A bill that would allow for mail-in ballots in Delaware has advanced to Governor John Carney’s desk for signature.
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Once signed, Delaware voters would be allowed to request a mail-in ballot to vote in the upcoming election – going into effect immediately.
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The House passed the bill on Wednesday night after hearing testimony from an attorney who argued that the legislature had the power to enact legislation despite Republicans calling the bill unconstitutional because it circumvents the majority votes needed for a constitutional amendment.
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State Representative Bryan Shupe (R-Milford), who attempted to add a last-minute amendment that would set a start date of January 1, 2023 for mail-in ballots, cited the primary elections being 77 days away.
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“Without this amendment this assembly is saying that they favor short-term, potentially self-benefitting political wins,” Shupe says. “We need reasonable, logical centered dialogue on election integrity and the right to vote.”
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The amendment was shot down and just over two hours later, the bill was voted along party lines with four no vote/absent.
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It now heads to the governor for signature, which he has signaled support for. State GOP officials tell TV Delmarva News they plan to sue the law once it is enacted.
Several Kent County area fire crews responded to a barn fire in Pearsons Corner, just west of Dover last night (June 28).
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Here is video of the fire, which broke out around 10:00 p.m. last night. Crews from Cheswold, Dover, Hartly, Smyrna, Camden, Bowers, Clayton, Felton, Townsend and Magnolia responded the fire. When crews arrived, the large barn and nearby structures were engulfed in flames.
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No word on animals were loss or if anyone was hurt in that fire, but we’re told that the structure is a total loss. The state’s fire Marshall’s office is investigating.
DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed a $5.0 billion Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for the State of Delaware, a sustainable financial plan that makes investments in Delaware public schools and education programming.
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The operating budget, Senate Bill 250, includes pay increases for state employees, including 2% to 9% increases for all merit employees and increases for public school transportation drivers. All state employees will also be receiving a $500 one-time bonus.
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The operating budget also includes increases in education programs including K-12 mid-year unit count and programming at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College.
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Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney signed a $378.6 million one-time supplemental appropriation which includes funding for the implementation of paid family leave, funding for the Library Connection program – which will connect school libraries with the Delaware library catalog – and various contingency mechanisms.
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“This is a sustainable budget that makes investments where they’re needed most, including public education and our higher education institutions,” said Governor Carney. “We’re also making historic movement of the merit pay scales in state government to make our workforce stronger and to further recognize the great work that state employees do every day. We also will be funding the statewide paid family leave program. All of these steps will help ensure Delaware is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I want to thank the chairs and members of the Joint Finance and Bond Bill committees for their thoughtful work on this budget.”
The Delaware Legislature has sent a controversial gun bill to Governor John Carney’s desk that would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing or owning a firearm.
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House Bill 451, introduced by House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf on June 2, will be headed to the Governor for signature along with other gun control measures that come in the wake of several mass shootings across the country. However, opponents and gun rights advocates say the bills are unconstitutional and vow a legal fight if signed into law.
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The bill was brought back to the State Senate with two amendments, one that would permit children under 18 years old to possess a firearm under direct supervision of a person 21 years or older with a 3-year sunset. The amendment would also permit a person under 21 to transport a gun for the sole purpose of hunting or recreation.
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The bill passed the Senate and was quickly passed in the House shortly after by a 24-15 vote (2 absent). It now joins other bills that would ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.
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Once signed into law, the first-time penalty for an offender would receive a minimum sentence of six months incarceration, with minimum one year for second and subsequent offense.
A traffic stop leads to an untraceable firearm charge in Dover.
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Delaware State Police say a trooper stopped 36-year-old Michael Bauer of Dover just before 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, who was traveling at a high rate of speed on a motorcycle on northbound South Dupont Boulevard south of Carter Road.
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Bauer was detained after it was revealed he had a loaded untraceable handgun on him. Police say he also had over 10 grams of marijuana, and a compute check revealed he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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Bauer faces several charges, including:
Possession of an Untraceable Firearm (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Possession of Marijuana
Numerous traffic offenses
He was arraigned and lodged at SCI on $40,007 secured bond.
Photo of the alleged hit and run driver, accused of hitting a cyclist. (Photo: Dover Police)
Dover Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the driver accused of fatally striking a bicyclist on Saturday night (June 18).
Investigators say the incident happened in the area of South Governors Avenue and West North Street around 10:00 p.m. where a 71-year-old victim suffered fatal injuries from the hit and run. Witnesses reported an SUV involved in the crash and fled northbound on South Governors. Officers were able to obtain a surveillance photo of the alleged vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Three gun control measures are heading to the Governor’s desk after getting pushed through the legislative process this week. One measure would set a cap to magazine size and ban anything over 17 rounds while creating a buy-back program. Penalties were also increased for possession of illegal magazine sizes. House Bill 450 would ban the sale of assault rifles in the state, while House Bill 423 would strengthen background checks.
The measures are drawing criticism from Republicans for how the bills circumvent the State’s Constitution. We spoke to the President of Delaware Sports Shooters Association, Jeff Hague, who says they plan to sue the state once it’s signed.
The Governor is signaling support for these measures and could likely sign into law this weekend.
Meanwhile, a bill that would allow for mail-in ballots has passed the Delaware Senate and now heads to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 320 would allow for Delawareans to vote with a mail-in ballot but would have to request a ballot. If signed into law, which also could happen over the weekend, would go into effect July 1st.
In a last-ditch effort, Republican State Senator Colin Bonini made several attempts to change the effect date to 2024, but was voted down. However, the Senate voted on an amendment by Bonini to require electors to provide a State-issued driver’s license number or State-issued nondriver identification card number or the last 4 digits of their social security number on the application to vote by mail ballot and on the ballot envelope.
The bill passed by a 13-8 margin.
This is a working story. TV Delmarva will provide updates and these bills progress.
Dover Police arrest a suspect and seeking a second in connection to an early Thursday morning carjacking. Officers say the incident happened at the Royal Farms on Saulsbury Road, where a female victim went inside and left her vehicle running. Two suspects, including 20-year-old Dakota Borntreger, allegedly attempted to steal her vehicle but the female victim spotted them and ran back out to confront them. Police say that is when one of the suspects pointed a handgun at her and took off with the vehicle.
Smyrna Police later spotted the vehicle just after 3:00 a.m. and pursued the suspects to the area of South Governors Avenue and Bank Lane. Borntreger was apprehended, but the second suspect eluded law enforcement.
Police uncovered two handguns from Borntreger. He faces numerous charges, including:
-Robbery 1st Degree
-Possession of Untraceable Firearm (2x)
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Wearing a Disguise
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
He was lodged at SCI on a $46,000 cash bond.
Anyone with information on the second suspect is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Dover Police are investigation a home invasion that occurred Wednesday morning.
Officers were called around 12:30 to an incident in the Unit Block of McKee Road, where a 53-year-old victim reported hearing glass breaking but was unable to get up quickly due to a medical condition. The victim’s wife checked on the noise and was confronted by two black male suspects with handguns. The victims gave an undisclosed amount of cash and the suspects fled the scene.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Dover Police are investigating a shooting that happened during the early morning hours on Tuesday night (June 14).
Just after midnight, officers were called to the 500 block of North DuPont Highway after a 19-year-old female and 18-year-old male reported being shot at. The pair was traveling near the One Stop Shop on White Oak Road in a white Kia Optima when shots were fired from an unknown location by and unknown suspect. One round struck the occupied vehicle in the rear passenger side window and exited through the front windshield. The victims then fled to the parking lot where they called and met police. No injuries were reported by either victim.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-736-7130, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
A new bill was introduced to the Delaware Legislature that would significantly increase the fines of parking violations in the state.
House Bill 479, introduced by State Representative Valerie Longhurst, would increase the civil penalty of parking violations from the current $10 but no more than $25 to $100 but no more than $500. Subsequent offenses would also increase to $400 and no more than $2,000.
A committee hearing on the bill will be held within 12 legislative days.
A Senate bill that would ban restaurants from using single-use plastics, polystyrene and other non-biodegradable products in Delaware.
Senate Bill 134 would ban single-use products such as coffee stirrers, straws, and sandwich picks. It was passed on Thursday by a a narrow margin (1 to 8 with one absent).
“Over the past several decades, the low-cost of these products has made them very popular in our society, but, today, many low-cost alternatives exist that are less harmful,” State Senator Trey Paradee says in a Facebook statement. “As a coastal state with a vibrant tourism industry that is critical to our economy and our quality of life, we need to join other states that have already banned these products and set an example for our children to follow.”
Single-use plastics have been a target of problematic pollution across the country and the world. Earthday.org reports that 380 million metric tons of plastics are produced every year, with many of those products containing carcinogens and other toxic materials. In addition, another 14 million tons of plastic ends up in the ocean. A recent study done in Delaware found that an average of 498 pieces of polystyrene per mile littered Delaware highways.
Dover Police are investigation a shooting that left a 20-year-old male in critical condition.
The incident happened in the 100 block of South News Street just before 10:00 p.m. on Thursday night.
Dover Police say when officers arrived on the scene, the victim was lying on the roadway and began first aid until medics arrived. He was transported to Bayhealth Kent with eight gunshot wounds to his upper body. He remains in critical condition.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Dover Police at 302-746-7130 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
Amber Howard, 40, of Dover, DE – Dover Police Dept.
A Dover woman was arrested on felony drug charges after police say a search warrant executed at a local motel turned up heroin, cocaine, and a slew of other drugs.
According to the Dover Police Department, officers obtained a warrant to search a room at the Kent Budget Inn on North DuPont Highway following a drug investigation.
During the search, police say 40-year-old Amber Howard, who was staying the room, was found to be in possession of 142 bags of heroin, 10.2 grams of cocaine, 5.6 grams of MDMA, 12.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 36.7 grams of marijuana.
Howard was arrested without incident and released on a $7,300 unsecured bond on the following offenses: Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Deliver MDMA, Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Alprazolam, Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of MDMA, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
It was a disappointing end for marijuana legalization advocates in The First State, as lawmakers voted not to override Governor John Carney’s veto of House Bill 371.
The bill would have decriminalized possession of an ounce or less for anyone 21 or older. Governor Carney vetoed the bill on May 24. House members voted yesterday to override the veto but was short of the 3/5 majority vote needed (20 to 20 vote with one abstaining).
The Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition called the vote “devastating” and issued a statement saying “It’s looking like the First State might not listen to voters and end the racist war on marijuana until it has a new governor. However, this is an election year, and it’ll be important to get as many solid supporters of legalization in the House as possible.”
Dover Police have identified the victim of a fatal crash on Kings Highway and Park Drive on Saturday night (June 3).
Police say 21-year-old Briyana Berry was in the front passenger seat of a vehicle when the 20-year-old driver reportedly crossed the center line, hitting a traffic island and then a traffic signal pole. Police say Berry was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver was not injured, but officials say he is being evaluated for a possible medical condition. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that damaged an unoccupied vehicle on Thursday night.
According to the Dover Police Department, the incident occurred around 9:54 p.m. as officers responded to the Capitol Green neighborhood for a report of shots fired.
Shortly thereafter, police say a 23-year-old male notified police that his vehicle had been struck by gunfire multiple times.
The vehicle was parked in the rear alley of the 400 Block of New Castle Avenue and was struck at least seven times.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police.
Dover Police are yet again investigating another shooting, this time involving a 23-year-old who was shot in the arm, marking the fourth person to be shot in the city in less than a week.
According to the Dover Police Department, the shooting occurred around 11:48 p.m., Wednesday when officers were called to the 100 Blocks of South New Street and South Queen Street for report of shots fired.
While checking the area, police say a 23-year-old male victim arrived at Bayhealth Kent Campus with a gunshot wound to his right forearm. The victim was uncooperative with detectives, providing multiple versions of the incident, but stating it occurred in the area of Reed Street, between South Bradford Street and South Governors Avenue.
Downtown surveillance video showed that no incident occurred in the area where the victim stated.
Surveillance showed that the victim was in the 100 Block of South New Street when an unknown black male runs into the area. At that time, several people were seen fleeing on foot, which is believed to be when shots were fired and the male victim was struck.
A 12-year-old male and a 17-year-old male were both shot and hospitalized Tuesday evening. Another person, a 27-year-old female, was shot in the leg in downtown Dover on Saturday, May 7.
Anyone with any information on these incidents are urged to contact police.
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.
The Dover Police Department is investigating a large fight that resulted in shots being fired at Schutte Park on Saturday evening.
According to the Dover Police Department, the incident occurred 7:08 p.m. as officers were called to the park for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, police say a large uncooperative crowd was dispersing
Officers located multiple shell casings in the area and found that one vehicle was struck. No injuries were reported. It was learned that there was a large gathering/party in the park and that a fight occurred prior to shots being fired.
If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.
A 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$1,120,000.00 Cash Bond for Suspect Arrested In Dover Murder
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit arrested Marcus Bailey, 18, of Wilmington, for the homicide that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man, was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when Marcus Bailey entered the backseat of the car. Marcus engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. Marcus then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Through investigative measures, the Delaware State Police identified Marcus Bailey as the suspect involved in this shooting incident. On March 26, 2022, Marcus was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop in the Long Neck Wawa parking lot. He was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 7 where he was charged with the following crimes:
Murder First Degree (Felony)
Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,120,000.00 cash bond.
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently conducting a homicide investigation that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
On March 24, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., troopers responded to Senator Avenue for a reported shooting. The investigation determined a 33-year-old Dover man was seated in the driver seat of a vehicle parked on Senator Avenue when an unknown male entered the backseat of the car. The male engaged in a conversation with the victim before demanding the victim’s property. At some point during the encounter, the victim was shot in the upper torso. The unknown male suspect then fled the vehicle in an unknown direction of travel.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification is pending notification to next of kin.
At this time, there is no suspect information available. Delaware State Police Homicide Unit asks anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this incident to contact Det. Mark Csapo by calling 302-741-2729. 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
At least one person has died and several more have been injured in an early morning fire that tore through a building in downtown Dover.
The Dover Police and Fire Department, along with the City of Dover Fire Marshal’s Office, are investigating the blaze that broke out around 2:30 a.m., Wednesday at a large, mixed-use building on the corner of Loockerman Street and South New Street.
Crews work to bring a blaze under control in downtown Dover – Dover Police Dept.
Multiple agencies responded to assist and the fire was finally brought under control around 8 a.m. following hours of efforts to extinguish the blaze.
At this time, officials say one male victim was found deceased inside the building and seven others have been transported to a nearby hospital, with the majority being evaluated and treated for minor injuries and/or smoke inhalation.
The cause and origin of the fire have not yet been determined and remain under investigation at this time.
Loockerman Street from Queen Street to Governors Avenue is expected to remain closed for several hours, with several surrounding streets also affected by closures and detours.
A Dover High School student was arrested Tuesday after officials a gun was brought on campus.
According to Dover Police, officers received a call around 12:20 p.m. that a student could possibly be in possession of a firearm.
The school was placed on a lockdown and officials located the 16-year-old student and found the gun.
There has been no evidence to suggest that the student intended to use the firearm, according to police. None the less they were taken into custody on multiple charges.
Capitol school district issued a statement following the incident saying the student will be subject to further disciplinary action through the school board.
Police have not released the identity of the student.
Delaware Democratic leaders in Dover are now calling on State Auditor Kathy McGuiness to take a leave of absence following her indictment on misconduct charges.
Senate leadership issued the following statement, saying “today we urge Auditor McGuiness to place the public’s interests ahead of her own. At a minimum, she should take a voluntary leave of absence while the Department of Justice’s investigation is ongoing and while the Delaware State Senate considers its own Constitutional obligations in this matter.”
Democratic House leaders also called on McGuiness to step down temporarily, saying they are “concerned that the ongoing investigation and her legal defense will make it increasingly difficult for the auditor to effectively run an agency that is the watchdog of public funds.”
McGuiness was charged by a grand jury Monday with fraud, nepotism, and official misconduct.
Through her attorney, McGuiness has denied any and all wrongdoing. She has no plans to step down at this time and instead said she intends to focus on the job that she was elected to do.
Wendy Strauss retired Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) was honored by the State Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) with their Lifetime Achievement Award for her twenty-three years of dedication to the disability community.
Wendy Strauss – State of Delaware
Wendy worked on numerous pieces of legislation with the Council and other disability advocates that positively impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities. She was instrumental in working with key stakeholders to get the Speech-Language Program in Delaware. Wendy and the Council led the team on the Seclusion and Restraint guidelines for the Department of Education and facilities. Another of her life-changing works was establishing School Resource Officer legislation requiring guidelines and training for school resource officers working with students in special education.
Wendy worked on creating disability awareness at the public school level, in childcare and preschools by focusing on disability history and the disability rights movement. The initiative resulted in House Bill 123 proclaiming October as Disability History and Awareness Month in Delaware and HCR 33 to present Disability History and Awareness Month in childcare settings. The GACEC instituted a Disability History and Awareness Month Poster Contest. Students from across the state created works of art depicting specific topics people with disabilities face.
The GACEC worked with many partners and schools across the state to have a book and coloring book developed and printed to share statewide. A curriculum was designed around the book and coloring book for preschool teachers and childcare providers to introduce friends with various abilities to their students as part of Disability History and Awareness Month.
The virtual awards presentation was held Sept. 22nd SCPD at the annual Life Conference.
Additional awards were given to:
Andrea Guest – State Service Award
Representative Debra Heffernan – Legislative Service Award
A homicide investigation is underway in Dover after one person was killed and several others were injured in a drive-by shooting.
According to Delaware State Police, around 1 a.m., Sunday troopers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Nathaniel Mitchell Road for reports of a shooting.
Police arrived and located three men and two women all suffering from gunshot wounds.
All victims were transported to Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus for treatment. At the hospital, a 22-year-old male victim was pronounced dead.
The two other male victims, ages 25 and 19, are in stable condition.
A 25-year-old woman was transported from Bayhealth to Christiana Hospital in critical condition and the other 19-year-old woman was treated and released.
A total of five people were struck by gunfire.
The initial investigation revealed that there was a party at the home and people were standing in the front yard at the time when a vehicle approached and an unknown number of occupants got out and started firing rounds at the partygoers.
Police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward.
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit arrested Marcus Bailey, 18, of Wilmington, for the homicide that took place Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Park community in Dover.
