News Briefs

Stockings for Soldiers needs donations

Marianne and Carl Sheran of Lewes are seeking donations for Stockings for Soldiers. Founded nine years ago by Judy Travis of Wilmington, the program collects donations that are stuffed into stockings and sent to troops serving overseas.

Travis's son, a graduate of West Point, learned during his service that many soldiers do not receive anything for the holidays, said Carl Sheran. Travis set out to make sure any soldier who wanted a stocking would get one.

Sheran said last year, Stockings for Soldiers sent out 10,000 stockings through the U.S. Postal Service. The 45,000-pound mailing cost the group $30,000, he said.

Local groups, including Henlopen Landind Community Association, First Town clubs, the VIA and Barbie Andrews of Curves, have already donated to the cause, but more help is needed.

The Sherans are collecting donations of candy, gum nuts, cookies, pocket games, Cracker Jack, beanie babies for kids, AT&T phone cards, used paperback books, crew socks, beef jerky and more. They will also accept financial donations toward the cost of the mailing. The deadline to donate is Friday, Nov. 30. To contribute, call the Sherans at 302-547-6878.

Cape Gazette posts early holiday deadlines

The Cape Gazette has announced early deadlines for news releases as well as retail and classified advertising due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  The deadline for both retail and classified advertising  for the Friday, Nov. 23 edition is 11:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 19.  The deadline for news releases is noon, Tuesday, Nov. 20.  The retail and classified advertising deadline for the Tuesday, Nov. 27 edition is 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 21.  The deadline for news releases is noon, Monday, Nov. 26.  Cape Gazette business offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22-23.

Caroling on The Circle food drive under way

The 29th annual Caroling on The Circle is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in downtown Georgetown. The event helps to usher in the holiday season with music but also is one of the county's major food collections. Food donations are being accepted at the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday until the end of December. Last year, more than 29,000 items were collected and distributed to county food closets. For more information, phone 302-855-7700.

Rehoboth committee to discuss website

The Rehoboth Beach Communications Committee will meet at 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, in the city commissioners’ room to discuss the status of the city’s website overhaul. Discussion of the website will also include the use of a news section on the site, as well as better utilization of the site to better promote the use of “Ongoing Business and Studies.”

The committee will discuss the availability to the public of supporting documents relevant to agenda items at city meetings.

In new business, the committee will discuss clarifying agenda content, such as when the public is allowed to speak and retention of online meeting audio files. The committee will discuss presentations to the city commissioners and a standardized form for submitting agenda items for commissioners’ meetings.

Lewes to consider dog park approval Nov. 19

Lewes Mayor and City Council will meet at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 19, in City Hall.

Agenda items include consideration of the dog park initiative, including approval of the location and initial design concepts; consideration to construct a bocce ball court in George H.P. Smith Park; and a presentation by Southern Delaware Botanic Gardens about their activities and benefits to the city.

The panel will also consider a resolution waiving enforcement of a section of a lease agreement between the city and Cape Shore Associates, which restricts leaseholders’ ability to assign leases unless the city has given prior written consent; a request by Lifetime Living LLC to reduce the transportation bond in accordance with the Canary Creek developer’s agreement; and consideration of a finance committee recommendation to increase fees for weddings held on the beach, in city parks and in Canalfront Park. For a complete agenda visit City Hall, the Lewes Public Library, or go to www.ci.lewes.de.us.

Sussex County offices closed for Thanksgiving

Sussex County offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 26. Sussex County Council will not meet Tuesday, Nov. 20. The next council meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Workers’ comp hearing rescheduled

Delaware Department of Insurance has rescheduled its public hearing on a proposed 40 percent increase in workers’ compensation rates.  The hearing will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Carvel State Office Building on North French Street in Wilmington. The Insurance Department held a public information session Nov. 13 in Georgetown to educate residents about the proposed change.

Citizens can also provide comments in writing or present them at the hearing. Written comments must be received by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13.  Comments should be addressed to the attention of Rhonda West, regulatory specialist at Delaware Department of Insurance at 841 Silver Lake Blvd. in Dover.

To provide oral comments at the hearing, notify West at 302-674-7379 or Rhonda.West@state.de.us, by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13.