News Briefs 3/17/26
Lewes planners to meet March 18
The Lewes Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, at the Rollins Center.
The panel will discuss its 2027 comprehensive plan update. See agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Tedder to host coffee and conversation
Rehoboth Beach City Manager Taylour Tedder will host a coffee and conversation session at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, in the convention center, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The topic of the day is the city’s budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins April 1, and proposed charter changes. Commissioners are expected to vote on the budget during a Friday, March 20 meeting. Charter changes are expected to be back before commissioners for final review at the Monday, April 9 meeting.
African American panels to meet
The Lewes Johnnie Walker Beach subcommittee will meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, March 19, at city hall.
Members will discuss and possibly take action on a replica pavilion design and construction.
The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will meet at 6 p.m. in the same location.
Members will discuss upcoming events, including the 2026 Juneteenth celebration.
See both agendas and meeting links at lewes.civicweb.net.
Cape school board launches new website
Cape Henlopen School District Assistant Superintendent LouAnn Hudson announced during a March 12 meeting that the district will be launching a new school board website, Diligent Community, Thursday, March 19.
The website, which will be linked on the district site, will have a new look, with meeting dates, agendas, past information and a district policy section.
RD 20 Democrats to meet March 19
The Delaware 20th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 19.
An informal social gathering for Dutch treat dinner starts at 5 p.m.
Guest speakers will be Jill Hicks, candidate for Sussex County Council DIstrict 5, and Mike Brickner of the ACLU, with a presentation titled, “Know Your Rights for Immigrant Allies.”
RD20 is the local Democratic Party organization for residents in Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and sections of Harbeson and Georgetown. Any registered Democrat in Delaware is welcome to participate in RD20’s social hour and business meeting.
RSVP is required at rd20deldems.com and the location will be provided.
Rehoboth Beach meeting set March 20
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet at 2 p.m., Friday, March 20, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for continued discussion and possible approval of the budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins April 1.
The agenda also calls for “possible consideration of the current status of municipal planning efforts, including issuance of a Request for Information and an overview of upcoming community engagement activities.”
A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Museum curator to discuss Living Indigenous exhibition March 30
The Lewes Public Library will host Margaret Winslow, Delaware Art Museum head curator and curator of contemporary art, discussing the museum’s Living Indigenous exhibition in a presentation at 5 p.m., Monday, March 30 at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.
Created in partnership with the Nanticoke Indian Museum, Living Indigenous brings together intergenerational voices that illuminate what it means to be an Indigenous artist today while honoring the enduring stories of the inhabitants of Turtle Island – a term used by many Indigenous peoples to refer to the continent of North America. The exhibition is on display at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington through Sunday, Aug. 23.
“I’m excited to explore the artists' stories and the themes behind Living Indigenous with the Lewes community,” said Winslow. “The artists in the exhibition offer powerful perspectives on identity, history and the present moment.”
To register for the event, visit the library’s events calendar at lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.
Pet supply drive runs until March 31
The GFWC Zwaanendael Women’s Club is collecting supplies for Humane Animal Partners in Rehoboth Beach until Tuesday, March 31.
Donations can be dropped off at the front table near the entrance to Rise Fitness + Adventure, 35770 Airport Road, Rehoboth Beach. Requested supplies include wet and dry food for dogs and cats, along with treats, feeder bowls, toys and cleaning supplies. Visit gfwczwaanendael.org for a complete list.
Humane Animal Partners provides vital and lifesaving services for animals in Delaware and surrounding areas; learn more at humaneanimalpartners.org.
Center senior bingo set April 1
Cape Henlopen Senior Center will host afternoon jackpot bingo from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, at 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach. The public is welcome; doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $20 per person and includes one game pack, specials and one quickie card. Additional games and food will be available at separate cost. For more information, call 302-227-2055.
Appeal set for Prime Hook dune crossing
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Watershed Stewardship issued a decision Jan. 16 to deny the application submitted by a Prime Hook Beach property owner for after-the-fact approval of construction of a 10-foot-wide concrete dune crossover.
The property owner has requested an administrative hearing to seek reconsideration of the division’s decision to deny the application.
The virtual administrative hearing on the above matter will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, April 6.
The web link to the virtual hearing can be accessed through the State of Delaware Public Meeting Calendar at publicmeetings.delaware.gov/#/meeting/85005. Language assistance is available by request within 10 business days of the hearing. Closed-captioning is available via the Zoom platform virtual meeting tool.
The hearing record will remain open in this matter through Monday, April 13. Documents to support the hearing matter may be submitted to DNREC by email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov or by U.S. mail to Theresa Smith, DNREC – Office of the Secretary, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
America in Bloom offers national certification program
America in Bloom, a national nonprofit organization, recently launched a new sustainability initiative to recognize exemplary gardens and landscapes in residential, commercial, educational and public-space properties.
Gardens Across America is a self-certification program honoring properties that showcase environmental, sustainable and civic beautification efforts in home gardens, businesses, places of worship, schools and public gardens.
“America in Bloom has supported community beautification and environmental efforts in nearly 400 communities in 44 states, impacting more than 24 million people. Cities, towns, and municipalities of all sizes have memorialized thousands of actions and initiatives to lead sustainability efforts for generations to come through floral impact, landscaped areas, urban forestry, cultural heritage and environmental efforts that create award-winning communities,” said Mason Day, America in Bloom board of directors president. “We invite all gardeners across America to join the movement and certify your property today.”
America in Bloom provides a user-friendly online self-assessment tool to certify property through the Gardens Across America program. For a nominal fee, participants will receive a printable certificate recognizing their beautification efforts, a press release to announce them and a free America in Bloom monthly e-newsletter.
Learn more at AmericaInBloom.org/Programs/Gardens-Across-America.
