News Briefs 05/29/20

Reward at $20,000 for info on arson

The reward is now $20,000 for anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible for the April 23 fire that destroyed the Lighthouse Restaurant in Dewey Beach.
The Lighthouse Cove Development Company announced May 28 that it has doubled the reward from $10,000 to $20,000 to encourage witnesses to report any information on the blaze, which was determined to be arson by the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office.  The Lighthouse Restaurant was under construction at the time of the fire, and was expected to open in summer 2020. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, the Lighthouse Restaurant and lighthouse structure were deemed structurally unsafe and are being demolished.  Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call the Delaware Fire Marshal’s Office at 302-856-5600, Delaware Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 800-TIP-3333, or Harvey, Hanna & Associates at 302-323-9300, Ext. 112.

Dewey Town Hall service window open

The service window at Town Hall in Dewey Beach will be open from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays on May 30-31, June 6-7, and June 13-14.

Rehoboth spring bulk pickup begins June 1

Rehoboth Beach officials announced May 27 the annual spring bulk trash pickup will begin Monday, June 1, on the north side of town. Pickup on the south side of town, including Schoolvue, will begin Monday, June 8.
Regular curbside garbage collection will take place two days per week starting June 1. Regular curbside collection of recycling materials and yard waste continues on schedule. Go to www.cityofrehoboth.com/residents/trash-recycling for a trash collection calendar. The recycling center, 37540 Oyster House Road, will open June 1 for normal hours of operation 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Friday and Saturday. To enter the recycling center, residents must provide proof of residence showing local Rehoboth Beach address and driver’s license; businesses must provide a copy of the current Rehoboth Beach business license showing physical location within city limits. For more information, contact the communications department at 302-227-6181, Ext. 522 or communications@cityofrehoboth.com.

Special Rehoboth meeting set June 2

Rehoboth Beach will hold a special commissioner meeting virtually at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 2. The agenda calls for further discussion on a comprehensive action plan for reopening the city from restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the public will be allowed to participate, with limited access. Those who wish to speak must preregister with Ann Womack, city secretary, by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com at least two full business days prior to the meeting. Citizen comment will be administered by a moderator; speaking is not allowed until called upon. Public comments can also be submitted by email to Womack at least two full business days prior to the meeting. Meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Cape High graduation continues as planned

Cape High graduation activities will not change as a result of Gov. Carney’s Phase 1 guidelines allowing for outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people and applications for events with more than 250 people beginning Monday, June 1. Cape district spokesperson Stephanie DeMalto said there are about 350 students in this year’s senior class, so district officials are moving forward with current plans in place. “The virtual graduation will still happen on June 9 and the Hudson Fields event will take place on June 8,” DeMalto said. “Administrators are still looking at planning an in-person ceremony later this summer once we can have the entire class of 2020 together to be recognized.”

Lewes election set July 18; candidate forum set

The rescheduled Lewes municipal election will be held Saturday, July 18. While there will be in-person voting, the city will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered and eligible voters in early June. The deadline to register to vote in the election is 4 p.m., Monday, July 6. Absentee ballot applications will be mailed to anyone who registers after the city’s initial mass mailing of applications. A voter registration form can be found at http://www.ci.lewes.de.us/DocumentCenter/View/2037/VOTER-REGISTRATION-FORM. A candidate forum hosted by the Greater Lewes Civic Coalition will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, June 19. 

Dewey P&Z to meet June 5

Dewey Beach Planning and Zoning Commission will meet virtually at 6 p.m., Friday, June 5. A link to the meeting is available at townofdeweybeach.com. Planners will discuss FARs, setbacks and related code issues under consideration for possible change. Planners will also discuss the status of driveway issues and stormwater runoff, and possible changes to town code regarding neglected and/or abandoned homes and properties.

Sussex council meeting June 2

Sussex County Council will have a teleconference meeting starting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 2. The agenda includes discussion of a memorandum of understanding between the county and state for dog control, and discussion and possible introduction of ordinances related to property maintenance including allowable numbers of vehicles and trailers on a parcel. To join the meeting via phone, dial 800-988-0494 and enter passcode 1695792. Meeting materials are available at sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council. The public can submit comments via email to rgriffith@sussexcountyde.gov by 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 1. The county’s livestream at sussexcountyde.gov/council-chamber-broadcast will broadcast meeting materials and audio only; public input will not be possible.

Roast Carney Day scheduled May 31

People wanting the state to reopen completely have joined forces to stage Roast Carney Day at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 31, at Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road, off Route 1 north of Lewes. The free event is sponsored by Delawareans Against Excessive Quarantine, Reopen Delaware and Rob Arlett, a former Sussex County councilman who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket. Organizers are seeking people to perform roast skits in competition for a $100 restaurant gift certificate and trophy. Organizers said skits should be rated PG suitable for a family event and must be based on Gov. John Carney’s COVID-19 state-of-emergency orders. Time will also be allotted for any elected officials who want to make a statement. Food will be provided by Doc Frame’s Famous Smoked Meats and food trucks and beer by Bellefonte Brewing Co. and entertainment by Mike Long (Shotgun Willie) and Ice Productions. There is a charge for food and beverages. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, chairs and blankets.