News Briefs 1/20/26
Dewey hears from contractors
Dewey Beach Town Council heard presentations at its Dec. 19 meeting from two potential contractors for the development of a town resiliency plan relating to climate change and flood risk.
Larry Trout of Straughan Environmental and Brent Jett of GMB Engineering spoke about possible approaches to the project, short-term and long-term goals, timelines and more.
The two firms were recommended by the Dewey Beach Resiliency & Sustainability Committee. According to Committee Chair Debra Goldenberg, the group has exhausted all of its resources and done as much research as possible to narrow the list down to these two candidates.
No action was taken at the meeting, but discussions are expected to continue.
Milton approves park use, festival funding
Milton Memorial Park will host this year’s Sussex County Children’s Book Festival after Milton Town Council approved plans for the event Jan. 5.
The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2.
Lisa Petrecca, Milton Public Library director, said the event will use the park and the gazebo, and include children’s performances, vendors and a petting zoo, with appeal for youngsters from birth to middle school.
“It’s a literacy event. Delaware literacy is very low, and we as libraries try to promote and encourage reading and learning, especially at a young age,” Petrecca said.
Petrecca came before council to request town support for the event, suggesting ideas like fee waivers or having police and fire department officials present in some capacity, and possibly closing off Chandler Street near the park as a safety precaution. Mayor John Collier encouraged Petrecca to work with town staff to hash out those details.
Councilman Robert Gray said he very much supports the event but wanted to make sure residents who live near the park on Chandler Street will have access to leave their homes if they want. Petrecca said volunteers at the scene can ensure that residents are able to leave, with the closure just to make sure Chandler Street is not used as a thoroughfare with lots of children in the area.
Council agreed to allow the library to use the park and to sponsor the event up to $1,200.
Rehoboth alters seasonal limits
During a meeting Jan. 16, Rehoboth Beach commissioners created standard “off-season” and “summer” schedules when they voted to amend city code regarding seasonal prohibitions on dogs, vehicle turns, sleeping on the beach and smoking. These restrictions now align with the city’s parking schedule, May 15 to Sept. 15.
The most significant change is allowing leashed dogs and other animals on the beach and Boardwalk during the off-season, from Sept. 16 to May 14. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach during this period when lifeguards are present.
Drivers can make left turns on First and Second streets from Sept. 16 to May 14.
There is no smoking, vaping, e-smoking or marijuana allowed on any areas of the beach from May 15 to Sept. 15. From Sept. 16 to May 14, smoking is permitted in up to four designated and marked locations.
Sleeping on the beach, midnight to daybreak, is now prohibited at all times of the year.
Also, parking is prohibited on the following streets from midnight to 6 a.m., May 15 to Sept. 15 – north side of Queen Street, from the Boardwalk to King Charles Ave.; south side of Queen Street, from the Boardwalk to Lake Drive; both sides of Prospect Street; and East Lake Drive, between Queen and Prospect streets.
The creation of a synchronized schedule for seasonal restrictions was recommended to the commission by the city streets and safety committee. All amended changes are effective immediately.
Lewes planners to meet Jan. 21
The Lewes Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Rollins Center.
Members will continue discussion on the residency requirement for accessory dwelling units.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Cape school board meeting Jan. 22
The Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, at Love Creek Elementary School.
Board members will review the district’s FY 2026 final budget as well as its December financial statements and third-quarter financial position report.
They will also provide a child nutrition update and review the 2026-27 district calendar.
Additionally, they will hear a presentation about board policies relating to leaves and absences as well as the district travel policy.
They will also discuss and possibly take action on a host of other board policies, including those related to student fundraising, budget preparation, tax levy, purchases subject to bid, payroll authorization, payroll deductions, special purpose funds, and property insurance.
For the full agenda and meeting link, visit capehenlopenschools.com/board-of-education.
Dewey promotes town hall fundraiser
The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee met Jan. 6 to discuss the progress of the Buy a Brick fundraiser for the new town hall.
So far, the town has sold 160 bricks; the goal is 2,000.
The committee brainstormed ways to promote the campaign and increase sales through local businesses and organizations.
The 4-by-8-inch personalized bricks are being sold for $300 each and will be displayed in a walkway at the new town hall.
For details or to buy a brick, visit newtownhall.my.canva.site/brick-fundraiser.
The committee will next meet at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the town lifesaving station.
No-cost breast cancer screenings set Feb. 7 in Milford
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will host a free, no-cost breast examination clinic by appointment from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at Ultrasound Express, 550 S. Dupont Blvd., Suite A, Milford.
Attendees can reserve a time to be screened for breast cancer at the event by a licensed medical professional, in private, for free. Appointments are required. Assistance will be available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole languages.
The earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. Early detection saves lives.
To learn more and sign up, contact Josee Lazarre at 302-824-1850 or Jlazarre@debreastcancer.org.
