News Briefs 8/20/24

Mark Mayer named to Dewey committee

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 16 to appoint Mark Mayer to the town finance committee.

ACLU hosts Lewes voting rights event

The ACLU of Delaware in partnership with the Delaware Voting Rights Coalition will host a community training event open to the public from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

The Every Vote Counts campaign is a multiyear effort to amend the state constitution, and protect and expand access to the ballot for Delaware voters. EVC campaign goals are restoring voting rights after felony incarceration, protecting and expanding early in-person voting and vote-by-mail, and implementing same-day voter registration. Attendees can learn how to take action along with campaign volunteers and voting rights advocates committed to advancing democracy in Delaware.

For more information, visit aclu-de.org/evc.

Lewes planners to meet Aug. 21

The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes discussion of a request from mayor and city council to review permitted home-based businesses with special attention to potential dog-grooming businesses. 

See the full agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes council to hold workshop Aug. 22

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a workshop and special meeting at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at city hall.

The agenda includes a presentation from Clear Space Theatre Company on the need for a new performing arts center in coastal Delaware. 

See the full agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes parks group to meet Aug. 22

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission’s Strategic Planning Subcommittee will meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at city hall.

The agenda includes discussion of a draft report.

See the full agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Special Rehoboth meeting Aug. 23

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 23, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for an executive session on two topics – one related to getting legal advice about a potential lawsuit and one on discussing personnel matters.

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.

Cape school board to meet Aug. 22

The Cape Henlopen school board will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at Milton Elementary School. Members will discuss several board policies, and a safety and security update. The board may possibly take action on the Title IX/OCR compliance procedures policy and on a capital request/certificate of necessity. For the full agenda and meeting link, go to capehenlopenschools.com. 

IRSD to use weapons detection systems

The Indian River School District will use a new weapons detection system for some high school athletic events, including football and basketball games, for the 2024-25 school year at Indian River and Sussex Central high schools.

The detection system will help IRSD staff identify prohibited items such as firearms, knives and other weapons, and remove them from the event setting. 

The system uses low-frequency electromagnetic technology that does not impact medical or electronic devices. It is also safe for children and pregnant women.

“It is imperative that we ensure the safety of students, staff and community members at athletic events at our high schools,” said IRSD Superintendent Jay Owens. “This new screening process will allow us to identify and remove potentially dangerous weapons from the facility with minimal inconvenience to those in attendance. It is our mission to create a safe, respectful and enjoyable experience for all visitors to our campuses.”

Screening procedures may vary depending on the school location. 

Anyone who expresses discomfort about walking through the detection devices will be offered the option to pass through an alternative screening method.   

Weapons are prohibited on all IRSD properties, and the district requests that spectators allow extra time to pass through the screening process when arriving for athletic events. 

Lewes open space group to meet Aug. 21

The Lewes Planning Commission’s Open Space Subcommittee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Rollins Center.

The agenda includes discussion of the design and use of open space within communities.  See the full agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.