News Briefs 5/20/25
Frankford writer publishes wetlands conservation book
Frankford resident Mary Barneby recently published an interactive children’s book on the topic of wetlands conservation.
”Exploring Wetlands - Nature’s Quiet Wonders” introduces young readers to the mystery and magic of wetlands, and explains why their conservation is critical for the planet and its ecosystems. The reader is drawn into deeper understanding through the book's introduction of scientific observation techniques, journaling and hands-on activities that help reinforce the learning experience.
“Wetlands around the world are disappearing at an alarming rate as a result of factors such as climate change and human carelessness,” said Barneby. “I am hoping this book will be a joyful call to action for young readers to join in even small global efforts to advocate and work toward the protection of wetland habitats.”
With engaging illustrations by Maureen McAllister and a beautifully designed cover from an oil painting by artist Janine Robertson, the 74-page book has been written to enhance the reading and inquiry skills of the target reader age. To learn more, email mjbarneby@gmail.com.
A former nonprofit executive at the American Red Cross, Barneby has always been a champion for the protection of nature’s valuable resources.
Lewes planners to meet May 21
The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, at the Rollins Center.
The agenda includes discussion, public comment, and possible recommendation to mayor and council regarding placement of HVAC equipment on properties.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Marasco to be sworn in May 21
Amy Marasco will be sworn in as mayor of Lewes at 12 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, at the Rollins Center.
A taste of Lewes reception will follow.
Marasco succeeds Andrew Williams, who chose not to run for re-election.
See a link to the ceremony at lewes.civicweb.net.
Cape school board to meet May 22
The Cape school board will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 22, at Milton Elementary School.
Members will be doing their second reading of the FY 2026 tax rate proposal, as well as discussing a board policy relating to the use of school facilities and facilities-use fees.
They will also be reviewing the 2025-29 Cape Henlopen Support Staff Association contract and discussing an FY 2026 Opportunity Flex Funding waiver.
Lewes council to hold workshop May 22
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its monthly public workshop at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 22, at city hall.
The agenda includes discussion of a conceptual plan for a minor subdivision at the Kennedy property on Gills Neck Road.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Ribbon cutting for RBP set for May 22
Rehoboth Beach will celebrate the opening of its new beach patrol facility with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 22. The event is open to the public, will feature a ceremonial bell ringing and will include building tours. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Tharros Village community information session set May 22
Camp Tharros Inc. invites the public to a community information night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 22, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Introducing Tharros Village, a transformative new initiative designed to support the Cape Region’s homeless and unhoused neighbors, will be Mike Agnew, Camp Tharros president.
He will offer offer insight into the vision behind Tharros Village and its development plans. Attendees will have the chance to engage in open dialogue with project leaders and learn how they can play a role in building a stronger, more compassionate community.
“Tharros Village is more than a housing project; it’s a commitment to dignity, stability and second chances,” said Agnew. “We welcome everyone to join the conversation and help shape a future where no one is left behind.”
This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
Acres sets May 23 hearing on tree code
Henlopen Acres commissioners will hold a public hearing on possible changes to town code related to trees on private property at 10 a.m., Friday, May 23, at the Henlopen Acres Beach Club, 28 Dune Way.
A proposed amendment would establish restrictions on the removal of canopy trees located in the setbacks of residential lots within the town, establish new requirements for minimum tree density during new home construction or renovation of existing homes, and establish requirements for maintaining trees on residential lots.
More information, including a full list of possible changes, is available at town hall, 104 Tidewaters, or by emailing townhall@henlopenacres.com. The public comment period will close at 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 30. Comments may be submitted in writing by mail to town hall or by email to townhall@henlopenacres.com.
Reservations for drive-on beaches go into effect May 24
Reservations are required for surf fishing during summer weekends and holidays at any of the state’s drive-on beaches beginning Saturday, May 24. Reservations can be made starting at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 20.
Weekend and holiday reservations are required for anglers holding annual and two-year surf-fishing permits to drive onto Delaware State Parks beaches from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 1.
Drive-on surf-fishing beach reservations will open on the Tuesday preceding a summer Saturday, and on the Wednesday before a summer Sunday. A nonrefundable $4 reservation fee is charged per vehicle for each day a surf-fishing spot is reserved. Reservations are made online on a first-come, first-served basis and are available for each beach until sold out for the weekend.
Reservations are not required Monday through Friday, except for holidays that fall on a weekday.
Surf-fishing reservations for holidays are available on the Thursday prior to a particular holiday, including Memorial Day (Monday, May 26), Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19), Independence Day (Friday, July 4), and Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1).
Off-peak surf-fishing permits cannot be used for making reservations because permit holders are limited to surf fishing during non-peak times.
Surf-fishing permit holders must print and out display a reservation confirmation in the registered vehicle for Delaware Natural Resources Police verification.
Annual and two-year surf- fishing permit holders who have made reservations for a weekend or holiday angling spot are allowed access into a Delaware state park for surf fishing even when the park’s day use parking capacity has been reached.
Surf-fishing permit holders who reserve a spot are encouraged to cancel if they are unable or decide not to use their reservation, so their surf-fishing spot will be available for anglers to use. Surf-fishing reservations may be made for the seven drive-on beaches at destateparks.com/surf-fishing or by phone at 800-499-8221 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on weekends and holidays.
Overnight Lewes-area lane closures set
The Delaware Department of Transportation announced upcoming Lewes-area shoulder and lane closures on Savannah Road, Old Orchard Road, Wescoats Road, Marsh Road and Clay Road from 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 27 to 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, for Comcast fiber splicing.
Motorists should use caution and expect minor delays in the area. For more information, go to deldot.gov download the DelDOT app or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.
