News Briefs 4/10/26

Delaware clears unemployment claim backlog

Delaware’s unemployment claim backlog is nearly gone. The Delaware Department of Labor announced it has cleared 99.9% of outstanding backlogged unemployment claims, marking substantial progress after months of focused work on service delivery, compliance and fiscal management.

With the backlog resolved, staff have been redeployed across claims processing, adjudication and appeals, creating a faster, more balanced system designed to keep pace with demand.

The progress comes amid a surge in claims. Between December 2025 and January 2026, more than 12,000 new claims were filed. Of those, 9,000 were processed, for a 75% completion rate in just two months. In total, 13,000 claims, including both new filings and older cases, were resolved in the first quarter of 2026.

State officials said the shift positions the department to respond more quickly moving forward, with increased processing capacity and improved coordination across teams.

“I continue to be impressed by the commitment of the UI staff to resolving claims and addressing the needs of displaced workers,” said LaKresha Moultrie, Delaware secretary of labor. “DOL will continue to pursue technology enhancements to better manage increases in claims, process them more efficiently and strengthen customer service.”

Lewes parking panel to meet April 10

The Lewes Parking Working Group will meet at 9 a.m., Friday, April 10, at city hall.

The agenda includes presentation and discussion of a proposed in-town parking pilot, including possible recommendation to mayor and council. 

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

Sons of the Revolution local chapter to meet

The Delaware Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Lewistown Chapter will hold its monthly meeting Saturday, April 11, at American Legion Post 17 in Lewes, with lunch at noon followed by the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Bill Knightly.

For more information, contact Chuck Smolka at mbua84@yahoo.com.

UUSD to meet April 12

Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, April 12, with the topic,“Called to Welcome, A Journey into the Immigration Space.” Joanne McAfee, local organizer and activist, said, “How can our proximity to each other lead to better understanding and advocacy?” McAfee is a Delaware native who believes deeply in the dignity of all people. She is a two-time border witness, a dedicated advocate for human rights and immigration reform, and a grateful wife and mother of two grown sons. Learn more at uussd.org.

Foot care patrol report set April 13

In 2025, Nurses & Neighbors Collaborative launched its Neighborhood Foot Care Patrol to bring foot health education and screenings directly into the community. With a focus on older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness and underserved neighbors, trained volunteer nurses and community partners delivered screenings to more than 160 individuals at a dozen outreach events across Delaware.

To share insights on how community-based education and preventive care can improve health outcomes and reduce disparities, the collaborative will present “Bottom-Up: What We Learned from 100+ Feet and 1,000+ Toes” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, April 13, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. To register, email nursesneighbors@gmail.com.

Neighborhood Foot Care Patrol is now officially registered as a federal trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. “Foot health is foundational to how we move, live and stay independent,” said Bet Key Wong, MSN, RN, CFCS, CNORe, program founder. “This trademark registration not only protects the integrity of our work, but also positions the model to grow and reach more communities.”

To learn more, go to delawareinstitute.org/foot-care-patrol.

Lewes council to meet April 13

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 13, at city hall.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action on a revised home-based business ordinance.

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

Building resilience across Inland Bays watershed is April 15 topic

The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays will host a public citizens café from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at 39375 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, or online via Zoom.

Bringing together residents, professionals and community leaders for meaningful dialogue, the free event is part of a year-long series, Resilience in the Inland Bays Watershed: Adapting, Protecting and Thriving.

Building on earlier conversations focused on individual action, this session will highlight how organizations and communities can work together to strengthen environmental stewardship, public health and regional resilience.

Speakers will be Deanna Benner and Lisa Swanger. Benner, a steering committee member for the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health, is a women’s health nurse practitioner and co-chair of the ChristianaCare Environmental Sustainability Caregiver Committee. Swanger is the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ director of outreach and education.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with others invested in the future of the Inland Bays.

To learn more, go to inlandbays.org.

RD 20 Democrats to meet April 16

The Delaware 20th Representative District Democratic Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 16, in Lewes.

An informal social gathering for Dutch treat dinner will start at 5 p.m.

Guest speaker Ruby Schaeffer is a candidate in the primary election for RD20 state representative. She will present her campaign and answer questions from attendees.

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.

Immigration forum slated April 17

Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, and Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, will participate in an online discussion of Immigration Policy in Delaware from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 17, via Zoom.

The League of Women Voters of Sussex County’s Social Policy Committee will host the bipartisan community forum.

Huxtable and Pettyjohn will discuss the issues, problems and concerns that influence their positions on immigration policies in Delaware and the ways legislators are protecting the rights of immigrants through current and proposed legislation.

With the mission to empower voters and defend democracy, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for elective office.

Its aim is to encourage active and informed participation in government, and to increase understanding of public policy issues. 

To learn more and register, go to sussexlwv.org.

Annexation to review committee in Milton

Milton Town Council unanimously approved of sending the proposed Carey Farm development to the town’s special review committee.

The proposed Carey Farm project calls for 242 single-family homes and 143 townhouses.

The land is currently in Sussex County, zoned AR-1, agricultural-residential. David Hutt, attorney for developer CD Carey Farms LLC, said the intention is to pursue a zoning of R-1 residential with a large-parcel development overlay if the parcel were to be annexed into Milton. 

The committee has scheduled its first meeting for Wednesday, April 22. 

The Carey Farm development would be part of three developments in the same area across from Mariner Middle School, joining Scarlet Oaks and Four Winds.

Scarlet Oaks has already been annexed into Milton; that project’s developers have also submitted an application to annex an additional 5 acres at the tip of Scarlet Oaks that is proposed for a commercial component.

That request is still under review by the planning and zoning commission.

Four Winds remains part of the county and is a 336-unit subdivision on 169 acres.

The Carey Farm project went in front of the state’s Preliminary Land Use Service in December. The property is within Milton’s future land-use area.

Pilates studio to celebrate new Rehoboth location April 24

Right Balance Pilates has relocated its Rehoboth Beach studio to a new, expanded space at 301 Rehoboth Ave.

Community members are invited to a grand opening celebration from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, April 24, at the new studio. Attendees can tour the space, meet the team and learn about programs offered.

The Rehoboth location features dedicated spaces for group Pilates classes, private Pilates sessions, and three offices supporting health and wellness professionals.

The studio offers reformer and mat Pilates classes accommodating about 10-12 participants, as well as private and duet sessions designed to support rehabilitation, athletic performance, injury prevention and overall wellness. 

The company also offers Delaware’s only state-licensed Pilates teacher training program, including both mat and reformer teacher training.

Right Balance Pilates also operates other locations including Lewes, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. 

Drop-off event for prescription drugs set

The Rehoboth Beach Police Department will take part in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25.

Area residents are asked to drop off their unneeded or expired prescription medications in the lobby of the police department at 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach for safe disposal.

The prescription drop-off process is anonymous. Illicit substances, sharps and syringes will not be accepted. Vapes and e-cigarettes will be accepted only if batteries are removed prior to dropping off.

The DEA has collected 10,000 tons of prescription drugs since starting this initiative in 2021. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to limit the potential for abuse and misuse of these medications by safely disposing of expired or unused prescription drugs.

UUSD social justice grant applications due April 30

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will accept grant applications until Thursday, April 30, from nonprofits for special projects serving Sussex County. Grants of up to $2,500 are made possible by the Roy Parks Memorial Social Justice Fund, which is administered by the UUSD Social and Environmental Justice Committee. The fund awards grants to organizations whose justice work serving Sussex County aligns with UUSD’s mission, vision and resolution of conscience. This is the final year of a five-year grant program made possible by the bequest of UUSD member Roy Parks to the S&EJC program. For more information, go to uussd.org/justice/justice-actions-2 and scroll to Roy Parks Memorial Social Justice Fund Application, or contact Mac Goekler, UUSD social and environmental justice committee co-chair, at socialjustice@uussd.org.

Kentucky Derby party to benefit therapeutic riding center May 2

Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding will host its annual Kentucky Derby watch party from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, at 17170 Harbeson Road, Milton. 

With hay bales moved aside, SDTR's riding arena will be transformed so guests feel like they’re in the middle of all the live racing action at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky.

Event highlights include an auction-parade of horses, best hat and crazy pants contests, and opportunities to take a chance on win, place or show. Along with heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar will feature mint juleps and an assortment of other drinks.

Funds raised will help SDTR continue its mission of enriching the lives of local children and adults living with disabilities through equine-assisted services in a supportive environment.

For more information, go to sdtrhr.com.

Coldwell Banker Realtors recognized at awards gala

The annual Coldwell Banker Premier Awards Gala for the Delaware region was held March 26 at the Clubhouse at Baywood in Long Neck.

Agents and staff from Premier's local offices in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Seaford and Milford attended, along with company leadership and corporate staff who traveled in from Spain, Virginia, Ohio, Louisiana and more. Awards were presented from the Coldwell Banker international brand level as well as from a regional level.

One of only 140 individuals recognized out of 95,000 sales associates qualified, Lewes-based Realtor Julie Gritton was named to the Coldwell Banker International Society of Excellence.

Based on sales excellence during the 2025 calendar year, recognition went to Harry “Skip” Faust, top 1% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates; Kathy Newcomb and Lee Johnson, top 7% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates; and Beth Dorman, top 11% of all Coldwell Banker sales associates.

Jennings files for re-election

Attorney General Kathleen Jennings filed March 27 to run for a third term in office.

First elected in 2018, the Democrat won re-election in 2022. No one else has yet filed to run for the position.

Milford entrepreneur named Small Business Person of the Year

Milford business owner Jennifer McEntire of Bayside Gymnastics has been named Delaware’s 2026 Small Business Person of the Year.

Part of National Small Business Week, the recognition highlights McEntire’s outstanding leadership, dedication and impact through Bayside Gymnastics, where she has built a thriving business and  created a space that empowers youth, strengthens families and enriches the Milford community.

Alongside fellow small business leaders from across the country, McEntire will be recognized Sunday, May 3, during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

For more than 60 years, National Small Business Week has celebrated entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create opportunities and serve as the backbone of communities nationwide. McEntire exemplifies this spirit through her passion, perseverance and commitment to excellence.

“Jennifer’s impact goes far beyond business. She represents the very heart of downtown Milford where passion meets purpose, and small businesses create lasting change in the lives of others,” said Sadé Truiett of Downtown Milford Inc. “We are incredibly proud to see one of our own recognized on such a distinguished stage.”

Souza appointed chair of Dewey committee

The Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee appointed member Cindy Souza as committee chair during a meeting April 2.

The committee is responsible for reviewing and developing recommendations regarding the town’s infrastructure needs, such as stormwater management, street maintenance and lighting, and other related issues assigned by town commissioners.

The committee is looking for more members but currently consists of Souza, Marty Tarr, Phil Winkler and Glenn Rineer. 

David Jasinski is the commissioner liaison.