Challenger Patrick Smith on Wednesday asked for a recount of the vote against incumbent Bryan Shupe in the Republican primary for District 36 in the Delaware House. (Pexels photo by Edmond Dantes)

Challenger asks for recount in House District 36 GOP primary

Ken MammarellaHeadlines

Challenger Patrick Smith on Wednesday asked for a recount of the vote against incumbent Bryan Shupe in the Republican primary for District 36 in the Delaware House. The key issue: one more absentee vote recorded Wednesday for Shupe and the state’s arithmetic on calling for an automatic recount. Smith said in a statement that he filed a petition Wednesday with …

Meet the ambassador to Easterseals’ Walk With Me

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Stevie Tull was just 7 months old when he started to benefit from programs provided by Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore. And now, three decades later, they are an essential part of the life of the Seaford resident. Tull, 38, has Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a rare neurological disorder that resembles cerebral palsy in its symptoms, said his father, Steve. Stevie …

Kori Lewandowski, owner of The Crafty Reader in Milford, is a “mood reader,” selecting what strikes her fancy. Lately that includes romance, fantasy and historical fiction. Courtesy of Kori Lewandowski

New store in Milford combines books and crafts

Ken MammarellaBusiness, Headlines

Kori Lewandowski loves books. She also loves crafts. And whenever family members and friends asked what she wanted to do with her life, if cost were no object, “it’s always been to open a bookstore.” And so she finally is. The Crafty Reader is scheduled to open Aug. 30 at 39 N. Walnut St. in Milford. She plans to be …

The Delaware State Fair runs July 18-27.

At state fair: competitions, concerts, carnival, corn dogs

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

For 10 days at the end of July, the Harrington area booms with the Delaware State Fair. Attendance topped 308,000 in 2023, and it takes hundreds of volunteers and employees to entertain, feed and inform them. “It sure does” take a lot of hands, said Audrey Gary, who as superintendent of the flowers competitive department counts on eight assistant superintendent …

Fireworks over Rehoboth Beach in 2023. Carl Wilson Jr. photo, courtesy of Rehoboth Beach.

Fireworks and so forth to celebrate Independence Day in Del.

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Most Delaware places known for Fourth of July fireworks and other Independence Day activities have announced their plans. Organizers consistently ask for people to arrive early and leave late, and the Delaware Department of Transportation warns that many events close roads, too. In other words, traffic could be bad. Organizers also often ask for contributions to support the celebrations. Go …

The Gordons Pond trail is one of the superintendent's picks at Delaware State Parks. Courtesy of Delaware State Parks.

For verified fun, check out park superintendents’ picks

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Delaware State Parks in 2022 drew 8 million visitors, lured by the sand and the surf, the flora and the fauna, the past and the participatory sports and other activities and events that don’t make alliterative pairs. But wait, there’s more! Park superintendents promote a wide variety of “superintendent’s picks” on the homepages of most of the 17 state parks. …

The Milford Public Library summer reading program has activities for children, teens and adults. Courtesy of Milford Public Library.

Summertime’s the time for adventure at Milford library

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

The Milford Public Library is inviting children, teens and adults to go on adventures this summer. “Adventure” is the theme of the library summer reading program, with multiple events running June 15 through Aug. 17. “We’re excited,” library director Lea Rosell said, and she’s particularly hyped by the June 29 comic magic show by Ran’D Shine Participants who read enough …

electric

Milford electric rates to rise 2.4% in June

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Headlines

Starting in June, electric bills for the average residential and small business accounts in Milford are going up 2.4%, the city has announced. Commercial accounts in Milford can expect an increase ranging from about 2.3 to 3.0%, depending on demand, load factor, seasonality and time of use. “The power cost increase is entirely due to market-driven capacity cost increases that …

Kent ranks 5th in country for young homeowners

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

This Old House, a media empire that for decades has been extolling old houses, just looked at how each generation approaches homeownership and what drives the decision to plant roots or seek new horizons. And Delaware makes a prominent appearance. Dover is No. 5 on a list it compiled of the country’s metropolitan areas for the greatest percentage of homeowners …

DART changes affect dozens of routes, starting May 19

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Headlines

Dozens of of DART routes are being changed starting May 19, affecting prominent destinations like Delaware Park, Christiana Hospital, Christiana Mall, Amazon’s Middletown facility and the Rehoboth outlets. The following are recommended approved changes to be implemented. Modifications to original proposal are designated in italicized bold. IN THE NEWS: Amtrak to invest millions in controversial Wilmington site The new route …