News Briefs 12/12/25

Possums podcast hosts Christmas show cast and crew

Possum Point Players’ newest podcast features chats with some of the cast and crew of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” by Barbara Robinson. The episode is available now on major podcast platforms.

Show dates are Friday to Sunday, Dec. 12 to 14, at Possum Hall, 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown.

The Herdman kids might set the Christmas tree on fire and perhaps toss the baby Jesus doll off the stage, but they surely will melt hearts in the last scene of this hilarious holiday classic.

Veteran director Marge Ventura has assembled a cast of 28 to bring to life the six infamous Herdman kids and a patient church member and mom who falls into directing the annual Christmas pageant. Add in the mom’s family, a host of interested (gossipy) church members and many young Sunday school attendees unnerved by the Herdmans for the perfect mix to create a delightful show.

Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m.; the Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.

To learn more, go to possumpointplayers.org. 

Genealogical society to meet Dec. 13

The Sussex County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at Lewes Public Library and via Zoom. Attendees of this holiday gathering will enjoy refreshments and share family stories, research experiences and helpful resources. All members and guests must register at lewes.lib.de.us; find the meeting date under Events. For more information, go to scgsdelaware.org.

Local business sets Milton food pantry drive Dec. 13

Frantic Frets Music & Antiques will collect items for the Milton Community Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at 26370 Broadkill Road, Milton. Volunteers will be on hand to accept donations in sizes for individual and family use. Items requested include containers of shelf-stable milk and ghee, which may be used as a substitute for butter in baking and sauteeing vegetables. When possible, low-sodium items are requested.

Additional items needed are canned proteins (tuna, chicken, stew, chili, beans, soups); canned fruits and vegetables; mashed potatoes mix; cookie mix; granola bars; paper shopping bags; and monetary donations.

Bulk-packaged items will not be accepted. 

“We have worked with the Milton Community Food Pantry for years and support the important work they are doing in our community,” said Mary Knight. “Your generosity, regardless of how much you are able to give, will make a great difference to those receiving.”

The pantry is currently serving about 350 individuals and families each week, with a system that divides the recipients by last names for alternating weeks of distribution. To learn more, go to miltonpantry.org.

Nativity and music events Dec 13 at Trinity in Lewes

Trinity Faith Christian Center will present "The Christmas Buffet," a musical celebration, and the nativity at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at 15516 New Road, Lewes. The event offers fun for the entire family. All are welcome. For more information, call 302-752-8112.

Christmas music concert at St. Edmond Dec. 14

The Music Ministry of St. Edmond Catholic Church will present a Christmas Concert at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, in the church at 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be served in the parish hall immediately following the concert.

UUSD to meet Dec. 14

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, with Our Imaginal: Children of the Same God as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “What might looking more carefully at our Unitarian history have to offer us about living in challenging, multi-religious and increasingly secular times? Join us in learning from Dr. Susan Ritchie’s work chronicling the historical relationship among Unitarianism, Judaism and Islam.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Lewes bike panel to meet Dec. 16

The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at city hall.

The agenda includes an update on recommendations for bike and pedestrian access to Forecastle Lane.

See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes finance panel to meet Dec. 16

The Lewes Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at city hall.

The panel will receive presentations and possibly take action regarding donation requests from Lewes Public Library, Lewes in Bloom and Lewes Fire Department.

The agenda also includes presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the FY27 draft budget process.

See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Milton planners to meet Dec. 16

Milton Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Cannery Village clubhouse to discuss final approval of a proposed Dairy Queen on Route 16.

The planned restaurant would be 2,100 square feet with a drive-thru and 33 parking spaces. The Dairy Queen would front Route 16 and be located next to a planned Dunkin Donuts, which has already been given preliminary site-plan approval. The property is zoned C-1 commercial.

Preliminary approval of the Dairy Queen was granted by planning and zoning in May.

UUSD sets winter solstice service Dec. 19

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a winter solstice service at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19. The Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD friend and ordained spiritual life minister, said, “Winter solstice is the marking of the earth’s pause before turning once again from darkness toward the light. On this, the longest night of the year, we will invite new beginnings into our lives and pause to listen to the renewal of our life’s direction. We will begin our ceremony indoors. Weather permitting, we may have an outdoor fire to celebrate the coming of the light. As part of the ceremony, we will release our worries and concerns into the fire, either indoors or out. In our celebration we will drum, so bring a drum if you have one or share the drums we have to offer. Come renew your fire and light.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Registration open through Dec. 20 for Tower Beach FC futsal league 

Delaware FFA Blue Jacket Bonanza applications due Feb. 1

Delaware Farm Bureau is offering FFA Blue Jackets to deserving Delaware Future Farmers of America members through its Blue Jacket Bonanza program.

Jackets will be awarded during the 2026 Delaware FFA Convention. Applicants must also have their FFA advisor submit a recommendation. Both the application and advisor’s recommendation must be submitted by 11:59 p.m, Sunday, Feb. 1.

Over the past decade, DEFB has provided more than 600 blue jackets to students across the state. DEFB President Bill Powers said, “This program has given many students the opportunity to receive a blue jacket personalized with their name, something they might not otherwise have.”

For FFA members, the iconic blue jacket represents leadership, career development and a commitment to agriculture. Through this program, DEFB ensures that students who may not be able to purchase their own jacket can still proudly wear this symbol of achievement.

To learn more, go to defb.org/blue-jacket-bonanza, email Jaiden Cain at jaiden.cain@defb.org, or call 302-697-3183.

Free hearing aid nominations due

This holiday season, Cape Hearing Center Drs. Justin Elder and Jean Davison are partnering with the Gift of Hearing Program and Resound, an initiative dedicated to restoring the sounds of life for those in need.

Through the program, qualified individuals will receive hearing aids at no cost, helping them reconnect with family, friends and the world around them.

Cape Hearing Center will gift two individuals with premium, rechargeable hearing aids and one year of comprehensive follow-up services. Nominations are due by Friday, Dec. 19.

The Gift of Hearing Program is designed for individuals who experience hearing loss but lack the financial means to purchase hearing aids. Applicants will undergo a professional hearing evaluation to determine eligibility.

Selected recipients will receive custom-fitted hearing aids, ensuring comfort and improved quality of life. Since inception, Resound and the Gift of Hearing Program have donated 2,924 hearing aids.

To submit a nomination, go to capehearingcenter.com, download the Gift of Hearing form, and provide the nominee’s full name and contact information including a brief description of their hearing challenges and why they would benefit.  To obtain a nomination form in person, visit Cape Hearing Center, 17005 Old Orchard Road, Lewes. Individuals are not allowed to nominate themselves.

Session set on air quality at Mountaire

The state’s Division of Air Quality will conduct a community information session from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Indian River Senior Center, 214 Irons Ave., Millsboro.

The purpose is to discuss questions regarding air quality permitting and compliance for the Mountaire Millsboro facility, and the public will have the opportunity to ask questions. This session was requested in response to a public notice published in October regarding a permit amendment for the resource recovery process. Questions and comments received at the information session are not part of the record.

For more information, contact Angela Marconi, Division of Air Quality director, at Angela.Marconi@delaware.gov or by calling 302-739-9402.

Capitol Police expands dog program

The Delaware Capitol Police is offering its Facility Dog Program in all Delaware courthouses by expanding services to Kent and Sussex counties. The program pairs specially trained dogs with dedicated handlers to comfort vulnerable populations and reduce anxiety. Vinn, Delaware's first facility dog, arrived in October 2022 through Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization. He knows more than 40 commands, including calming pressure therapy, and has passed the Assistance Dogs International test.

For the past three years, Vinn has served at the New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, assisting in Family Court and Superior Court cases. He has helped during courtroom testimony, child interviews, trial preparation and protection from abuse order proceedings. His calm presence reduces anxiety and helps victims, witnesses, families and the public navigate emotionally challenging situations.

Facility dog services can be requested by filling out the form at courts.delaware.gov/aoc/facilitydog.aspx.

Milton OKs request for Granary well

Milton Town Council unanimously approved a request for the Granary at Draper Farm to replace an existing irrigation well on the site.

Developer Convergence Communities made the request after the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control deemed the existing well is older and not up to current standards. Convergence intends to use the well for the Granary’s common areas and irrigation around a stormwater management pond. 

The Granary is a planned 1,350-unit development on 450 acres on Sand Hill Road. Development of the site is planned for 10 phases over the next 20 years.

Moyer appointed Millsboro police chief

The Town of Millsboro has announced the appointment of David Moyer as its new chief of police. Moyer brings more than 17 years of law enforcement experience to the department.

Moyer has served the Town of Millsboro in roles ranging from patrol officer to detective, sergeant and most recently lieutenant and deputy chief of police, where he oversaw department operations, supervised first-line supervisors and led critical incident responses.

Throughout his career, Moyer has been trusted to manage internal affairs matters, spearhead hiring and recruitment efforts, oversee grant funding to support departmental needs and serve as acting chief when required.

His work has consistently focused on elevating professionalism, accountability and public trust within the department.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Moyer brings a commitment to service and integrity that has defined his career. He holds a bachelor of science degree in forensic psychology and has completed extensive leadership development training, including the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. He has been recognized with multiple commendations, including Officer of the Year, several exceptional performance awards, and the department’s Medal of Valor.

NARFE Coastal Sussex meets monthly

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Coastal Sussex Chapter 1690 meets at 11:30 a.m., the second Thursday of each month from September to June, at 1776 Steakhouse in Midway Plaza, Rehoboth Beach. For more chapter information, email trombellow@comcast.net. NARFE Delaware has five chapters and service officers who can assist federal employees, active and retired, as well as survivors and others collecting a federal pension, on benefit issues. Since NARFE’s founding in 1921, the association’s mission has been to defend and advance the earned pay and benefits of America’s civil servants. To learn more, go to narfe-de.org or call 844-NARFE-NOW.

Plan to clean up Wil King Station adopted

The state announced Nov. 26 it has adopted a plan regarding the cleanup of the Wil King Station site outside Lewes. The site includes woodlands and former farmland, and historic dumping has occurred in some areas. The site’s cleanup plan requires groundwater monitoring and a restriction on the use of groundwater at the site.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control issued a public notice of the proposed plan of remedial action Oct. 22.

There were no comments or questions from the public regarding the proposed plan.

Details of the Final Plan of Remedial Action are available online at den.dnrec.delaware.gov. For more information, contact Stephanie Gordon, project manager, at DNREC_WHS_REMEDIATIONINBOX@delaware.gov or 302-395-2600.

Sussex wins award for land-use reform

Sussex County’s efforts to rethink land use have earned the local government top honors from a professional planning organization.

The American Planning Association-Delaware Chapter recently presented its Outstanding Planning Project Award to Sussex County to recognize the efforts of the Land Use Reform Working Group, a 10-member body appointed by Sussex County Council in early 2025 to consider ways to address the pace and intensity of development in southern Delaware.

The panel, comprising farmers, developers, environmental and community advocates, housing specialists, engineers and state agencies, held 10 meetings this year to discuss a range of topics. In the end, the body drafted 20 recommendations that form a road map for guiding new development, channeling growth to designated areas through zoning reform, increasing housing diversity and affordability, strengthening resource protections in rural and environmentally sensitive areas, and improving transparency and predictability in the development process. Council will begin considering the recommendations in early 2026, as the county embarks on its state-mandated update of the comprehensive plan, which must be adopted by 2028.

“We’re pleased the county has earned this distinction from the APA-Delaware Chapter and appreciate the support of these respected land-use professionals and experts,” said County Administrator Todd Lawson. “But the hard work awaits us. The greatest reward will be in the eventual outcome, one that balances the needs of our community today and in the future.”