News Briefs 8/15/25
Two Rehoboth Beach meetings canceled
The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission and Board of Adjustment have canceled their meetings for the month of August, both because of a lack of agenda items. For information, call 302-227-6181 or email information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Dewey town council to meet Aug. 15
Dewey Beach Town Council will meet at 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, at the town lifesaving station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave., Dewey Beach.
The agenda includes discussion and possible votes on several resolutions regarding stormwater and flood mitigation projects, as well as a resolution to approve a fundraising plan for the new town hall in order to reduce the town’s long-term debt.
The council will also discuss and possibly vote to reappoint several town election officials, and review a draft ordinance to amend town code to reclassify false alarms as a civil offense rather than criminal.
See the agenda and meeting link at townofdeweybeach.gov.
Children’s author to sign books Aug. 16
Local writer Lynda-Grace McDonald will sign copies of her picture books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at Barnes & Noble Tanger Outlets, 36508 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach.
“The Great Tree & the Ladybug” follows the journey of a frightened ladybug who learns how overcome his fears and believe in himself with the support of the Great Tree.
“When the Walls Came Down” is a whimsical tale of self-discovery, self-reflection and self-love. The story follows Mouse on his quest for happiness as he tries a new way of life, learns how to listen to his heart and lets go of what no longer serves him. McDonald hopes this story, which mirrors her own life journey, will encourage readers of all ages to face their fears and cultivate the life that brings them joy.
Drive-through prayer at Lewes Presbyterian set Aug. 16
Lewes Presbyterian Church will be offering drive-through prayer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16. Anyone who is in need of prayer, feeling lost or overwhelmed, or looking for peace is welcome.
LPC members will pray for visitors while they sit in their cars. Attendees can request a simple prayer or one for special concerns. Following the prayer, visitors will receive “You’ve been prayed for” cards with the church website and address so they know who prayed for them and have an invitation to return. The church is located at 133 Kings Highway, Lewes. Signs will be posted on Kings Highway for visitors to access the parking lot on Franklin Street.
To learn more, call 302-645-5345 or go to lewespresbyterianchurch.org.
UUSD to meet Aug. 17
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 17, with “A Vision of Our Climate” as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Rising eighth-graders Robin and Aurelia, with support from Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, will present their ‘A Vision of Our Climate’ service prepared for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Climate Justice Revival program. Come hear these youth leaders and their contemporary take on growing up in an era of climate change, tragedy and hope.” Learn more at uussd.org.
Lewes parks panel to meet Aug. 18
The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 18, at the Rollins Center.
The agenda includes a report on a citizen request to place a fence around the Canalfront Park playground.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Milton to hold budget hearing Aug. 18
Milton Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 18, at Milton library.
The budget calls for a 3.35% property tax increase and includes a new, data-driven capital improvement plan. All told, under the proposed budget, the town would have a $15,000 surplus. The proposed property tax increase is projected to bring the town $75,000 in revenue.
See the draft budget at milton.delaware.gov/finance-department-documents.
Acres environment committee to meet
The Henlopen Acres Environmental Approval Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, in town hall, 104 Tidewaters. The agenda includes an update on the demolition and rebuild plans for 32 Tidewaters, possible action on plans related to demolition of the house and new construction at 66 Fields End, and preliminary review of plans related to demolition of the house and new construction at 53 Rolling Road.
For more information, call 302-227-6411 or go to henlopenacres.delaware.gov.
Aug. 21 panel topic is county land use
The Sierra Club Delaware Chapter Conservation Committee will host a panel discussion on Sussex County land-use issues from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.
Getting Grounded: A conversation about the Sussex Land Use Reform Working Group will dive into Sussex County’s efforts to address land-use challenges and implement smarter, more affordable and sustainable development practices. Panelists will explore the multiple objectives regarding land use in the county and how the working group is balancing these interests. Attendees are welcome to bring questions.
Councilman Matt Lloyd will explain the working group's origins. The expert panel includes group members Jill Hicks, Sussex Preservation Coalition; Mike Riemann, American Council of Engineering Companies; and Christophe Tulou, Delaware Center for the Inland Bays; plus Anne Canby, a former Delaware Department of Transportation secretary and founder of Rethinking Delaware.
The event is free, but attendees are asked to register at bit.ly/4mEZGo7 or sierraclub.org/delaware.
Film and talk on Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty set Aug. 23
Freeman Arts Pavilion will present a film screening and discussion focusing on country legends Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at the outdoor performing arts venue in Selbyville.
“Twitty & Lynn: Together Again,” follows the musicians’ grandchildren Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty as they honor their ancestors’ iconic legacies. The documentary captures the musical duo on their touring journey, offering live performance footage and an intimate glimpse into the personal stories that shape their music.
The series follows the pair from the Grand Ole Opry to their expanding tour, highlighting how their bond and shared history power their performances. The pilot episode was directed and edited by Steve Jawn, and produced by Dani and Steve Jawn in collaboration with The 10:10 Creative. This event will feature the premiere of episode 2, a pre-screening discussion with Tre Twitty and director Steve Jawn, and a special performance by Twitty. To learn more, go to freemanarts.org.
Soaring Spirits group to meet in Lewes Sept. 4
To connect people who have lost their spouse or partner, Soaring Spirits International will host its first meeting in Sussex County at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at Nicola Pizza, 17323 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes. The safe community offers access to widowed peers, research-informed resources and opportunities for connecting with and learning from other people who understand the life-altering experience of widowhood. To learn more, go to widowedvillage.org.
Estate-planning mistakes session set Sept. 15
The Delaware Money School will offer a free Common Estate Planning Mistakes class from 5 to 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Led by instructors Deirdre O’Shea McCartney, Esq., and Robert Jeter, the class covers common estate-planning mistakes and how to avoid them. It will explore some common myths about estate planning and offer suggestions on how attendees can optimize their financial future and legacy for their own and their loved ones’ benefit. Having written, spoken and taught on the subject many times, McCartney and Jeter break down a complex subject to understandable layman’s terms. Everyone should be aware of these mistakes and be able to consult with their attorney and financial advisor on a plan to correct them. To register, go to demoneyschool.org.
Legion event to benefit veterans Oct. 5
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 invites the community to a fundraiser to benefit the Wilmington VA Medical Center Food Pantry from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, at 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro.
Following dinner, singer Bryan Clark will perform with accompaniment by percussionist Alan Dale. Proceeds will be distributed as Thanksgiving grocery gift cards. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Beth at 302-381-3897 or Tina at 302-858-8399.
Milford Community Parade slated Oct. 15
The Milford Community Parade Committee announced this year's theme is It's Game Time, so local groups and individuals can begin brainstorming clever ideas for their costumes and entries.
The parade will step off at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, and process through the City of Milford along Walnut Street.
Established in 1938, the annual parade has drawn families from all over the Delmarva Peninsula. Participants have included civic groups, scout troops, business associations, businesses, individuals and families, along with marching bands and fire companies.
Funding efforts such as sponsorships and special events supported by the business community and individuals assist with expenses such as awards, band judges, portable restrooms and more. For more information, go to milfordparade.com.
The parade committee is an all-volunteer group whose sole purpose is to plan and produce the parade each year. Members of law enforcement and first responders also assist with the production and safety of the parade.
Governor's Awards nominations website launched
The Office of Gov. Matt Meyer announced the launch of a webpage and form for members of the public to nominate individuals for various Governor's Awards.
The awards are intended to recognize extraordinary Delawareans whose service, leadership or other contributions have positively impacted the First State. Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis.
"Exceptional Delawareans deserve exceptional recognition," said Meyer. "A stronger Delaware starts in our local communities, and we want to hear about the neighbors who are making a real difference or who have established a legacy of giving back to their fellow Delawareans. By submitting nominations online in a single form, residents can easily highlight someone they know who is helping our state thrive."
Nominations may be submitted for Order of the First State, Distinguished Service Award, Certificate of Commendation, Certificate of Honor, Governor's Award for Bravery and Heroism, Honorary Delawarean Award and Governor's Heritage Award.
To nominate someone for consideration, go to governor.delaware.gov/governors-awards-nomination.
Sussex County unveils updated tax calculator
Sussex County tax bills for the 2026 fiscal year have started going out to property owners, and county officials recently provided an update on the property reassessment project.
To assist the public, the county has designed a new tax calculator, building off an earlier version that worked on estimates only. The new tool is parcel-specific and is powered with real numbers, including each property’s actual assessed value and various property tax rates since set by the county and the local, independent school districts.
County Finance Director Gina A. Jennings said the county wants to give the public as much information as possible so property owners have a clear understanding of why their tax bills may be higher, or lower in some cases, than the previous year.
“There are multiple reasons beyond just the assessment that could change bills, so we wanted to create a calculator that showed the difference between tax bills last year versus this year,” Jennings said. “We believe the new calculator will be a handy tool in providing a side-by-side comparison of the two different tax years.” See the calculator at sussexcountyde.gov/2025-property-tax-calculator. Sussex County property tax bills are issued in August, with payment due by Tuesday, Sept. 30.
