News Briefs 2/20/26
DOC taking sign-ups for new public alert
The Delaware Department of Correction launched an enhanced community notification system Feb. 11 to improve information sharing with residents statewide.
Public registration for the new alert system is now open, and DOC will begin using it to issue notifications as needed starting Sunday, March 1.
The new system is a free service that lets residents sign up to receive facility emergency alerts and nonemergency informational messages from the Department of Correction by text, phone and email.
“The Department of Correction community notification system gives us another tool to push real-time notifications to Delawareans,” said DOC Commissioner Terra Taylor. “We are delivering on our commitment to local residents, and in particular to individuals who live and work near correctional facilities, to lean into technology and increase information sharing with them. This new notification system adds onto our existing communication channels to provide information needed to keep informed, stay alert and stay safe.”
Community members can register to receive alerts from specific DOC facilities or receive general DOC news and information. Facility alerts will be used to provide notices of an unauthorized walkaway from a specific community corrections facility, impacts from adverse weather conditions to that facility’s scheduled on-site visitation, disruptions to phone or tablet communications, and other timely notices. Individuals can register to receive notices from as few or as many facilities as they choose.
An inmate escape from a state prison facility would trigger an enhanced multiagency law enforcement response, and expanded public outreach and notifications, including this new system and other existing DOC notification methods such as reverse 911 system messages.
The text, phone and email alerts offered through DOC’s new community notification system are an addition to existing outreach methods that include social media posts, news releases, the DOC website and other localized notifications.
Community members can register to receive community notifications by texting 302-279-2847 or online at smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=DEDOC. Those using the text option need to send individual sign-up texts for each coded facility location, or use code DOCNEWS for general news and information. Sussex County facility codes are: Sussex Community Corrections Center, SCCC; and Sussex Correctional Institution, SCI.
Genealogical society to meet Feb. 21
The Sussex County Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Lewes Public Library and via Zoom. Guest speaker Steven Hackel will discuss the Early California Population Project. The database provides public access to all information contained in the California mission registers from 1769 to 1850. It includes baptism, marriage and burial records of each of the California missions, including information on the Native Californians, soldiers and settlers of Alta California.
All members and guests must register at lewes.lib.de.us and find the meeting date under Events. For more information, go to scgsdelaware.org.
UUSD to meet Feb. 22
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, with Snowballs in Hell as the topic. The Rev. Leika Lewis said, “This service will explore the legacy of Black ancestors, examples of resistance, the ways we support each other in practicing resistance today, and how we create space for growth in the midst of challenging times.” Learn more at uussd.org.
Black leaders conference set Feb. 23
The Racial Equity Consortium, in partnership with the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus, will host the second annual Unapologetically Black Conference: Power. Policy. People. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23, at Delaware State University in Dover.
Admission is free, and preregistration is available at tinyurl.com/bdefaddx.
While the conference is statewide in scope, the policy discussions directly affect residents all over Sussex County, including housing access and affordability, gun violence prevention strategies, health equity initiatives, and the implementation of Delaware’s Black History curriculum in schools The event will bring together lawmakers, educators, community advocates and residents to discuss how legislative priorities translate into real-life impacts in neighborhoods across Delaware, including southern Delaware communities.
Attendees will have an opportunity to explore how state policy decisions affect Sussex County residents, the role of civic engagement in shaping equitable outcomes, and how community voices are influencing legislative conversations.
Lewes parks panel to meet Feb. 23
The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its monthly meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23, at the Rollins Center.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action on draft drone regulations for Lewes. See agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth BOA hearing Feb. 23
The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment will meet at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a hearing related to a variance request for 69 Oak Ave.
The property owners are requesting a variance related to a deck elevation height being 15-feet-9-inches above the crown of the street. City code has a restriction prohibiting railings or roof decks where any portion of the surface exceeds 14 feet above the crown of the street.
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.
Rehoboth shade tree commission meeting canceled for Feb. 23
The Rehoboth Beach Parks & Shade Tree Commission meeting set for Monday, Feb. 23, has been canceled due to a lack of agenda items.
For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Boardwalk task force meeting set Feb. 24
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Historic Designation Task Force will hold its first meeting at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.
The agenda calls for an introductory review of the members and the goal of the task force.
The task force is time-limited, with an end date coinciding with completion of pursuing a historic designation for the Boardwalk from Delaware Public Archives and the National Register of Historic Places.
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.
Book talk, discussion of ‘On Tyranny’ set Feb. 24
A lecture focused on the book, “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” by Timothy Snyder, will take place at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Cinema Art Theater near Lewes. Light refreshments will be provided before the discussion starts at 6 p.m.
The event is presented by Indivisible Southern Delaware, in partnership with the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and Browseabout Books, and sponsored in part by Atlantic Adult and Pediatric Medicine.
Leading the discussion will be constitutional scholar Ron Collins, a retired law professor and author or co-author of 13 books. Collins will offer his take on Snyder's modern classic examining democracy, authoritarianism and civic responsibility. Attendees will explore the lessons of the 20th century and their urgent relevance to today's political landscape.
“On Tyranny” has been widely praised for distilling complex historical insights into 20 accessible and powerful lessons on defending democratic institutions and values.
Museum curator to discuss Romantic-era artwork Feb. 27
The Lewes Public Library Spoken Word Society will kick off a four-week series, Sublime and Dramatic: The Romantic Movement, with a visual arts presentation by Kristen Matulewicz, curator of Wilmington’s Rockwood Park and Museum, at 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, and online via Zoom.
Exploring the influence of nature on the arts during the Romantic period, Matulewicz will focus on William Louis Sontag Jr.’s “The Misty Rocky Mountains” and related works. She will trace the evolution and influence of the Romantic Movement in art as it developed into the uniquely American style of Hudson River School painting, concluding with a case study of Rockwood as a rare example of how the aesthetics and ideals of Romanticism were cultivated in daily life.
Registration is required. To sign up, go to lewes.lib.de.us or call 302-645-2733.
During the Romantic period of the late 18th- to mid-19th century, European artists, composers, authors, poets and philosophers pushed back against the rationalism of the Enlightenment by embracing the sublime and the dramatic in nature, metaphysics and human emotion. Continuing sessions set for March 6, 13 and 20 will explore the defining elements of Romantic-era music, philosophy and literature.
Rehoboth planning meeting canceled
The Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission meeting set for Friday, Feb. 27, has been canceled due a lack of agenda items. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.
Israel UMC to host revival service March 1
Israel United Methodist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Marjorie Belmont, will host a revival worship service at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 1, in the church at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes, and online via Zoom. Guests will be the Rev. Janice Herman and the choirs of Friendship UMC and Harmony UMC, Millsboro. All are welcome.
Southern Delaware Chorale 40th season concerts continue March 1
Celebrating its 40th anniversary season, Southern Delaware Chorale will present “Because They Have a Song: A Choral Reflection on Black History & Women’s History Month” at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 1, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.
Through music shaped by influential Black artists and groundbreaking women across genres and generations, this performance honors the voices that have challenged norms, inspired change and left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural story. Partnering local choirs include Cantabile Women's Chorus, directed by Joanne Ward; the Indian River High School Concert Choir, directed by Laura Carey; and Bella Voce from Sussex Tech, directed by Sarah Rose.
The chorale will perform “Kings & Queen: Mozart’s Coronation Mass meets Freddie Mercury” at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 26, at Epworth UMC, Rehoboth. The program brings together the brilliance of Mozart’s soaring sacred masterpiece and the electrifying anthems of Queen in one unforgettable concert.
To learn more, go to southerndelawarechorale.org.
AARP chapter to meet March 2
AARP Chapter 5340 Georgetown will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, March 2 in the Millsboro Police Station community room, 120 W. Railroad Ave. Ext., Millsboro. A speaker from Beebe Healthcare will discuss advance planning and stroke awareness. New members are always welcome. To learn more, email Carol Ann Stone at casflowers@comcast.net.
VIA fundraiser set March 2 in Lewes
Nicola Pizza will host a dine-to-donate fundraising event in support of the Village Improvement Association from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday, March 2, at 17323 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes. Nicola will donate 20% of dine-in sales only to the VIA, a women’s civic and charitable organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service.
Route 1 crossover work begins March 3
The Delaware Department of Transportation will temporarily close the crossover at Route 1 and Hudson Road/Steamboat Landing Road, and make lane closures along northbound and southbound Route 1 for crossover reconstruction work starting Tuesday, March 3.
Work will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, for about three weeks (weather permitting).
The project will include building a new median island between north and south Route 1, and an acceleration lane along southbound Route 1.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones and to expect minor delays while traveling in the area.
For more information, go to deldot.gov.
Senior center bingo set March 4
Cape Henlopen Senior Center will host afternoon jackpot bingo from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, at 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach. The public is welcome; doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $20 per person and includes one game pack, specials and one quickie card. Additional games and food will be available at separate cost. Games continue March 18 and April 1. For more information, call 302-227-2055.
Rehoboth Concert Band show to benefit senior center March 15
Rehoboth Concert Band will perform at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 15, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.
Proceeds will benefit the Cape Henlopen Senior Center in Rehoboth Beach. To buy tickets, go to rehobothconcertband.org, visit Cape Henlopen Senior Center, 11 Christian St., Rehoboth Beach, or pay at the door with cash or card.
Sussex residents may appeal assessment
Sussex County property owners with concerns about their new assessment values have another chance to make their case.
The county government is accepting applications from property owners who wish to contest the assessed value of their property. Applications must be submitted by Saturday, March 15.
Under Delaware law, counties each year must allow property owners the opportunity to formally appeal their assessments. This year, the appeal hearings may run through May 31, with appeals heard by the county’s appointed board of assessment review as needed.
The board hears applications on a case-by-case basis and renders a decision for each request. Once all cases have been settled, property assessments are certified by the board and used to calculate the 2026 property tax bills.
This year will be the second since the county completed a court-ordered reassessment of all properties, following a 2018 education funding lawsuit that resulted in nearly 200,000 properties in Sussex being revalued. Following completion on the years-long reassessment project, only about 1% of property values were challenged in the first round of appeals held in spring 2025.
For more information on reassessment or to file an appeal, go to sussexcountyde.gov/reassessment and click on the Board of Assessment Review link on the left side of the page.
Wellness for the Whole Woman forum set April 30
The Fund for Women will host its second annual Wellness for the Whole Woman forum from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at the Clubhouse at Baywood near Millsboro.
FFW is a statewide, volunteer-led group committed to empowering women and girls. Every year, Delaware organizations are selected to receive grants to help them in their mission. Local experts will offer forum sessions on topics including financial health and retirement planning, mature women’s health issues, safety and self-protection for women, technology assistance tips, and ways to simplify one’s life and space.
To learn more, go to fundforwomende.com and click on events.
Ellendale fire auxiliary seeks May 16 vendors
The Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will host its spring marketplace and rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at 302 Main St., Ellendale. Craft vendors, food trucks, yard sale tables and informational displays will be set up on the fire department grounds. To learn more, email town.terrie.ottomano@outlook.com.
Dewey OKs police chief contract renewal
Dewey Beach Town Council unanimously voted Feb. 13 to approve a resolution to renew a three-year employment contract with Police Chief Constance Speake.
The contract includes an annual base salary of $125,000, with a 5% raise each year.
Hertrich Kia upgrades showroom, service center
Hertrich Kia of Easton recently opened a dedicated Kia showroom, along with a fully equipped service and parts center focused on Kia vehicles, located at 7741 Ocean Gateway, Easton, Md.
“Our new facility is all about creating a better experience for our Kia customers,” said Fred Hertrich IV, president of the Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships. “With a dedicated showroom and a state-of-the-art service center, we can offer both comfort and top-quality care for every vehicle that comes through our doors.”
The upgraded service and parts department delivers expanded capabilities, and a team trained specifically on Kia vehicles, while still offering the flexibility to service other vehicle brands as needed.
Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches scores high with guests
Blue Water’s Jellystone Park Delaware Beaches Camp Resort in Lincoln is among its properties recognized with the prestigious Traveller Review Award from Booking.com. The award is presented annually to properties that maintain an average guest review score of 8.0 or higher, based entirely on verified guest feedback.
The award reflects consistent service excellence, strong operational performance and a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences. Jess Nichols, Blue Water COO, said, “An 8+ rating on Booking.com is a direct reflection of guest satisfaction. This achievement underscores the consistency, care, and operational discipline our teams bring to each property, every day.”
Reed Baker files for re-election in Sussex
Sussex County Recorder of Deeds Alexandra Reed Baker has filed to run for re-election. She submitted her paperwork with the Department of Elections Feb. 17. Reed Baker won a tightly contested primary in 2022 before running unopposed in the general election. Reed Baker is currently the only candidate seeking the recorder of deeds office.
