaware property owners. DNREC’s Floodplain Management Program will unveil a working model of a floodplain Saturday, May 14 at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship’s “Water Family Fest” at the James Farm Ecological Reserve that helps young people understand flooding and its impacts. The Enviroscape tabletop is a hands-on way to demonstrate flooding and floodplain management concepts – along with showing how flooding on the floodplain can be caused by unplanned development, and the role wetlands play in helping mitigate flooding impacts.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/5/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/5/2022

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/4/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/4/2022

    Top Stories: Dover Police arrest suspect in Irish Mike’s shooting. Two charges in boating equipment thefts in Sussex County. Millsboro man arrested on drug & weapons charges.

    Weather: Showers and a few isolated thunderstorms are possible for the rest of this afternoon into the early evening hours. We get a break from the wet weather for your Thursday with slightly cooler conditions. But the big story is a late season nor’easter that will be battering the coastlines during the holiday weekend.

  • NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center Reopens With New Activities Post Covid Shutdown

    NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center Reopens With New Activities Post Covid Shutdown

    The Visitor Center at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility is reopening to the public beginning May 6, 2022, after being closed for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT on Fridays and Saturdays through June 4.  Beginning June 7, the center will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

    Photos of the new sounding rocket display at NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center.

    “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Visitor Center! While we have enjoyed our busy virtual schedule, we’re so excited to introduce visitors to our new in-person pop-up programs and activities!” said Amy Barra, Visitor Center director.

    The Visitor Center staff has brought the excitement of NASA research to the public virtually for the past two years. During this time, over 539 programs have been conducted, reaching more than 28,315 people from 46 states and 16 countries across five continents.

    Photos of the new sounding rocket display at NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center.

    “The virtual field trips have been enthusiastically received by the public,” Bara said. “These will continue and will be available to groups on Tuesdays once the Visitor Center returns to normal operations in June. In-person programs also will resume this summer.”

    The Visitor Center is open to the public with no admission fee. The center showcases the research activities at Wallops and throughout NASA through exhibits, full-scale rocket displays, and hands-on activities.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/3/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/3/2022

    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.

  • Sussex County man sentenced to two years in prison in hate crime conviction

    Sussex County man sentenced to two years in prison in hate crime conviction

    James Raab, 38, of Laurel, DE

    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.

  • Dolly Parton to attend press conference alongside Governor Carney in Wilmington for Imagination Library

    Dolly Parton to attend press conference alongside Governor Carney in Wilmington for Imagination Library

    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.

  • Dover man arrested on drug, weapons charges

    Dover man arrested on drug, weapons charges

    Javian Scott, 18, of Dover, DE – Dover Police Dept.

    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.

  • Brawl leads to shots fired at Schutte Park in Dover

    Brawl leads to shots fired at Schutte Park in Dover

    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.

  • Lincoln man charged with resisting arrest

    Lincoln man charged with resisting arrest

    Andrew White, 35, of Lincoln, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/2/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 5/2/2022

    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.

  • Wilmington man charged with 8th DUI in Lewes

    Wilmington man charged with 8th DUI in Lewes

    Donald Sheldon, 51, of Wilmington, DE – Delaware State Police

    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.

  • EXCLUSIVE | Cloud of secrecy surrounds Smyrna School District following Superintendent’s abrupt departure

    EXCLUSIVE | Cloud of secrecy surrounds Smyrna School District following Superintendent’s abrupt departure

    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:

    • On Page 25 – “I want to BLANK! Send me up somebody to expletive! Hear me? Send me up
      somebody, I tell ya or I’ll blow my brains out.”
    • On Page 88 – “Who cares if you BLANK a white girl.”
    • On Page 130 – “”You can drive that knife smack into your BLANK.”
    • On Page 267: “You mean to tell me BLANK – referring to a woman’s private parts, different up North?” “BLANK the same everywhere. Smell like the ocean; taste like the sea.”

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/29/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/29/2022

    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.

  • Virginia man killed in tractor trailer crash near Bridgeville

    Virginia man killed in tractor trailer crash near Bridgeville

    A Virginia man has died following a serious crash with a tractor trailer near Bridgeville.

    According to Delaware State Police, the crash occurred just before 2 p.m., Wednesday as a 2022 Freightliner Truck Tractor towing a 2012 Viking Trailer was traveling westbound on Seashore Highway approaching the intersection of Scotts Store Road.

    A 2021 Nissan Altima was stopped at the stop sign on at the intersection.

    For unknown reasons, police say the driver of the Altima failed to remain stopped as the Freightliner approached and pulled into its path while turning left onto Seashore Highway.

    The Freightliner tried to brake and swerve to avoid striking the Nissan, but was unable to resulting in the front right side of the Freightliner striking the left side of the Altima.

    The driver and sole occupant of the Freightliner, a 64-year-old Milford man, was properly restrained and was not injured.

    The driver of the Nissan, an 80-year-old Alexandria, VA man, was properly restrained and was transported to an area hospital by helicopter in critical condition.

    Unfortunately, on Thursday, he passed away as a result of his injuries.

    A 77-year-old Alexandria, VA, woman was properly restrained in the front passenger seat. She was transported to an area hospital and admitted with serious injuries.

    The road was closed for about 3 and a half hours while the crash was investigated and later cleared.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/28/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/28/2022

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/27/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/27/2022

    Top Stories: Legislation introduced to treat bills equally regardless of the party in Delaware. Governor announces a $16 million dollar investment for vulnerable Delawareans. Millsboro man arrested on vehicle theft charges in Dagsboro.

    Weather: Sunny and breezy conditions will continue throughout the rest of the afternoon hours as an area of high pressure begins to settle in for the rest of this week. we are in store for a rather chilly night similar to what we would see during the winter months. more sunny skies for Thursday with more in the way of windy conditions before a nice warm-up on the way this weekend.

  • Hurricane Committee retires Ida, prepares for 2022 season

    Hurricane Committee retires Ida, prepares for 2022 season

    Geneva, 27 April 2022 (WMO) – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Hurricane Committee has retired Ida from the rotating lists of Atlantic tropical cyclone names because of the death and destruction caused by the category 4 hurricane in the United States of America in 2021.

    Imani will instead be used in the lists of names, which are overseen by WMO to help in the communication of storm warnings and to alert people about potentially life-threatening risks.  The names are repeated every six years, unless a storm is so deadly that its name is retired – as in the case of Ida. In total, 94 names have now been retired from the Atlantic basin list since 1953, when storms began to be named under the current system.

    The naming convention – whilst attracting the most public attention – is only a small part of the life-saving work of the Hurricane Committee, which focuses on operational priorities including the provision of forecasts and warnings for wind, storm surge and flooding hazards, as well as impact assessments.

    The Hurricane Committee consists of experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and serves North America, Central America and the Caribbean (WMO Regional Association IV). It reviewed the unusually active 2021 Atlantic season and fine-tuned preparations for 2022 at its annual session, held virtually from 25 to 28 April.

    The Atlantic hurricane season officially lasts from 1 June to 30 November. Named storms have formed prior to the official start of the hurricane season in about half of the past 10-15 years, including each of the past seven years (2015-2021). Pending the outcome of a technical study by the U.S. National Weather Service, the Hurricane Committee did not discuss any resolution to bring forward the official season date.

    2021 Tropical Cyclones

    2021 was the third most active year on record in terms of named storms, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It marked the sixth consecutive above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. For the second straight year, it exhausted the regular names from WMO’s rotating list (the first time this has ever happened).

    Ida was the most devastating storm of the season. It peaked as a category 4 hurricane (on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale) that caused severe to catastrophic damage in southeastern Louisiana. Ida later became an extratropical low that caused heavy rain and deadly flooding in the northeastern United States. Ida is responsible for 55 direct fatalities and 32 indirect fatalities in the United States. NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) estimated that Ida’s wind, rain, storm surge and tornadoes caused a total of $75 billion in damage in the United States.

    Another damaging storm was Elsa, which formed as was an early-season category 1 hurricane over the central tropical Atlantic. It was the first hurricane to directly impact Barbados since Hurricane Janet in 1955 and it also affected other Caribbean countries as well as the USA.

    In total, there were 21 named storms with winds of 64 km/h (39 mph) or greater, including seven hurricanes (winds of 118 km/h (74 mph) or greater) of which four were major hurricanes (hurricanes reaching category 3 and above according to the Saffir-Simpson Scale which is a 1 to 5 rating, with winds of 178 km/h (111) mph or greater).

    Climate factors, including La Niña, above-normal sea surface temperatures earlier in the season, and above-average West African Monsoon rainfall were the primary contributors for the above-average 2021 season. Another contributing factor is a phenomenon known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, which entered a warm phase in 1995 which favors more, stronger, and longer-lasting storms. 

    NOAA will issue its outlook for the 2022 season on 24 May.

    In 2021, the National Weather Service assembled a team to determine quantitative thresholds for adding or removing dates from the official Atlantic hurricane season, along with an examination of potential ramifications of moving the beginning of hurricane season to May 15.  While this team continues its work, no changes to the start of the Atlantic hurricane season will occur in 2022.

  • Delaware State Police Investigate Fatal Single Motor Vehicle Crash

    Delaware State Police Investigate Fatal Single Motor Vehicle Crash

    Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single motor vehicle crash that occurred early Wednesday morning in the Newark area.

    On April 27th, 2022, at approximately 1:09 a.m., a silver Buick LeSabre was traveling westbound on Chestnut Hill Road (Delaware Route 4) west of Salem Church Road. For unknown reasons, the driver veered left off of the roadway and continued traveling in a southwestern direction before the car struck a steel overhead street sign support and a guardrail. The Buick then overturned onto its right side in the center median.

    The driver, a 31-year-old Newark female, was not properly restrained and unfortunately was pronounced deceased at the scene due to her injuries. Identification is pending notification to the next-of-kin.

    There were no passengers in the Buick, and no one else was reported injured.

    The roadway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the collision was being investigated. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Master Corporal J. Forester by calling 302-365-8485. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

  • Governor, Lt. Governor Announce $16 Million Investment for Vulnerable Delawareans

    Governor, Lt. Governor Announce $16 Million Investment for Vulnerable Delawareans

    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.”

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/26/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/26/2022

    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.

  • Harrington man arrested on kidnapping charges

    Harrington man arrested on kidnapping charges

    Antonio Boyer, 23, of Harrington, DE – Harrington Police Dept.

    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.

  • Delaware State Police Arrest Two Subjects on Weapons Charges

    Delaware State Police Arrest Two Subjects on Weapons Charges

    6-year-old Shawn Taylor of Houtzdale, PA and 25-year-old Naim Abdullah of Aston, PA.

    Delaware State Police have arrested two subjects for weapons and drug charges following a traffic stop that occurred on Sunday evening.

    On April 24th, 2022 at approximately 8:51 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Wilmington, DE area observed a black Dodge Challenger traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound Interstate 495 in the area of Cauffiel Parkway. A traffic stop was initiated and the trooper made contact with the occupants, which included 26-year-old Shawn Taylor of Houtzdale, PA and 25-year-old Naim Abdullah of Aston, PA. Upon contacting the occupants, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle’s interior. A subsequent search of the Challenger led to the discovery of approximately 0.68 grams of marijuana and a loaded Springfield handgun. Computer checks of Taylor and Abdullah revealed that both subjects were convicted felons prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Taylor and Abdullah were taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 1, where they were both charged with the following crimes:

    • 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)
    • Possession of Marijuana

    Both Taylor and Abdullah were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $30,001 cash bond.

  • Troopers Arrest Motorcyclist on Drug Charges

    Troopers Arrest Motorcyclist on Drug Charges

    26-year-old Devon McCray of Frankford, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 26-year-old Devon McCray of Frankford, DE on drug charges following a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon.

    On April 24th, 2022 at approximately 3:04 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Millsboro, DE area observed a motorcycle stopped on the east side of Cannon Road just north of Devon Road. The motorcycle did not have a registration plate displayed, and the operator was observed standing on the roadside. The trooper attempted to contact the individual, but the operator attempted to flee the scene on the motorcycle and then on foot. A foot chase ensued and the operator, identified as Devon McCray, was taken into custody without incident. A search of McCray led to the discovery of approximately 1.743 grams of suspected heroin and approximately 12.22 grams of cocaine.

    McCray was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following offenses:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Numerous traffic charges

    McCray was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and released on $31,350 unsecured bond.

  • Troopers Arrest Subject for Theft of a Motor Vehicle

    Troopers Arrest Subject for Theft of a Motor Vehicle

    30-year-old Arkeem Adkins of Millsboro, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 30-year-old Arkeem Adkins of Millsboro, DE for theft of a motor vehicle and other charges following a traffic stop that occurred on Saturday afternoon.

    On April 23rd, 2022 at approximately 3:32 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Dagsboro, DE area observed a black Mercedes C300 traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Iron Branch Road in the area of Bunting Road. The trooper initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Colonial Estates Avenue east of Iron Branch Road and made contact with the operator, identified as Arkeem Adkins. Upon contacting Adkins, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle’s interior. A subsequent search of the Mercedes led to the discovery of approximately 0.078 grams of marijuana. A computer inquiry of Adkins showed that he had a suspended driver’s license and an active warrant for his arrest. Computer checks also revealed that the Mercedes C300 had been reported as stolen by Delaware State Police Troop 4 on April 21st, 2022.

    Adkins was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following offenses:

    • Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
    • Theft Under $1,500
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Driving While Suspended / Revoked
    • Speeding

    Adkins was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $500 secured bond.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/25/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/25/2022

    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.

  • EXCLUSIVE | “Charlie just come home” Dover woman pleads for husband to return

    EXCLUSIVE | “Charlie just come home” Dover woman pleads for husband to return

    Jamie Clark and her husband Charles

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/22/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/22/2022

    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.

  • Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Weapon Arrest

    Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Weapon Arrest

    Delaware State Police have arrested 19-year-old Dyquan Snead of Harrington, DE following a traffic stop that occurred on Thursday night.

    On April 21st, 2022 at approximately 11:45 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the Lewes, DE area observed a white Nissan Altima traveling northbound on Coastal Highway in the area of Nassau Road. A computer inquiry of the vehicle’s registration revealed that the owner of the Altima, who was listed as Dyquan Snead, had a suspended driver’s license and an active warrant for his arrest. The trooper confirmed Snead was the operator, and a traffic stop was initiated. Upon contacting Snead, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emitting from the vehicle’s interior. Snead was taken into custody without incident, and a subsequent search of the Altima led to the discovery of approximately 90.19 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, over $380 in suspected drug proceeds, and a Smith & Wesson handgun with an obliterated serial number.

    Snead was transported to Troop 7 and charged with the following offenses:

    • Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of a Weapon With an Obliterated Serial Number (Felony)
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
    • Driving While Suspended or Revoked
    • Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession

    Snead was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $70,500 cash bond.

  • Probation violation leads to drugs, weapons bust in Harrington

    Probation violation leads to drugs, weapons bust in Harrington

    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.

  • Delaware State Police Conducting Homicide Investigation In Dover

    Delaware State Police Conducting Homicide Investigation In Dover

    Kyree Robinson of Dover, DE

    Delaware State Police have arrested 23-year-old Kyree Robinson of Dover, DE for murder and other related charges following a shooting incident that occurred in Dover in May 2021.

    On May 15th, 2021, at approximately 5:42 p.m., troopers responded to Uplift Barber Shop located at 1534 Governors Avenue, Dover, DE for a shooting incident. The investigation determined 23-year-old Javon D. Jones of Dover was a patron in the barbershop when an unknown male suspect entered through the front door of the business and fired multiple shots at Jones, striking him in the upper torso before fleeing on foot. Jones was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

    Through investigative measures, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit identified Kyree Robinson as the suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. On April 20th, 2022, Robinson was charged with the following crimes:

    • Murder First Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)

    He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and issued a $1,070,000 cash bond. Robinson, who was incarcerated at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution at the time of his arraignment, remained in the custody of the Department of Corrections.

    Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective M. Ryde of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-698-8557. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppers.com.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/21/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/21/2022

    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.

  • EXCLUSIVE | Laurel woman’s car broken into, late brother’s necklace stolen

    EXCLUSIVE | Laurel woman’s car broken into, late brother’s necklace stolen

    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 ID man wanted in alleged Starbucks robbery

    Millsboro Police ID man wanted in alleged Starbucks robbery

    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. 

    Photo: Millsboro Police Dept.
  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/20/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/20/2022

    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 announces staffing changes, communications director leaving

    Governor announces staffing changes, communications director leaving

    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.”

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/19/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/19/2022

    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 arrested after traffic stop turns up drugs in Milford

    Two arrested after traffic stop turns up drugs in Milford

    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.

    Eley
    Matthews

    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.

  • Laurel man charged, another sought in theft investigation

    Laurel man charged, another sought in theft investigation

    29-year-old Jaread Mears and 39-year-old Chad Mitchell, both of Laurel, DE (Left to Right) –
    Delaware State Police Department

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/18/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/18/2022

    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.

  • Lincoln man charged following police chase in Rehoboth

    Lincoln man charged following police chase in Rehoboth

    43-year-old William Tatman, of Lincoln, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.

    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.

  • BREAKING | 29-year-old man shot in both legs outside Irish Mike’s bar in Dover

    BREAKING | 29-year-old man shot in both legs outside Irish Mike’s bar in Dover

    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.

  • 17-year-old killed, several more injured in crash near Lewes

    17-year-old killed, several more injured in crash near Lewes

    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.

  • BREAKING | Fire engulfs multiple homes in Dewey Beach

    BREAKING | Fire engulfs multiple homes in Dewey Beach

    Fire crews are currently battling a large-scale blaze that tore through several homes early Saturday morning in Dewey Beach.

    Photos from the scene of the fire – (Photos shared via Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Dept courtesy of Lewes Past Chief Buckaloo)

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/15/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/15/2022

    Top Stories: $300 rebate payment for Delaware taxpayers signed into law. 51 arrested, 4 wanted in a large-scale drug investigation. Dover man arrested following a police chase, crashes in Wyoming.

    Weather: Warm, sunny, and mild conditions will continue this evening before more clouds arrive tonight. Saturday will be filled with clouds, mild temperatures, and some isolated rain chances in the evening hours. And a dry Easter Sunday is ahead!

  • Wanted Selbyville woman arrested on multiple warrants in Greenwood

    Wanted Selbyville woman arrested on multiple warrants in Greenwood

    38-year-old Tara Madden, of Selbyville, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.

    A Selbyville woman was arrested on several warrants following a traffic stop in Greenwood.

    According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:56 p.m., Thursday as an officer with the Greenwood Police Department witnessed a tan Chevrolet Cruze traveling southbound on Sussex Highway in the area of Market Street.

    The driver of the Cruze failed to stop at the red light and a traffic stop was initiated. The officer made contact with the driver and owner of the vehicle, 38-year-old Tara Madden. A computer check revealed she had four active criminal warrants for her arrest, stemming from numerous incidents that occurred throughout March and April in the Frankford, Millville, and Millsboro areas.

    Madden was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 5 where she was charged with Theft of a Controlled Substance (Felony), Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony), Theft From a Senior (Felony) – 2 counts, Criminal Mischief, and Offensive Touching. She was arraigned and released on $4,500 unsecured bond.

  • 51 arrested, 4 still wanted in large-scale drug investigation on Delmarva

    51 arrested, 4 still wanted in large-scale drug investigation on Delmarva

    Dozens were arrested and Delaware State Police are searching for others wanted in connection with a large-scale drug investigation on Delmarva.

    In November 2020, Delaware State Police began a large-scale drug investigation named “Operation Dawg House.”

    Operation Dawg House targeted the George Johnson Drug Trafficking Organization, where George Johnson, 40, of Bridgeville, was identified as the organization head. Johnson’s organization was targeted due to the increase of heroin overdoses and Clenbuterol profile possession of heroin cases occurring in Sussex County and Worcester County, Maryland.

    Johnson
    Reed
    Washington
    White

    In Delaware, 16 overdose cases were reported, four being fatal. Additionally, two overdose deaths occurred in Worcester and Wicomico County, Maryland.

    The year-long investigation involved local and state agencies in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania working together to combat the heroin and opioid drug distribution.

    During the investigation, numerous members of Johnson’s organization were identified, and a hierarchy of distribution was established. In total, 55 individuals were indicted or arrested on street warrants.

    Currently, 51 individuals have been arrested and four individuals are still wanted, including George Johnson.

    Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these wanted individuals is asked to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 by calling 302-856-5850 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

  • Governor signs rebate bill into law to send $300 payment to taxpayers

    Governor signs rebate bill into law to send $300 payment to taxpayers

    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.”

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/14/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/14/2022

    Top Stories: DelDOT continues to ignore our inquiries as hundreds receive false toll violations. Webinar held to discuss broadband expansion in Kent & Sussex counties. DPH asks parents to test children for COVID before returning to school.

    Weather: As we head into the afternoon and evening hours. we are watching for the chance of some isolated thunderstorms with a cool down on the way this weekend.

  • Fire destroys home in Farmington

    Fire destroys home in Farmington

    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.

     
  • Webinar provides high speed broadband update to Kent, Sussex Counties

    Webinar provides high speed broadband update to Kent, Sussex Counties

    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 Trooper Named Special Olympics Delaware Torch Runner of the Year

    Delaware State Trooper Named Special Olympics Delaware Torch Runner of the Year

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/13/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/13/2022

    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.

  • Police investigating after home was shot up in Lincoln

    Police investigating after home was shot up in Lincoln

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/12/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/12/2022

    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.

  • Traffic Stop Leads to Weapon, Drug, and DUI Arrest

    Traffic Stop Leads to Weapon, Drug, and DUI Arrest

    Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Arthur Darden of Dover, DE for weapons and drug offenses following a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.

    On April 11th, 2022, at approximately 12:41 p.m., a trooper on patrol in Laurel, DE observed a black Kia Sportage speeding and changing lanes without signaling on Sussex Highway south of Gordy Road. A traffic stop was initiated on Sussex Highway at Dorothy Road and contact was made with the operator, identified as Arthur Darden. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Darden and opened alcohol containers inside the vehicle. A subsequent DUI investigation ensued and Darden was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 13.79 grams of marijuana, a pair of brass knuckles, and a 9-millimeter handgun. A computer inquiry revealed Darden is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Darden was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:

    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm While Possessing a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Carrying a Concealed Dangerous Instrument
    • Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence
    • Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs
    • Speeding
    • Improper Lane Change

    Darden was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,300 cash bond.

  • Troopers Arrest Suspect for 8th-Offense DUI Following Crash Investigation

    Troopers Arrest Suspect for 8th-Offense DUI Following Crash Investigation

    Delaware State Police arrested 50-year-old Richard Cook of Lincoln, DE for 8th-offense DUI and other charges following a crash investigation on Monday afternoon.

    On April 11th, 2022, at approximately 2:57 p.m., troopers responded to the intersection of southbound Dupont Boulevard and Redden Road, Georgetown, DE regarding a motor vehicle collision. Upon their arrival, troopers contacted Richard Cook, the operator of a black Nissan Quest. The Quest had overturned onto its side in the wooded area west of Dupont Boulevard, and the two passengers, a 49-year-old female victim, and a 45-year-old male victim had sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The victims were transported to Bayhealth Sussex Hospital for medical treatment. Troopers observed signs of impairment on Cook and a DUI investigation ensued. Cook was subsequently taken into custody without incident at the scene. A search of Cook’s vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 2.04 grams of marijuana, suspected liquid heroin, drug paraphernalia, two fixed-blade knives, and a Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. revolver. Cook is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or deadly weapons.

    A computer inquiry revealed that Cook’s driver’s license was suspended and he had been convicted for seven prior DUI offenses. Cook was transported to Troop 5 and charged with the following offenses:

    • Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs (Felony)
    • Carrying a Concealed Firearm (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Vehicular Assault Second Degree – 2 counts
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • Driving While Suspended or Revoked
    • Possession of Marijuana

    Cook was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $39,501 cash bond.

  • Governor Carney kicks off tree-planting initiative in Felton

    Governor Carney kicks off tree-planting initiative in Felton

    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.

    Image: Governor John Carney’s office
  • Massive manhunt underway in New York after attack on subway

    Massive manhunt underway in New York after attack on subway

    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.

    Screenshot of the aftermath of a Brooklyn subway attack, posted on Instagram by user @angry_yeti.
  • Gas prices continue to go down across Delaware

    Gas prices continue to go down across Delaware

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/11/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/11/2022

    Top Stories: Delawareans continue to speak out on DelDOT toll scandal. $300 rebate bill passes House, now heads to the Senate in Delaware.

    Weather: Sunny skies will lead to mostly cloudy skies tonight. More rain showers are possible tomorrow morning before temperatures soar into the 70’s this week.

  • Millsboro neighbors arrested after shooting at each other during dispute

    Millsboro neighbors arrested after shooting at each other during dispute

    Clayton Sample; Curtis Collick (Left to Right) – Delaware State Police Dept.

    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.

  • Steelers Quarterback Dwayne Haskins killed in accident

    Steelers Quarterback Dwayne Haskins killed in accident

    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 arrested in shooting death of Laurel man

    Two men arrested in shooting death of Laurel man

    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.

    Photo: Delaware State Police
  • V Delmarva News At 4. 4/8/2022

    V Delmarva News At 4. 4/8/2022

    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.

  • HIGHWAY ROBBERY: DelDOT silent as more Delawareans come forward after receiving false toll violations

    HIGHWAY ROBBERY: DelDOT silent as more Delawareans come forward after receiving false toll violations

    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.

  • Smyrna man arrested on drug, weapons charges in Dover

    Smyrna man arrested on drug, weapons charges in Dover

    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.

  • Newark Animal Control Officer goes viral helping a cat in a drainage pipe

    Newark Animal Control Officer goes viral helping a cat in a drainage pipe

    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. 

    Photo: Newark Police Dept.
  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/7/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/7/2022

    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.

  • 15 Year Old Arrested in Connection With Magnolia Shooting

    15 Year Old Arrested in Connection With Magnolia Shooting

    Juanita Drive

    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:

    • Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
    • Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Criminal Mischief

    The 15-year-old male was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 7 and committed to Stevenson House on $21,001 cash bond.

  • Man faces fifth DUI offense after crashing into Smyrna Police cruiser, injuring officer and detainee

    Man faces fifth DUI offense after crashing into Smyrna Police cruiser, injuring officer and detainee

    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

    Paul Reed (Smyrna Police Department)
  • BREAKING | DelDOT under fire for false toll violations

    BREAKING | DelDOT under fire for false toll violations

    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.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/6/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/6/2022


    EXCLUSIVE: Delawareans speak out after they were sent false toll violations.

    Top Stories: Cracker Jack launches new brand “Cracker Jill.” Dover Man wanted in Laurel for felony theft & forgery.

    Weather: Misty/Foggy conditions will continue into the overnight hours. More rain is on the way for Thursday with the chance of some thunderstorms as well.

  • Dover man wanted on felony theft, forgery charges in Laurel

    Dover man wanted on felony theft, forgery charges in Laurel

    Anthony J. Oscar, 34, of Dover, DE – Laurel Police Dept.

    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.

  • Cracker Jack launches ‘Cracker Jill’ to promote women’s sports

    Cracker Jack launches ‘Cracker Jill’ to promote women’s sports

    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.

  • Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Weapon Arrest Of A 20 Year Old IN Millsboro

    Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Weapon Arrest Of A 20 Year Old IN Millsboro

    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:

    • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm While in Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    • Criminal Mischief
    • Failure to Remain Within a Single Lane
    • Failure to Properly Signal

    Harris was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $36,750 secured bond.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/5/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/5/2022

    Top Stories: Two bills were introduced to legalize marijuana in Delaware. Dover Police arrested a man with eight warrants on his record. And a tinted windows violation leads to drug and weapons charges arrest.

    Weather: Rain, rain, and more rain is on the way tonight. Some of which will be quite heavy at times. And a major warm-up is expected going into next week.

  • Dover Police arrest man with eight warrants, faces additional drug and weapons charges

    Dover Police arrest man with eight warrants, faces additional drug and weapons charges

    A Dover man with eight warrants in Delaware was apprehended on Monday.

    Dover Police say 20-year-old Jumir Brown was arrested in the parking lot of Royal Farms on South Saulsbury Road after he was observed leaving the area of Village Drive. He was taken into custody without incident.

    A search of Brown’s vehicle uncovered 18.5 grams of marijuana and a loaded 9mm handgun.

    Police say Brown was wanted for a domestic charge in Dover and was wanted by several courts in Delaware. He now faces additional charges of:

    -Possession of Untraceable Firearm
    -Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x)
    -Possession of Marijuana
    -Drug Paraphernalia
    -Local Fugitive (8x)

    Brown was committed to SCI on a $23,200 cash bond.

    Brown (Dover Police)
  • Major Warm Up Coming Next Week In The Eastern US

    Major Warm Up Coming Next Week In The Eastern US

    As we head into the middle portions of April, we could be looking at some very warm temperatures across the Eastern third of the Nation. A large trough will begin digging into the Western US starting this coming weekend. This will help lift the Jetstream into Canada as a Sub-Tropical Ridge develops off the Southeast US coastlines pumping warm air all the way into New England.

    Temperatures could be running 10-20 degrees above normal during the mid and late portions of next week with this warm southerly flow. High temperatures are expected to be well into the 70’s with some low 80’s not out of the question. The average temperature for this time of year here on Delmarva is around 60 degrees during the daytime hours. I’m sure many will not be complaining about the welcomed warmth ahead.

  • Tinted windows violation leads to drug, weapons charges in Seaford

    Tinted windows violation leads to drug, weapons charges in Seaford

    A Laurel man is facing several drugs and weapons charges after he was pulled over for a tinted windows violation.

    Seaford Police say 44-year-old Carlo Munoz-Barreto was stopped in the area of South Market Street on Sunday evening. The officer spotted a handgun in a door pocket when the door opened, prompting the officer to make an arrest. A further search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered 58 grams of cocaine, 10 bags of heroin, 519 grams of marijuana, 49 prescription pills, drug paraphernalia, a rifle, ammunition, and over $2,800 in drug proceeds.

    Munoz-Barreto faces several charges, including:

    • Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a person prohibited who also possessed Controlled Substances (Felony) – 3 counts
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    • Manufacture/Deliver/ PWID Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
    • Possess Consume any Prescription drug, not a controlled substance (Misdemeanor) – 8 counts
    • Possess Consume a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except for Human Growth Hormone without a
    prescription (Misdemeanor)
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Not related to personal use quantity Marijuana or Person Under 18
    (Misdemeanor) -3
    • Operating a vehicle with improper Window Tinting

    He was also wanted on a Delaware State Police warrant for a theft charge as well.

    Munoz-Barreto was arraigned and lodged to SCI on $139,850 cash bond.

    Munoz-Barreto (Seaford Police)
  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/4/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/4/2022

    Top Stories: Early morning fire destroys home in Milford. Millsboro man charged with his 10th DUI. Millsboro man arrested on drug, weapon charges in Georgetown. Navy service member identified in the Chincoteague plane crash last week.

    Weather: Increasing clouds will be on the way tonight before the rain will be developing for Tuesday. Some of which could be heavy at times.

  • Be Weather Ready

    Be Weather Ready

  • Fire destroys home in Milford

    Fire destroys home in Milford

    An early morning fire has destroyed a home in Milford.

    According to the Carlisle Fire Company, around 4:18 a.m., Monday crews responded to a fully involved house fire on the 700 block of Cicada Lane in Milford.

    When crews arrived, fire personnel said it was clear that the structure was fully involved and efforts were launched to bring the blaze under control.

    Firefighters and several apparatuses from Frederica (Station 49), Houston (Station 52), and South Bowers (Station 57) worked with Carlisle crews to bring the fire under control.

    After more than three hours of hard work, the scene was declared under control.

    There is no word on what caused the blaze which remains under investigation.

  • Park Ave Traffic Stop Leads To Drug And Weapons Arrest

    Park Ave Traffic Stop Leads To Drug And Weapons Arrest

    Delaware State Police arrested 25-year-old Andrew Long of Millsboro, DE on drug and weapon charges following a traffic stop Saturday night.

    Andrew Long

    On April 2, 2022, at approximately 7:06 p.m., a trooper on patrol in the area of Park Avenue, Georgetown observed a Blue Ford Explorer operated by Andrew Long who had active warrants for his arrest and did not possess a valid license. A traffic stop was initiated, and upon Long pulling his vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, he immediately exited and began to flee on foot while carrying a handgun. The trooper chased the suspect and gave verbal commands. Long eventually gave up, dropped the gun, and was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. The loaded 9mm handgun was recovered and a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 1.3 grams of marijuana. A computer inquiry revealed Long is a person prohibited from possessing a weapon.

    Long was transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following crimes:

    • Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    • Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by Person Prohibited (Felony)- 3 counts
    • Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest
    • Possession of Marijuana
    • Driving While Suspended
    • Failure to Have Insurance
    • Failure to Wear Seatbelt

    Long was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $101,502 cash bond.

  • Suspect Arrested In Wilmington Family Dollar Burglary

    Suspect Arrested In Wilmington Family Dollar Burglary

    Delaware State Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Berry of Wilmington, DE following a burglary investigation in Wilmington on Thursday morning.

    Robert Berry

    On March 31st, 2022 at approximately 10:02 a.m., troopers and officers from the Wilmington Police Department and New Castle County Police Department responded to the Family Dollar located at 4331 Governor Printz Boulevard, Wilmington, DE for a reported burglary in progress. Upon their arrival responding officers observed a male suspect climbing onto the roof of the business. Troopers and officers established a perimeter around the Merchants Square shopping center. The male suspect was then taken into custody as he exited a vacant building just south of the Family Dollar. Further investigation revealed the suspect, identified as Robert Berry, had attempted to steal copper from air conditioning units on the roof of the Family Dollar. A computer inquiry also revealed Berry was wanted and had active warrants for prior thefts.

    Berry was subsequently transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following offenses:

    • Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
    • Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony)
    • Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony)
    • Criminal Mischief Greater Than $5,000 (Felony)
    • Resisting Arrest

    Berry was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $25,000 cash and $17,001 secured bonds.

  • 10th Offense DUI Charge Lands Millsboro Man in Jail

    10th Offense DUI Charge Lands Millsboro Man in Jail

    Delaware State Police arrested 54-year old Charles Smith of Millsboro, DE for a 10th-offense DUI following a crash investigation in Millsboro on Thursday morning.

    Charles Smith

    On March 31st, 2022 at approximately 11:19 a.m., troopers responded to Main Street south of Daisey Road in Millsboro, DE after receiving a report that a white Dodge Ram had struck a fence at this location. It was reported that the male operator was attempting to flee the scene on foot. Troopers responded and located the the suspect, identified as Charles Smith, walking just south of the collision scene. Upon contact troopers immediately detected an odor of alcoholic beverages and a DUI investigation ensued.

    A computer inquiry revealed that Smith’s driver’s license was revoked and he had been arrested for 9 prior DUI offenses. Smith was taken into custody and transported to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following offenses:

    • Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
    • Leaving the Scene of a Property Collision Accident
    • Driving While Suspended or Revoked
    • Failure to Provide Information at a Collision Scene
    • Failure to Have Insurance Identification in Possession
    • Failed to Remain Within a Single Lane
    • Failure to Report a Collision to the Police

    Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $15,500 cash bond.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/1/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 4/1/2022

    Top Stories: Lincoln pastor was indicted for unlawful sexual contact. Magnolia man arrested on drug, weapons charges in Dover. Fox tests positive for rabies in Frankford.

    Weather: Rain showers will begin to die out once we get to sundown with clearing skies. More rain is in the forecast for this weekend and even more rain chances going into next week.

  • Auto dealers to pay $10 million for discriminatory lending and sneaking in junk add-on fees

    Auto dealers to pay $10 million for discriminatory lending and sneaking in junk add-on fees

    By Seena Gressin

    Napleton, a multi-state auto dealership group, has settled a joint FTC and Illinois lawsuit alleging that it charged customers hidden fees for unwanted add-on products and discriminated against Black customers by charging them higher financing fees and interest rates than non-Latino White customers. Napleton will pay $10 million to settle.

    The lawsuit says the defendants often snuck hundreds or thousands of dollars in illegal junk fees in a mountain of auto financing paperwork that they gave people to sign, often after long, grueling hours of negotiations. The charges — for products like extended warranties and service plans — typically were added to the amount financed and spread over monthly payments, so they were hard to spot. In other instances, the defendants falsely told people the add-ons were required to buy or finance the vehicle, the lawsuit says.

    The lawsuit also says the corporate defendants charged Black customers about $99 more for add-ons and $190 more for financing than they charged similarly situated non-Latino White customers. The finance charges were added as mark ups to the interest rates offered by the lenders working with defendants, resulting in higher costs for customers.

    The lawsuit names the Ed Napleton Automotive Group, eight of its dealerships, and the general manager of two Illinois dealerships. The settlement will return millions of dollars to injured customers.

    Thinking about buying a car? It’s never a bad time for a reminder that you have rights. Before heading to a dealership, you also may want to look at an FTC staff report that highlights some of the challenges people face while buying and financing vehicles. And, if you believe a dealership charged hidden fees or discriminated against you, please tell us at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

  • Service Member Killed in E-2D Crash Identified

    Service Member Killed in E-2D Crash Identified

    From Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs

    NORFOLK, Va. – On Wednesday, March 30, Lt. Hyrum Hanlon, assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120 lost his life when an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye conducting routine flight operations crashed in the vicinity of Wallops Island and Chincoteague, Va. ​

    Lt. Hyrum Hanlon

    Hanlon, who commissioned in the Navy from Arizona State University in May 2017, reported to VAW-120 Jan. 31, 2021. 

    “It takes a courageous and patriotic person to devote their life to the selflessness of serving in the armed forces,” said Cmdr. Martin Fentress Jr., Commanding Officer of VAW-120 “Hyrum embodied those characteristics and will be truly missed by his family and the Hawkeye community. We sincerely appreciate the public respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time as they mourn his loss.” 

    The U.S. Navy continues to coordinate with state and local officials on the salvage planning efforts of the E-2D aircraft. The health and safety of the local community is a top priority during recovery efforts; overflight aircraft confirmed no pollution or discharge of fuel in the area. Salvage operations are expected to proceed in accordance with standard procedures which consider all environmental impacts.   

    The cause of the mishap remains under investigation. 

  • Dover Police releases surveillance photo of robbery suspect

    Dover Police releases surveillance photo of robbery suspect

    Dover Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a robbery suspect.

     

    Dover Police tells TV Delmarva News that the suspect is wanted in connection to the armed robbery at The Little Grocer store at 902 East Division Street. The robbery occurred just after 8:00 p.m. on February 23, where the suspect entered the store with a handgun and demanded cash. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

     

    Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.

  • Lincoln pastor indicted for unlawful sexual contact

    Lincoln pastor indicted for unlawful sexual contact

    The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking the public’s assistance in the prosecution of a Sussex County pastor indicted for Unlawful Sexual Contact and is requesting that any additional victims contact law enforcement.

    Major Foster, a Lincoln man who at the time was employed as pastor of Ellendale’s Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, faces pending charges after inappropriately touching multiple women.

    “I am grateful to the women who have come forward to the Delaware State Police and our prosecutors,” said Attorney General Jennings. “We have reason to believe that Foster’s alleged years long pattern of abuse includes as yet unreported, additional instances. We ask that any additional victims or witnesses with information come forward. We will be there to support you.”

    Foster was indicted in November by a Sussex County grand jury on three counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact 3rd Degree, following an investigation into multiple reports that, from 2013 to 2020, he attempted to use scripture to coerce female parishioners into sexual relationships, made inappropriate comments, and instigated prolonged hugs during which he made inappropriate sexual contact with his victims.

    Foster was also charged with Offensive Touching for pushing a victim’s husband when confronted.

    The State was aware of three victims at the time of Foster’s original indictment; prosecutors now have reason to believe that additional victims may be unidentified. The State implores anyone whom Foster has harmed or who has additional information about the case to contact Delaware State Police. Anyone with additional information should contact Det. L. Coleman, Delaware State Police – Troop 4, at (302) 752-3813.

  • Fox tests positive for rabies in Frankford

    Fox tests positive for rabies in Frankford

    The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Sussex County residents, who live or spend time near the areas of Burbage and Jones roads, and Burbage Road and Route 374 in Frankford, of a positive case of rabies in a fox.

    The fox did not have any known contact with humans, however, there were reports of the fox attacking stray cats. If the attacked cats develop rabies, they will become a public health threat, especially to anyone who feeds them. The fox was tested for rabies and the results came back positive on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

    Since Jan. 1, 2022, the Division of Public Health has performed rabies tests on 53 animals, three of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one raccoon and two foxes, including this positive animal. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

    In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 193 animals, 19 of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one deer, one fox, one cow, two skunks, three cats, four raccoons, and six bats. These numbers differ from previous reports after a 2021 rabies data review.

    Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched by, or encountered a fox or feral cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7.

    Anyone in the area who thinks a fox may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 3/31/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 3/31/2022

    Top Stories: Delaware bill introduced to protect parental rights in schools. Dover Police arrest West Virginian women on murder charges. And a Navy aircraft crashed near Wallops Island killing a crew member.

    Weather: Strong to severe storms are in the forecast tonight with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Tornado Watch until this evening.

  • Governor Carney announces new infrastructure projects across Delaware

    Governor Carney announces new infrastructure projects across Delaware

    SOUTH BOWERS, Del. – Delaware will advance major planned projects, make road systems more resilient to climate change and apply for funding to serve traditionally disadvantaged areas using significant new federal funds for transportation over the next several years.

    The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) — championed by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Senator Chris Coons, and U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021 — is a once-in-a-generation commitment to improving roads, bridges, transit, water and wastewater systems, broadband, energy and other infrastructure areas.

    Transportation is the largest area of new investment in the BIL. In a visit to South Bowers Beach Wednesday, Governor Carney and Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Nicole Majeski highlighted some of the first decisions on construction and improvements to Delaware’s road network using the funding, which will stretch for the next five years.

    A portion of South Bowers Road will be raised up to 5 inches to protect it from both tidal and storm. The previously planned project is an example of the types of projects DelDOT will be able to do with $48.5 million over five years from the BIL for at-risk coastal infrastructure. DelDOT’s new Division of Resiliency and Sustainability will develop a prioritization process for other projects over the next several years.

    “Delawareans will travel easier on major routes and have increased confidence in the roads they need to use every day and in emergencies with the projects DelDOT can now accomplish with this funding,” said Governor Carney. “In addition, we will apply for extra federal funding for improvements in New Castle and Laurel that would make a significant difference in the lives of residents in those areas.”

    Among the projects the Department will be advancing with other BIL funds:

    The planned widening of Route 1 between the Christiana Mall and Route 40
    Improvements to Kenton Road in west Dover between Route 8 and Chestnut Grove Road
    Long-planned construction of an overpass taking Route 9 traffic over U.S. 113 in Georgetown
    The next phase of the Georgetown to Lewes Trail from Fisher Road to Airport Road
    The Infrastructure Law is providing an additional $160 million over five years to Delaware main highway spending programs.

    In addition, Delaware will submit applications in April for two concepts under the federal Local and Regional Project Assistance Grants (RAISE). This is a nationwide competitive program and the U.S. Department of Transportation will announce successful grant recipients by August 12, 2022. Both target traditionally underserved areas, which is a focus of the BIL.

    Applying for $6.5 million in a federal grant to begin designing an ambitious plan in the Route 9 area near New Castle, reducing the through lanes on Route 9 with saved lane space used to improve pedestrian and bicycle and bus facilities and provide extra green space. The project would also include rebuilt intersections including roundabouts, a center-lane multi-use pathway over the I-295 Expressway and a pedestrian/bicycle path system to knit together the now largely disconnected neighborhoods along the corridor. If design funds are granted, DelDOT would apply to RAISE for construction funding in future years, with total cost estimated at $30 million.

    Applying for $5.8 million to add bicycle lanes and a sidewalk safely along Discountland Road in Laurel, connecting two affordable housing communities (Holly Brook Farms and Carvel Gardens) to a shopping center that contains a grocery store, bank, pharmacies, physical therapy and other amenities.
    “We continue to work to address the infrastructure needs we have across the state, and this landmark bill will bring more funding to Delaware that will have a positive impact on every mode of transportation,” said Secretary of DelDOT Nicole Majeski.

    “The Bipartisan Infrastructure law represents the single largest investment in our nation’s roads and bridges since the construction of the Interstate Highway System nearly 70 years ago — a historic win for Delawareans and all Americans,” said Senator Carper, who as Chair of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, drafted and negotiated the legislation. “When drafting this legislation, we prioritized investments in safety, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists, sustainability, and resilience, all while addressing the backlog of repairs in our nation’s transportation system. It’s great to see this historic funding making its way into communities across Delaware, rebuilding the roads that connect us in a way makes them more resilient in the face of climate change and that allows Delaware to grow our economy at the same time.”

    “Passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a commitment to revitalize our roads and bridges and put transportation projects in Delaware at the forefront of our agenda,” said Senator Coons. “These upcoming projects will put millions of dollars in critical federal funds towards increasing the resiliency of coastal communities, prioritizing climate action, and reaffirming our commitment to upgrading Delaware’s infrastructure.”

    “Delawareans rely on our state’s surface transportation infrastructure to live, work, and travel every day,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester. “With funds secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest long-term investment in our nation’s infrastructure in nearly a century that I voted to pass last year – the First State can continue to invest in critical projects to repair and revitalize its roads, highways, and bridges that will improve quality of life and create good-paying jobs at the same time.”

    In addition to road and resiliency projects, federal infrastructure funding coming to Delaware in the next several years includes programs for bridges, public transit, electric vehicle charging, carbon reduction, safety improvements and more.

  • Delaware bill introduced to protect parental rights in schools, increase transparency

    Delaware bill introduced to protect parental rights in schools, increase transparency

    Republican lawmakers have introduced a new bill – “The Delaware Education Right to Know Act” – which would protect parental rights in schools and bring more transparency to the state’s education system.

    The legislation, House Bill 326 introduced earlier this month, gives parents, guardians, and other educational stakeholders more information and opportunities to evaluate public and charter school education in Delaware and to express concerns to school officials.

    The bill comes on the heels of several issues that were raised to our news department from parents in school districts across both Kent and Sussex Counties. The bill’s primary sponsor, State Rep. Charles Postles says the bill is about providing parents with a greater insight into their child’s education.

    “This bill has been a while in the making, mostly from parents that have expressed some concerns about what’s going on in schools,” Rep. Postles said. “Discussions actually started before COVID, but when we went into the virtual, remote learning, parents got an insight into the classroom and what is happening more than they had before. And it kind of opened their eyes as to what some of the situations were and peeked their interest and said we need to know more.”

    The result of the conversations with concerned parents is the result of this bill, according to Rep. Postles who emphasized that, while the bill protects parental rights and would provide parents with a greater insight into their child’s education, it does not interfere with teachers.

    “Teachers are the trained professionals and I have a great deal of respect for the teachers,” Rep. Postles stressed. “We’re not trying to interfere with their professional teaching of the students.”

    The legislation creates a mechanism for parents to be more engaged in schools by mandating that school officials create time for parents to have the opportunity to sit down with their child’s teachers and learn more about the curriculum and what’s being taught to their children. It also allows for parents to challenge school districts who refuse to hand over information pertaining to their child’s education, requiring school officials provide specific information to justify why the request was denied.

    TV Delmarva News also got a chance to speak with one of the bill’s co-sponsors, State Rep. Lyndon Yearick who said parents have a right to know what their child is taught and this legislation would provide them with that mechanism to become more involved in their child’s education.

    “Parents, guardians, grandparents, whoever is responsible for that son, daughter, or grandchild, they need to build that relationship with their immediate teacher, they need to be involved with what goes on in school, and they need to be involved with the administration,” Rep. Yearick said. “Being engaged with what goes on at the school board, being engaged at school board elections. The legislation just wants to reaffirm, stress, and mandate that parents definitely, first and foremost, need to know what’s going on.”

    The bill has been assigned to the House Education Committee and is expected to be considered next week.

  • Dover traffic stop leads to drugs, weapons arrest

    Dover traffic stop leads to drugs, weapons arrest

    A traffic stop in Dover leads to a drugs and weapons arrest on Tuesday evening.

    Delaware State Police say a trooper stopped 20-year-old Tyler Shabazz of Magnolia after he made a lane change without signaling in the area of South Dupont Highway and Webbs Lane.

    The trooper noticed a smell of marijuana inside the vehicle and conducted a probable search without incident. 

    The search uncovered 440 grams of marijuana, a loaded 9mm handgun, four magazines and ammunition, digital scale and over $250 in drug proceeds. 

    Shabazz was lodged in SCI on $27,001 secure bond. He faces several charges, including:

    Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
    Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity (Felony)
    Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
    Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
    Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
    Failure to Signal

    Tyler Shabazz (Delaware State Police)
  • Teens arrested on drug, weapons charges in Laurel

    Teens arrested on drug, weapons charges in Laurel

    18-year-old Tyre Thomas, of Laurel, DE – Delaware State Police Dept.

    Delaware State Police have arrested two teens, including a 15-year-old, on drug and weapons charges in Laurel.

    According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 1:07 p.m., as a trooper on patrol in Laurel observed a white Cadillac speeding on Laurel Road in the area of Shiloh Church Road.

    A traffic stop was initiated and upon contact with the operator, 18-year-old Tyre Thomas, and the front seat passenger, a 15-year-old juvenile male, the trooper immediately detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside of the vehicle.

    Troopers asked the juvenile passenger to exit the vehicle and a probable cause search of him was conducted. During this search, troopers discovered that the juvenile was in possession of approximately 40 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a loaded 9-millimeter Ruger handgun.

    Police later learned that the handgun was reported stolen by Milford Police Department in September, 2020. During a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle, troopers also located approximately 25 grams of marijuana and a digital scale inside a backpack.

    Both the juvenile and Thomas were transported to Troop 5 and charged.

    The 15-year-old has been charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony), Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony), Receiving a Stolen Firearm (Felony), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony), Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

    The juvenile was arraigned and committed to Stevenson House on $25,502 secured bond.

    Thomas was arraigned on possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and speeding charges and released on his own recognizance.

  • Dover Police arrest West Virginia women on murder charges

    Dover Police arrest West Virginia women on murder charges

    The Dover Police Department and United States Marshals Service First State Fugitive Task Force arrested two women wanted for Murder in West Virginia on Wednesday evening.

    22-year-old Isis Wallace and 42-year-old Nichole Brooks, both of Bluefield, West Virginia, were wanted in connection to a shooting death of a 13-year-old female victim in Bluefield on March 23rd, 2022.

    Officers from the Dover Police Department and USMS conducted surveillance at the hotel before executing a search warrant and taking both suspects into custody.

    Both suspects surrendered without incident.

    Brooks and Wallace will be held at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution pending their extradition to West Virginia.

  • Navy E2-D Hawkeye Crash In Chincoteague Bay | 1 Fatality / 2 Rescued

    Navy E2-D Hawkeye Crash In Chincoteague Bay | 1 Fatality / 2 Rescued

    The US Navy reports that a plane went down in the Chincoteague Bay just outside of the NASA Wallops Island Flight around 7:30PM on Wednesday. A Navy E2-D Hawkeye was conducting normal routine flight operations when, for unknown reasons, the aircraft went down into the waters of the Chincoteague Bay.

    Upon arrival of the Coast Guard, the Ocean City Dive Team, Accomack County VA’s, and Wicomico County first responders found two individuals who escaped to the top of the aircraft.

    TV Delmarva News has learned that a third person was still inside the aircraft at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other crew members sustained non-life threatening injuries.

    Navy E2-D Hawkeye Aircraft

    An investigation remains ongoing at this time to determine what caused the crash of the E2-D Hawkeye. The names of the crew members and pilot are being withheld at this time.

  • TV Delmarva News At 4. 3/30/2022

    TV Delmarva News At 4. 3/30/2022

    Top Stories: Sussex County woman speaks out after her dog was stolen in Rehoboth. La Baguette in Dover had flower plants stolen. And a great white shark was pinged off the Delaware coast.

    Weather: A warm front will be moving through today setting the stage for some thunderstorm action on Thursday. Some of which could be on the severe side.