Festival of Trees

Festival of Trees begins at Delaware Hospice

Terry RogersHeadlines, Life Style and Arts

One of the most popular fundraisers held for Delaware Hospice is their annual Festival of Trees. The Milford event will kick off with an Open House Cocktail Reception on December 1 from 6 to 9 PM. This event is in its 36th year and is a way for the community to celebrate and remember those who have passed on. “I’ve …

Salesianum football BJ Alleyne runs the ball against Smyrna photo courtesy of Donnell Henriquez

Salesianum advances to DIAA football semifinal

Jason WinchellHeadlines, Sports

WILMINGTON – B.J. Alleyne was not going to let something like the Smyrna defense stop him. The Salesianum senior running back, who had already scored four times against the Eagles in their DIAA Class 3A football quarterfinal, lined up in the shotgun on fourth and goal from the 2 with seven seconds showing on the clock. Alleyne took the snap …

Sussex Central football Will Harmon runs as multiple Appoquinimmink Jaguras try to tackle him. photo courtesy of Ben Fulton

Harmon carries Central to semifinals

Nick HallidayHeadlines, Sports

  Sussex Central’s Sophomore running back Will Harmon led the Sussex Central Golden Knights in the first round of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) football playoffs. Harmon accounted for four touchdowns in a 28-7 victory over the Appoquinimink (Appo) Jaguars to advance to the semifinals.    Harmon scored the first three touchdowns of the game to give Central a …

Polytech football Isaac Balcerak runs as Dionysus Alston blocks for him. photo courtesy of Polytech Facebook

Polytech makes history with 1st DIAA football playoff win

Glenn FrazerHeadlines, Sports

(Woodside)   The Polytech Panthers continued their historic season with a 28-6 win in the DIAA Class 1A football tournament Friday night. The school has been fielding a varsity program since the early 1990’s as a member of the Henlopen Conference. This year they secured their first conference title with an all time record of 9-1. Following the game, Head …

Smyrna volleyball Elise Carter celebrates after a point during the state championship photo courtesy of Ben Fulton

Smyrna wins first volleyball state championship

Jason WinchellHeadlines, Sports

NEWARK — No doubt, Smyrna got contributions from all six positions on the floor during the DIAA championship match on Thursday night at the Bob Carpenter Center. But the big three — Anna Richardson, Elise Carter and Eliza Schneider — were just too much for Ursuline as the Eagles captured their first state title with a decisive 3-1 win. This …

The state has put an emphasis on civics education in social studies classes.

State Ed board approves social studies cut scores, focus on civics

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The State Board of Education voted in its monthly meeting Thursday night on Social Studies Student Assessment Performance Levels. These are also referred to as “cut scores.” Achievement levels Students can land in one of four achievement levels on the standardized tests. Level 1: Students show minimum understanding and evidence of an inability to apply the fundamental skills and knowledge …

Veterans home Home of the Brave

Veterans home’s plea for food, supplies sparks welcome aid

bshupeHeadlines, Life Style and Arts

A Facebook post asking for help with supplies for Home of the Brave in Milford has given the Veterans transitional residence some relief, but officials there hope for more to restock their cabinets and get them through the holidays and into 2024. The post on Delaware Free Stuff (Angels Among Us) asked for everyday housekeeping supplies, food items and side …

It is unclear what the Indian River School District decided as the future of employees placed on administrative leave.

More mystery in Sussex case involving student breast photo

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

It is unclear whether Bradley Layfield, the principal at Sussex Central High School, still has a job. Layfield is among those sued by a former student who claims the district officials circulated a photo of her exposed breast to other staff with a picture of Janet Jackson superimposed on her face. His position was expected to be discussed Wednesday night …

Irish Rose 10th Anniversary

Irish Rose celebrates 10th anniversary

Terry RogersBusiness, Headlines

A hobby that began when Eugenia Sparks and her husband, Tom, retired, celebrated its 10th anniversary this month. Irish Rose, an Irish-themed gift boutique on Walnut Street in Milford, has become a mainstay in downtown. “When we retired, we decided to participate in craft shows in the local area,” Eugenia said when asked how Irish Rose got its start. “We …