News Briefs 5/1/26
Bill to increase biz fees passes House
A bill that would increase fees for many businesses passed the Delaware House of Representatives along party lines April 23, and now awaits action in the Senate Executive Committee.
House Bill 400 alters various fees assessed by the Delaware Secretary of State. If approved and signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer, the new fees will be assessed beginning Aug. 1. Changes to annual tax for partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability companies would retroactively take effect Jan. 1.
The bill increases dozens of fees for a variety of business entities. See the current draft of the bill at tinyurl.com/yvvm6xwb.
HB 400 requires a three-fifths majority vote in both houses of the General Assembly to pass.
The bill passed by a 25-11 vote with five absent in the House. Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, and Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, voted in favor of the bill, while Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck; Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R-Georgetown; and Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford, voted against it.
LIB plant sale offers expert garden advice May 2
Lewes in Bloom members will be selling perennials from their own gardens along with native plants from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 2, during the LIB Annual Plant Sale at the Schley Avenue warehouse in Lewes.
A guest horticulturist will talk about native plants at 10 a.m., and three Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Proceeds from this sale support Lewes in Bloom volunteers and keep the Lewes gardens blooming. Learn more at lewesinbloom.org.
Water fest and native plant sale set May 2 in Ocean View
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Center for the Inland Bays will host the annual Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2, at James Farm Ecological Preserve, 30048 Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View.
This family-friendly, free-admission event highlights the work done by the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship and CIB to benefit Delaware’s natural resources and environment, including managing and monitoring wetlands, improving water quality, engaging community members, and overseeing, protecting and enhancing recreational shorelines and other natural resources.
Water Family Fest visitors can enjoy exhibits from more than 35 nature-based organizations and nonprofits while participating in outdoor recreational and educational fun activities. Exhibitors offer a variety of environmental topics to explore, including shellfish, buffers, beaches, wetlands, beekeeping, local authors, rain gardens and native plants, which will be sold at the event by local plant nurseries. Family and children’s activities such as crafts, nature games, animal identification and microscopes are among the event attractions.
Visitors can also explore a kid-friendly touch-a-boat experience where families can view and board several DNREC boats used in field work.
For details, go to de.gov/waterfamilyfest.
Derby Hat Sunday set May 3 at Israel UMC
Israel UM Church at 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes, will host its first Kentucky Derby Hat Sunday at 10 a.m., May 3, at the church and via Zoom. Everyone should come ready to worship, celebrate and be reminded of their identity in Christ. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite hats including Derby hats, fedoras and fascinators, to fill the sanctuary with color and joy as they gather in the Lord's presence. It will be more than a day of festivity; it will be a reminder that each person is treasured, honored and crowned by God's love, grace and mercy.
UUSD members explore service ideas May 3
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold a service at 10 a.m., Sunday, May 3, with the topic, Service As a Calling. UUSD is a vibrant, caring and relevant community in large part because so many people give their time and energy in countless ways. Much of this work happens quietly and behind the scenes, yet it remains essential to the life of the congregation. For this service, the Leadership Development Committee has chosen four individuals whose contributions are often unseen but deeply felt, and invited them to share what inspires them to offer their time and talents in service to UUSD. Learn more at uussd.org.
AARP chapter to meet May 4 in Millsboro
AARP Georgetown Chapter 5340 will meet at 11 a.m., Monday, May 4, in the Millsboro Police Station large meeting room, 120 West Railroad Ave., Millsboro.
Attendees are welcome to bring their broken watches for the guest speaker from the Veterans Watchmaker program to examine.
Call 302-329-9710 or text 973-769-8231 for details. People from the meeting will go out for dutch treat lunch afterward.
Lewes council to hold public hearing May 4
Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m., Monday, May 4, at the Rollins Center.
The panel will take comments on proposed changes to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance and on a proposed charter change amendment to include the Resiliency Fund.
See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth meeting slated May 4
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will meet at 9 a.m., Monday, May 4, at city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.
The agenda calls for an update on planning code revisions; a discussion about making six intersections into four-way stops; a discussion about possible code changes related to definitions and specific locations of fire lanes, accessible parking and loading zones; and consideration of executing an updated lease for the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Center at 501 Rehoboth Ave.
The agenda also calls for an executive session related to sales or leases of real property.
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.
Dewey Arts Fest returns May 9
The Dewey Arts Festival, presented by the Dewey Business Partnership, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9, on the Rusty Rudder Lighthouse Circle at Dickinson Avenue and the bay.
The event, now in its 15th year, will welcome more than 40 local artists offering everything from jewelry and ceramics to wood, metal, fabrics and more, along with beach-themed art, dog art and dog gear. It’s a great way to find something special for Mother’s Day and support local creatives.
DBP Executive Director Kelly Ranieri said, “This event has always centered on community. It’s about the Dewey businesses coming together to produce an event that supports local artists, but it’s also about creating a family event before the start of the season.”
The event will also have an art garden featuring artwork from Rehoboth Elementary students. Dewey Beach favorite Mark Luckenbill will provide live music. Admission and parking are free, and the event is dog-friendly.
NARFE chapter to meet May 14 at new location
The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Chapter 1690 Coastal Sussex will meet at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 14, at Kaja Asian Restaurant in Midway Plaza north of Rehoboth Beach.
Guest speaker is Larry Trombello, who in his 28-year career with the National Park Service was the supervisory park ranger at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for 14 years. An expert historian and storyteller, he will share important tales of American history.
Reservations are due by Thursday May 7, via email to fullerwe@gmail.com, and confirmation will be sent. For further information, contact Mike Fritz at vepamberi@gmail.com or go to narfe-de.org.
Book signing set May 15 in Rehoboth
Browseabout Books will host Margaret Kirby for a book signing of her new novel from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 15, in Rehoboth Beach.
“The Music Room” traces a pivotal year in the life of a 52-year-old woman who enrolls in a memoir workshop to resurrect her dream of becoming a writer. But she discovers the peril of entering into the intimate world of another when she finds herself entangled in the life of a dangerous narcissist.
Kirby's first novel, “Becoming Nora,” will also be available for signing.
DAR wreath-laying ceremony set May 25
The Col. David Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its annual Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m., Monday, May 25, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Hwy., Lewes. The event is free and open to the public.
This solemn and meaningful ceremony honors the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. Attendees will gather in remembrance and gratitude, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect this nation’s freedoms.
For more information, contact Chapter Regent Marian Bowersock at bbsock@att.net.
DelDOT PIO McLeod to serve as governor’s acting comms chief
Gov. Matt Meyer has named Charles “C.R.” McLeod as acting communications director effective April 27. A search for a permanent replacement will also be taking place.
“We are lucky to have C.R. join our team,” said Meyer. “C.R.’s dedication to public service is evident throughout his career. He is well-respected throughout the state, and I appreciate the decades of experience he brings.
“I am thankful for his commitment to this new role and look forward to working closely with him in the coming weeks.”
McLeod has 20 years of communications experience, including 10 years in state government, serving as director of community relations for the Delaware Department of Transportation since 2017, and previously as chief community relations officer in the Delaware Department of State.
“I’m glad to support Gov. Meyer and his team during the interim,” said McLeod.
“The governor is focused on helping our communities, and each day is an opportunity to do that across state government, where I am fortunate to serve.”
Applications are being accepted for communications director and will close Friday, May 8.
Miller announces bid for state treasurer
Mike Miller has announced his candidacy for state treasurer, declaring his intention to seek the Democratic nomination.
A lifelong Delaware resident, Miller was born and raised in Sussex County. He is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School and earned his degree from Delaware State University.
Miller has more than 30 years of hands-on experience in finance and small business as the owner and operator of Miller’s Lawn Services and Tax-Man Accounting Services.
“In every role I’ve taken on, my focus has been simple – serve people honestly and responsibly,” said Miller. “As state treasurer, I will prioritize transparency, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and work to ensure a stable and prosperous financial future for all Delawareans.”
Miller said his campaign will center on strengthening fiscal accountability, increasing transparency in state financial operations and making the government more responsive to the needs of everyday citizens.
Murray declines endorsement for AG
Despite earning the endorsement of the Delaware Republican Party at its state convention April 25, Julianne Murray says she will not seek the office of the attorney general.
“I am deeply honored by the confidence you have shown in me during the recent convention, as evidenced by your nomination and endorsement of me as your candidate for attorney general,” Murray said in a statement.
Murray said she did not attend the convention, nor did she seek the nomination. To date, no Republican has filed to run for attorney general.
“In response, delegates took the extraordinary step of effectively drafting me as a candidate. This action was not the result of a formal candidacy, but rather a strong and unified expression of support intended to encourage me to consider entering the race,” Murray said. “I am truly grateful and honored by that encouragement and for the trust placed in me.”
She said the decision to decline the nomination was not made lightly.
“I have been inundated with text messages and calls from people who are excited and want to help,” she said. “I have great respect for the importance of this office and for the responsibility that comes with seeking it. While I am honored by the delegates’ efforts to draft me into the race, I believe it is important that we continue working to identify and support a candidate who is prepared to step forward to serve right now, because I am not. I think many people do not realize the sacrifice entailed in running for office. It is a big ask.”
In 2025, Murray briefly served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware after being appointed by President Donald J. Trump. She said she was ousted from the office for political reasons by Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Murray has also sought office several other times in recent years, including a run for attorney general in 2022. She also served as chair of the Delaware Republican Party until her appointment as U.S. Attorney.
