News Briefs 2/6/26

‘Sussex Government 101’ program set Feb. 7

Sussex Preservation Coalition President Jill Hicks will present “Sussex Government 101” at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Millsboro Public Library, 217 West State St., Millsboro. The event is free and open to the public. 

Topics covered will include a brief history of how Delaware county government was formed; which county officials are elected and which officials are appointed; county roles and responsibilities, especially as they pertain to land use; the best way to keep up with the county’s current events; and how citizens’ voices can be heard.

In 2022, Hicks and Jane Gruenebaum co-founded the Sussex Preservation Coalition in response to the clear-cutting of a 150-acre forested wetlands. Through that effort, they learned that county land-use codes offer little to no protections for the county’s natural resources. The county also lacks ordinances to provide for adequate infrastructure that impacts citizens’ quality of life. Now 4,300 members strong and with the help of more than 30 allied organizations, the coalition has been active in advocating for land-use reform.

The presentation will be 20 minutes long, and there will be ample time for questions.

Radio theater live shows set Feb. 7-8

Possum Point Players will present a re-creation of a 1940s radio broadcast at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 and 8, at 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown. 

Highlights include Our Miss Brooks: "Spring Cleaning”; Blondie & Dagwood: "Blondie Gets a Valentine”; “Social Security,” a comedic take on bureaucracy; and Abbott & Costello, "Who’s on First?"

Cast and crew members are Reif Anderson, Bryan Gadow, Thom Harris, Carole Mason, George Mason, EJ Panico, Tony Pierantozzi, Carol Richardson, Jean Stern, Pete Stoehr, Bernie Noeller, and Marilyn Ransom Noeller, director.

To learn more, go to possumpointplayers.org. 

Event to honor fallen officer set Feb. 8

A Back the Blue event to honor fallen Delaware State Police Cpl. Matthew Tyler Snook will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Georgetown Division of Motor Vehicles.

Attendees may drive through to receive a memorial sticker on their vehicle in memory of Snook, who was shot down before Christmas while working an extra shift at the New Castle County DMV.

Proceeds and donations will go to help Snook’s family.

UUSD to meet Feb. 8

The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, with Contemporary Black Voices, Part 2: Creating What Is Needed Now, as the topic. The Rev. Heather Rion Starr said, “Drawing upon Cole Arthur Riley’s book, ‘Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems and Meditations for Staying Human,’ we will wrestle together with what it means to find meaning and create ritual that is honest, creative, contemporary and genuinely welcoming of all those who commit to having mutual respect for others of different beliefs and backgrounds. What are sacred texts for the times and the people we are and want to be now?” Learn more at uussd.org.

Dewey finance committee to meet

The Dewey Beach Finance Committee will meet at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, at the town lifesaving station.

The committee will review both the FY 2027 draft budget and the town’s monthly financial reports, and possibly vote on recommendations to forward to the town council for approval.

Additionally, it will review the town’s Brown Advisory reports and possibly vote on any changes in accordance with the investment policy.

DRBA public hearing on fare changes set

Delaware River and Bay Authority officials have rescheduled a virtual public hearing to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, to discuss the goals and objectives of proposed fare changes at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. 

Among the changes to be considered are fare adjustments to reflect inflationary pressures, along with selected fare decreases to encourage family and multi-trip travel at the bistate agency’s southern crossing facility.

To learn more, go to drba.net/events/ferry-public-hearing-2026.

Lewes council to meet Feb. 9

Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, at city hall.

The agenda includes discussion and possible action on the possible naming of the 20-acre parcel on New Road as "The Samuel Russell Preserve."

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

Nicola dining to benefit local groups Feb. 9

Nicola Pizza will host a dine-to-donate event in support of the GFWC Women’s Club of Indian River and the Nanticoke Indian Association Scholarship Fund from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, at 17323 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes. Nicola will donate a percentage of dine-in sales only to the groups.

Rehoboth Beach meeting set Feb. 9

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet at 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 9, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

The agenda includes continued discussions about possible charter changes, possible appointment of Frederick Schranck to replace former planning commission member Jim Ellison and possible appointment of Commissioner Susan Stewart as Clear Space Theatre Company liaison.

A full agenda is accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For information, call 302-227-6181 or email information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Rehoboth budget workshop is Feb. 9

Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a budget workshop at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

The agenda calls for a review of city departments that fall under the general fund. This is the second budget meeting for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins Wednesday, April 1.

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.

Hearing set Feb. 11 on bus service changes

Delaware Transit Corporation will host a workshop from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, to gather input and comments on proposed changes to DART Statewide Bus Services to become effective Sunday, May 17, and to Beach Bus Services to become effective Monday, May 18.

The workshop will be held at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave. It will begin with a presentation of the proposed service changes, then a question-and-answer period, followed by time for attendees to provide public comments. The public comment portion will be transcribed by a hearing reporter, and time will be allotted for anyone wishing to make private testimony directly to the hearing reporter.

In addition to the in-person workshop, a recorded presentation of DART’s proposal may be viewed online through Tuesday, Feb. 17; go to dartfirststate.com/Outreach/PublicHearings/index.shtml.

A summary of proposed changes and schedule proposals is available online at DartFirstState.com, at the Lewes Transit Center reception desk and at Georgetown Public Library. For details, call 302-760-2827.

Free Bikes 4 Kidz Delaware fundraiser set Feb. 12

Gals That Give will host a dinner to benefit Free Bikes 4 Kidz Delaware from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, at at The Clubhouse at Baywood, Millsboro. 

The event will include a 50/50 raffle, auction, cash bar and great company. 

Free Bikes 4 Kidz Delaware is a nonprofit dedicated to helping children ride into happier, healthier childhoods by providing bikes to those most in need.

Gals That Give Charity is a 501c3 organization in Delaware that hosts events to benefit other Delaware nonprofits. To learn more, go to galsthatgive.com/events and fb4kdelaware.org.

League of Women Voters to meet Feb. 12

The Sussex County League of Women Voters will host Valerie Wood, a Sussex Preservation Coalition board member, at its League, Libations and Learning social gathering set for 12 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, at Big Oyster Brewery and Restaurant, 6152 South Rehoboth Ave., Milford. Focusing on the objectives and outcomes of the coalition’s land-use reform working group, Wood will discuss the challenges of smart growth and how to manage explosive expansion in Sussex County.

Drinks and lunch with separate checks will precede the 45-minute presentation. Although the event is open to all, seating is limited and preregistration is required. For more information and to register, go to sussexlwv.org.

Rehoboth streets committee to meet

The Rehoboth Beach Streets and Safety Advisory Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

The agenda calls for discussion on bikes, e-bikes and possible restrictions.

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.

‘Love Songs of the Presidents’ performance set Feb. 14

Baltimore’s Dan Meyer Choir will deliver a lighthearted performance of “The Love Songs of the Presidents” at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.  

Presented by Lewes 250 and the Lewes Public Library Spoken Word Society, “The Love Songs of the Presidents” showcases the love poetry and personal letters of former U.S. presidents set to four-part choral music. The show includes words from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Delaware’s own Joseph Biden. 

A beloved Presidents Day tradition in Baltimore since 2015, this one-of-a-kind performance now comes to Lewes, where the choir promises a show that will make audiences “laugh, cry, and be scandalized by the words of these former commanders-in-chief!”

Registration is required. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.

Food Bank seeks canned soup donations thru Feb. 16

The Food Bank of Delaware is collecting canned soup donations through its fourth annual SOUPer Bowl drive.

“The SOUPer Bowl food drive is a fun and easy way for our community to tackle hunger and make a real difference for our neighbors in need,” said Cathy Kanefsky, FBD president and CEO. “Each year, this drive channels the excitement of the big game into meaningful support for families across Delaware.”

Donations may be dropped off to specially marked SOUPer Bowl collection boxes at the FBD facility at 102 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford. 

Pickup can be arranged for donations of more than 20 bags. The goal is to collect 2,026 pounds of soup by Monday, Feb. 16. 

Donations will directly benefit individuals experiencing food insecurity who visit the Food Bank’s on-site healthy pantry centers in Newark and Milford. On average, more than 100 people visit the pantries each weekday.

Arts guild fundraiser to benefit scholarship fund Feb. 17

Milton Arts Guild will host a scholarship fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Irish Eyes in Milton.

Proceeds will go toward the guild’s $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to local high school students who will continue their arts education in college.

Attendees will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. A short program will be held at 5:30 p.m.  

“Each year, we have taken great pleasure and pride in helping a young person to continue exploring his or her artistic talents in higher education,” said Lynda Rae Gannon, Milton Arts Guild president. “This year, we plan to give two scholarships to expand the opportunities for young people throughout Sussex County.”

Learn more at miltonartsguild.org.

Taxes in Transition workshop set Feb. 17

To help educate those who are nearing retirement or who have recently retired, Delaware Money School will present Taxes in Transition – Smart Planning for Retirement and Relocation, from 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

Led by Robert S. Jeter II, CFP,  a financial advisor at Back Bay Financial Planning and Investments, the workshop focuses on tax planning challenges and opportunities that arise during retirement and relocation. Jeter will review income coordination, tax efficiency and long-term planning decisions that reduce an individual’s lifetime tax bill.

To register, go to lewes.lib.de.us.

VIA dine-and-donate fundraiser set Feb. 17

Insurance commissioner to appear in Millsboro Feb. 18

The Millsboro Public Library will host a session with Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 217 W. State St., Millsboro. Navarro will share information on what's new for 2026 and how to get help paying premiums, and answer attendees’ health insurance questions.

Ag producer risk management conference set Feb. 25

The Delaware Farm Bureau will team with the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension to host the fourth annual risk-management conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Harrington Fire Hall. Launched in 2022, the conference aims to help farmers mitigate risk on their operations. With ever-changing market conditions, it’s important that farmers use strategies to protect their bottom line. Topics will include 2026 commodity crop budgets, the economics of agricultural technology, crop insurance options for 2026, grain market outlook, economics of agricultural chemicals, retirement options for farmers and understanding ambiguous loss. Speakers from the University of Delaware, University of Maryland, American Farm Bureau and more will share insights on these topics. To learn more, go to defb.org.

Women’s Club school supply drive continues thru Feb. 27

The GFWC Women’s Club of Indian River is holding a school supplies drive for East Millsboro Elementary School through Friday, Feb. 27. To view a wish list of needed school supplies created by the teachers, use the QR code on the GFWC Women's Club of Indian River, Delaware Facebook page. Supporters simply pick the supplies they would like to donate, add them to their cart and, at  checkout, confirm that the delivery address is East Millsboro Elementary School, Attn: Ciara Barksdale, prior to paying. The supplies will automatically be shipped to EMES. To learn more, email WCIR volunteer Janet Dubbert at jmdubbert2@gmail.com.

AARP theater trip reservations due March 1

AARP Chapter 5340 is sponsoring a trip set for Wednesday, April 15, to the Sight and Sound Dinner Theater in Lancaster, Pa., a 350-seat venue. Attendees will see a live performance of “Joshua.” All are welcome; chapter membership is not required.

The cost includes round-trip bus transportation, the show at 11 a.m. and lunch after the performance at the Hershey Farm Restaurant and Shoppes. Participants will depart at 7:30 a.m. from the College Park Shopping Center near the Georgetown Walgreens.

Paid registration is due before Saturday, March 15. For more information, call Pat at 302-856-2274 or Joan at 302-856-2158.

Sussex Tech alumni chili cook-off set March 1

The Sussex Technical High School Alumni Association is hosting a chili cook-off from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 1, at the Milford Senior Center, 111 Park Ave., Milford. Prizes will be awarded for the top three chilis. To learn more, go to sussexvt.org.

State Employees’ Charitable Campaign seeks nonprofit nominations

The State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Steering Committee is now accepting applications from Delaware nonprofit organizations interested in participating in the 2026 campaign. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 31.

The SECC is the State of Delaware’s official workplace giving program for state employees and retirees. In partnership with United Way of Delaware, the campaign connects donors with nonprofit organizations that serve families, children and individuals across the First State.

During the 2025 campaign, state employees raised $300,675, exceeding the $300,000 goal and benefiting 168 charitable organizations across Delaware. The 2026 campaign will run from Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 31.

“Delaware’s state employees continue to show their commitment to giving back through SECC,” said Gov. Matt Meyer. “This program helps support the nonprofit organizations that strengthen our communities, and I encourage eligible charities to apply to be part of this year’s campaign.”

“The SECC gives our employees a meaningful way to support causes they care about while helping our nonprofit partners expand their impact across the state,” said Yvonne Anders Gordon, Department of Human Resources secretary and SECC chair. 

To learn more, go to secc.delaware.gov/resourcesforcharities.

Free tax prep assistance appointments continue thru April 13

In partnership with Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation, the Lewes Public Library will offer free tax preparation assistance by appointment only through Monday, April 13, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

For taxpayers of all ages who cannot afford paid tax preparation services, IRS-certified volunteers from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the AARP Tax-Aide program will prepare simple federal and Delaware state income tax returns.

For those with annual income of $69,000 and under, Monday appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make a Monday appointment, call 302-655-0803.

For those of all income levels, Thursday and Friday appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make a Thursday or Friday appointment, call 302-703-7198.

Appointments may also be self-scheduled online. To learn more, go to tinyurl.com/LPLtax26.

Tax-Aide and VITA volunteers are certified by the IRS to handle basic tax preparation. Lengthy, complex returns which are time-consuming to prepare cannot be accommodated. Taxes will be prepared during the appointment, and taxpayers will leave with their completed return and documents. 

Women’s club to host tea at botanic gardens May 4

The Lord Baltimore Women’s Club will host a tea from 12 to 4 p.m., Monday, May 4, at Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek near Dagsboro.

Guest speaker Helen Raleigh, owner of Story Hill Farms, will discuss pollinators and their beneficial effects on gardens, farms and food systems. Attractions include live music, plein air artists at work and garden tours.

Proceeds will benefit hands-on community service projects and charitable giving across Sussex County.

Cape district super joins KSLA

Cape Henlopen School District Superintendent Dr. Jenny Nauman announced at a Jan. 22 school board meeting that she recently joined the Kent Sussex Leadership Alliance.

KSLA is a nonprofit membership organization with more than 100 active members, all of whom are leaders from Kent and Sussex counties.

The organization’s mission is to identify emerging community issues and to take on projects that will improve the quality of life for residents in middle and lower Delaware.

During the organization’s last meeting, Nauman said they discussed housing.

For more information, visit theksla.com.

Dakota acquires Lokken Investment Group

Following a fall 2025 acquisition, Lokken Investment Group has officially transitioned to operate as Dakota Wealth Management LLC.

Maintaining its current location at 1413 Savannah Road, Suite 4, Lewes, the same team will serve clients under the Dakota Wealth Management name, continuing the personalized approach and dedication built by its founder, the late Jonathan Lokken. 

Lokken founded the firm in 2008 with the mission to provide thoughtful, client-focused financial guidance rooted in integrity, trust and long-term relationships. The team includes wealth advisor Jessica Bimonte, CFP, EA, Lokken’s daughter. 

“Jon built something truly meaningful, not just a business, but a community of trust with his clients,” said Carrie Ruark, strategy and operations manager in the Lewes office. “Becoming Dakota Wealth Management allows us to honor his legacy while positioning the firm for continued growth and service for years to come.”

Tanger grants fund local school projects

Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach announced local educational projects receiving 2025 TangerKids Grants are Laurel Intermediate School Musical Theater Enrichment Project for fifth and sixth grades, Laurel Intermediate School first National Elementary School Honor Society, Howard T. Ennis LIST Community Training Education and Sussex Central High School Steps Toward Inclusion Project. 

“Tanger Rehoboth Beach remains committed to helping students succeed across our community,” said Michele Doucette, Tanger Rehoboth Beach marketing director. “By listening closely to local schools and educators, we’re able to support projects that respond to real, on-the-ground needs. TangerKids Grants help create inclusive, engaging learning environments and give students the resources they need to thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.”

Tanger will donate more than $200,000 across the country to fund classroom investments this year.

Ted Lauzen files for state treasurer

Ted Lauzen, an investment manager, combat veteran and father of four, filed Jan. 23 to run as a Democrat for state treasurer.

Current State Treasurer Colleen Davis recently announced she would not seek re-election. Lauzen served as a Marine helicopter pilot, and later completed an MBA and law degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He co-founded Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, which currently serves about 300 clients and employs nine finance professionals in Delaware. 

In a press release, Lauzen said he is running to use his investment management experience to support the state’s finances, characterizing the state treasurer as the “investment manager” for the state, investing retirement funds for state employees, managing financial wellness programs and coordinating statewide financial boards. 

Lauzen and his wife Sarah, who is originally from Milford, have four children.