News Briefs 9/5/25

Sussex may impose school impact fee

Gov. Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 176 into law Sept. 3. It gives Sussex County Council the ability to apply an impact fee to building permits within a respective school district for the purpose of collecting funding for the local share of school capital construction programs. The bill’s primary sponsor was Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, along with local legislators Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach; Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck; and Sen. Bryan Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown. 

Paper shredding event set Sept. 5

The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Wilmington Savings Fund Society and Delmarva Shredding will host a free shredding event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5, onsite at WSFS Bank, 19335 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. This is a rain-or-shine event. Any paper-based printed material is welcome. Before shredding, staples, rubber bands, paper clips and binder clips should be removed. Materials also must be removed from three-ring binders and bags prior to shredding.

To learn more, call the chamber at 302-227-2233 or go to beach-fun.com.

UUSD to meet Sept. 7

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 7, with A Beacon of Light in Community as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “What is it about gathering outside with others in the summertime that moves us? As we say goodbye to summer and transition into the new school year, we will bless our children, youth and teachers, and reflect on the transformational power of summer and community.” Learn more at uussd.org.

Lewes council to meet Sept. 8

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, at city hall.

The panel will consider an application for a conditional-use application for the Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community. 

See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Milton council to vote on budget

Milton Town Council will vote on the town’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget during its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, at Milton library.

The nearly $5 million budget includes a 3.35% property tax increase and a new, data-driven capital improvement plan. By law, council must have the budget in place before Oct. 1. 

In addition, council will discuss an advisory report by the planning and zoning commission on short-term rentals. The report’s chief recommendation is to consider short-term rentals such as Airbnbs as a special permitted use within the zoning code.

Sussex board of adjustment to meet 

The Sussex County Board of Adjustment will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, at the County Administrative Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.

The agenda features four requests for Rehoboth Beach-area properties. Jill Snyder is seeking variances from the separation distance requirements for proposed structures for a property on the southeast side of Golden Avenue in Sea Air Village. Paul and Cynthia McMullen are seeking similar variances; their property is on the northwest side of Atlantic Avenue in Sea Air Village. 

Ernie Ritchey and Robert Nevrly are seeking variances from the side-yard setback requirements for a proposed structure on the northwest side of Canal Road in the Rehoboth Manor subdivision. 

Kings Creek Country Club Inc. is seeking variances from the front- and side-yard setback requirements for proposed structures on the southeast side of Kings Creek Circle in the Kings Creek Country Club community. 

See the full agenda at sussexcountyde.gov.

Lewes resiliency group to meet Sept. 9

The new Lewes Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission will meet for the first time at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, at city hall.

The panel is expected to discuss its purpose and mission, and establish a Fourth Street Preserve subcommittee.

See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

American Legion to host 9/11 ceremony

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 will hold its annual 9/11 candlelight ceremony at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, at American Legion Post 28 pavilion, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro. This event is open to the community. For more information, go to alpost28.com.

Sept. 11 service set on Minos Conaway Road

The Whitford family invites the public to their annual 9/11 Patriot Day Service set for 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, at 17181 Minos Conaway Road, Lewes, where the family has built a 9/11 memorial.

The memorial and annual service honor the Whitfords’ son Mark and all 2,977 people who died during the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001.

Mark was one of 343 firefighters who lost their lives that fateful day. 

A member of Fire Department of New York's Engine 23, Mark arrived with his crew after the second plane hit, and they entered the south tower to fight the fire. They reached the 21st floor before the tower collapsed.

The public is invited to visit the memorial at any time throughout the year. 

Pettyjohn Road closing Sept. 15-19

A closure is set for Pettyjohn Road between Gravel Hill Road and Prettyman Road near Milton starting at 7 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, and ending at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19. The closure is necessary for a horizontal jack and bore for an offsite water main.

Motorists traveling southbound on Pettyjohn Road will turn right onto Prettyman Road, turn left onto Gravel Hill Road, then return to Pettyjohn Road. 

Motorists traveling northbound on Gravel Hill Road will continue past Pettyjohn Road, turn right onto Prettyman Road, then return to Pettyjohn Road. 

For more information, go to deldot.gov or tune to WTMC-AM 1380.

Antique tractor club to meet Sept. 16

The First State Antique Tractor Club will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Greenwood VFW on the corner of Governors Avenue and Mill Street, Greenwood. Light refreshments will be served. New business and upcoming events to be reviewed include plans to participate in the antique tractor drive Sunday, Sept. 21, at Trap Pond State Park. The club is always looking for new members. Contact Maralene Givens, 302-228-2674 or maraleneg1@verizon.net, for more information.

Kapow! Kids Comic Book Club to kick off Sept. 16

The Lewes Public Library will welcome kids in grades two to five for the Kapow! Kids Comic Book Club with Mr. P at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Meetings will continue every other Tuesday.

Led by local educator William Peden, Kapow! offers young comic enthusiasts the opportunity to learn, practice and be part of a community that shares creative writing, illustration and comic-making techniques. Participants will focus on drawing and illustrating stories featuring both familiar and original characters.

“It is no secret that comics are a significant part of many kids' lives. Yet the art form itself may appear like a secret language to those who want to make their own,” said Peden. “We’ll demystify the principles of comic storytelling through fun and engaging lessons, while providing young artists with a community to collaborate, create and share their work. Let's learn, laugh and make comics!”

No registration is needed. To learn more, go to lewes.lib.de.us.

Elks Youth Soccer Shoot sign-ups due Sept. 19

Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 will host its 2025 Youth Soccer Shoot with check-in set for 10:45 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at Sandhill Fields, 20330 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown. Completed preregistration forms are due by Friday, Sept. 19.

This fun, free and competitive program promotes physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship for youth. Open to boys and girls ages 7 through 13, the competition is divided into two skill-based contests: the five-goal contest for younger participants and the grid goal contest for older players. By offering children and teens the opportunity to demonstrate their soccer skills in a supportive environment, the Soccer Shoot encourages positive, character-building activities while keeping youth engaged in healthy competitions. Winners advance to the Elks regional competition.

To learn more and request a registration form, email elks2540.soccershoot@gmail.com.

First State Brewing to host fire company fundraiser Sept. 22

In support of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, First State Brewing will host a fundraiser from 3 to 11 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22 at 19266 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. Guests must show the flyer and inform servers they are dining in support of the fire company. The establishment will donate 20% of proceeds to help purchase protective gear for the fire company, which provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to a full-time population of 30,000 people and a seasonal population of more than 300,000. To learn more and access a digital copy of the flyer, go to rehobothbeachfire.com.

Manhattan Short Film finalist screenings open Sept. 25

Beginning Thursday, Sept. 25, the Cinema Art Theater will host screenings of the finalists from the 28th Manhattan Short Film Festival.

The 10 finalists are “Em & Sela Go Griffin Hunting,” USA; “Al Fresco,” Spain; “Chasing the Party,” USA; “Paradise Man,” USA; “We Have Sinned Before You,” Israel; “I Have My Reasons,” UK; “Ovary-Acting,” Norway, UK, Sweden; “Beyond Silence,” The Netherlands; “Zodiac,” Belgium; and “Passarinho,” Mexico.

Ballots will be provided for viewers to cast votes for Best Film and Best Actor. 

To learn more, go to rehobothfilm.com.

Family Promise fall festival set Sept. 28

In support of its mission to end homelessness in Sussex County, Family Promise of Southern Delaware will host its 2nd annual fall festival from 12 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, at American Legion Post 28 pavilion, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro. Musical entertainment will be provided by Lower Case Blues, Soul Chase Reggae & Funk Band, Steve Kuhn's NOLA Band and Gray Fox with special guest Leroy Hawkes.

“Our fall festival is a chance for the community to come together in support of families who are working hard to regain stability and independence,” said Carolyn Kelly, Family Promise of Southern Delaware executive director. “With the launch of our new Rapid Rehousing Program this year, your support is more important than ever.”

Since opening its doors in 2021, the organization has served nearly 340 families and more than 700 children through prevention and stabilization programs.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a day of music, food and fun for a cause. Children under 12 are admitted free.

To learn more, go to givebutter.com/FPFallFestival25 and familypromisesouthernde.org.

Coastal Concerts scholarship winners to perform Oct. 5

A concert highlighting the extraordinary talents of several past winners of Coastal Concerts’ Music Scholarship Award will begin at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, 30486 Lewes Georgetown Highway west of Lewes. 

The scholarship program is available to all musically talented middle and high school students on the Delmarva Peninsula.

The concert is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served following the performance. For more information, go to coastalconcerts.org.

Artisans festival to benefit Bethany fire company Oct. 11

The Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary will hold its annual artisans festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, at Station 70 on the corner of Coastal Highway at 215 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach. More than 40 vendors will be selling handcrafted items such as jewelry, home décor goods, soaps, lotions, candles, pottery, sea glass creations, yard art, birdhouses, doll clothes, photography and quilts. Chicken salad sandwiches will be offered for sale along with breakfast and lunch items, and an array of baked goods and homemade treats. There will be a silent auction and fire company T-shirt sale, with proceeds to support the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company. To learn more, go to bethanybeachfire.com.

Sussex officials promote disaster kits 

September is National Preparedness Month, and Sussex County Emergency Management reminds the public that preparation is key to saving property and lives when disaster strikes.

This month, Emergency Management is pairing with county libraries to showcase sample disaster kits, which the public can use as a model to replicate in their homes, businesses, schools and other places. 

Sample kits include items such as a watertight container, bottled water, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, portable weather radio, nonperishable food, can opener, medication bottles and waterproof document sleeve, among other potential necessities to have on hand ahead of and during an emergency.

The kits are on display at the Greenwood, Milton and South Coastal (Bethany Beach) libraries, as well as on the Emergency Management division website, sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-operations-center.

“Much of these are everyday items that people already have in their homes, but they might not be collected into one place,” said Emergency Manager Timothy Cooper. “So, make a disaster plan, create a kit, stay informed and get engaged.”

For more information, visit sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-preparedness.