News Briefs 6/27/25

DART bus service limited for July 4

DART First State announced bus service schedule changes for Friday, July 4, in Sussex County. The Beach Bus services and Route 305 will operate on Independence Day, with paratransit operating complimentary ADA-only service. All other DART services, fixed route and paratransit, will not operate.

With the free DART Transit app, riders can plan their trip, view bus stops, get real-time bus information and more. The free DART Pass app allows customers contactless mobile payment options.

For more information, visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART.

DMV warns of bogus text messages

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has said recent text messages asking for payment are fake and should be reported.

Officials said a new Short Message Service phishing scam has surfaced referencing the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, which involves text messages that state the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation and needs to click on a link to pay the amount due by a specific date to avoid suspension of their vehicle registration and driving privileges.

Officials said DMV and E-ZPass Delaware do not send emails or texts demanding payment for a violation. These text message alerts are a scam designed to trick recipients into paying an undisclosed amount, while also gaining access to their personal, private and financial data. The DMV urges all residents and customers not to click on any links soliciting money for unpaid traffic violations, toll violations or account replenishment. 

Anyone who receives a suspicious text or email can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. When reporting, include the phone number from which the text originated and the website listed within the text.

Anyone who clicks on a suspicious link or has provided sensitive information to an unknown source should secure their personal information and financial accounts, and dispute any unfamiliar charges with their financial institutions and credit card companies. 

For information about license or registration, go to MyDMV Account Services - Division of Motor Vehicles or dmv.de.gov, call 302-744-2500 or email DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov. 

For information about E-ZPass, visit ezpassde.com, stop by the E-ZPassDE Customer Service Center in downtown Dover or call 1-888-397-2773.

General Assembly passes consumer protection bills

The Delaware General Assembly passed two pieces of consumer protection legislation June 25. 

Senate Bill 40, passed unanimously by the House, gives the attorney general stronger tools to protect residents of manufactured home communities from community owners who put their residents’ health and safety at risk by failing to properly maintain their communities. 

“By providing my office with the means to intervene on behalf of those who are being taken advantage of, this piece of legislation will save our constituents time, money and dignity,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings.

"Landlords have a responsibility to provide their tenants with a safe, well-tended place to call home," said Sen. Jack Walsh, D-Pike Creek. "Under current law, residents and homeowners in our manufactured housing communities have limited and costly options for ensuring that this commitment is upheld. Senate Bill 40 gives the Department of Justice the ability to intervene when patterns of neglect occur, ensuring that fairness, accountability and community safety are the standard for more Delaware residents." 

House Bill 67, passed unanimously by the Senate June 25, creates an entirely new set of regulations surrounding documentation, signage, fee and storage standards for towing of motor vehicles, enforced by the DOJ Consumer Protection Unit. These regulations will crack down on predatory towing practices that have long plagued the unregulated industry. 

The bills now head to Gov. Matt Meyer’s desk for his signature. 

DESSAR to hold flag collection June 28

The Delaware Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and Boy Scout Troop 1 will hold a collection for faded, torn or otherwise unserviceable flags from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 28, at American Legion Post 17, 113 American Legion Road, Lewes.

Flags will be collected until 2:30 p.m., and a flag retirement ceremony will follow.

UUSD to meet June 29

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 29, with “Words from the Silent Generation” as the topic. UUSD member Jean Charles said, “If you were a 1945 baby, you are known as part of the Silent Generation, also called the Traditionalist Generation. Do you have any idea how many UUSDers are in that category? This Sunday you will meet us and celebrate as we share our thoughts on becoming an amazing 80 years young.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Kindle and Half Full to host fireworks fundraisers June 30

Kindle and Half Full restaurants in downtown Lewes will host dine-and-donate fundraisers from 4 p.m. to closing, Monday, June 30, in partnership with Go Fourth Lewes Fireworks. A portion of the evening’s sales at both establishments will benefit the fireworks fund. Half Full is at 125 Second St., and Kindle is right around the corner at 111 Bank St., Lewes. To learn more, go to GoFourthLewes.org.

Sci-fi thriller ‘40 Acres’ to open July 2 at Cinema Art Theater

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s Cinema Art Theater will present “40 Acres,” opening Wednesday, July 2. 

After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving, even thriving, on a farm in the middle of nowhere, as long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) and her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight and kill. But now Hailey's eldest, Emanuel (Kataem O'Connor), is a young man, and when he meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy. 

To learn more, go to rehobothfilm.com.

Dogfish Inn to support July 4 fireworks 

Dogfish Head will partner with Go Fourth Lewes by hosting cocktail and beer sales from 3 to 9 p.m., Friday, July 4, at 104 Savannah Road, Lewes. Canned cocktails and off-centered ales will be sold. Proceeds will be donated to Go Fourth Lewes through DFH Beer & Benevolence, supporting the Lewes fireworks display. To learn more, go to GoFourthLewes.org.

Harbour boat parade party to benefit July 4 fireworks

Harbour restaurant will host a luncheon and boat parade party from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, July 4, for patrons to watch the decorated boat parade from its canalfront deck. The restaurant is closed to the public July 4, and a limited number of tickets will be sold. All profits will benefit the Go Fourth Lewes Fireworks fund. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available only through Go Fourth Lewes. To learn more, email debraevalds@yahoo.com and go to GoFourthLewes.org.

Miracle Angels fill-a-bag clothing sale set July 12

The Miracle Angels of Israel United Methodist Church will host a fill-a-bag clothing and shoe sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at Rabbit's Ferry Community Center, 19112 Robinsonville Road, Lewes. For a $25 donation, patrons will be provided with a brown bag to fill with items selected. Cash and carry only. Proceeds support Beebe Oncology Services Patient Special Needs Fund. To learn more, email Betty Streett at bjnscruisers@aol.com.

AARP community service award nominations due July 15

AARP Delaware is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Delawareans aged 50 and older who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of fellow community members.

“AARP Delaware is excited to shine a light on these dedicated Delawareans who use what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in the lives around them,” said Wendell Alfred, AARP Delaware state president. “Our awardees truly bring to life the spirit of service that exemplifies the work of AARP.”

Nominations will be evaluated by AARP Delaware based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers.

To learn more, go to aarp.org/AndrusAward. The application submission deadline is Tuesday, July 15.

Oldfather Group ranked No. 1 mega team

For the second consecutive year, the Oldfather Group of Compass Real Estate has been named the No. 1 mega team for 2024 performance in Delaware by Real Trends, a leading authority on residential brokerage performance.

“This recognition reflects the collective work ethic, care and
commitment of every member of our team,” said Dustin Oldfather,
founder and CEO. “Our agents, key personnel, marketing team, lender
and title partners, and international support staff all play a vital
role in the service we deliver every single day.”