Car thefts and car-related crimes has become a large issue in cities nationwide. (Photo by dardespot/Getty Images)

Wilmington council: Make parents pay for child’s car crimes 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

The Wilmington City Council is considering making parents pay for damages caused by their minor children who break into or damage cars. Carjacking and thefts of personal belongings in cars has been a major problem in cities across the country, and Wilmington is no exception. Some of this was sparked by a TikTok dare in which people – typically teenagers …

The town of Smyrna is likely to have to raise local taxes due to a budget deficit this year.

Smyrna deficit smaller than predicted, tax increase still likely

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

The town of Smyrna has a multimillion dollar budget deficit that it will try to combat by raising the taxes of local residents.  Sheldon Hudson, town manager, said the Smyrna Town Council originally thought the deficit would be $8 million, but the Budget Committee has since clarified that it has shrunk to the tune of about $6 million, $2 million …

Newark High School has anonymous threats made to its staff last week.

No arrests yet in Newark High ‘swatting’ threat incident

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Police & Fire

There have been no arrests made yet in connection to last week’s incident at Newark High School involving an anonymous caller making threats.  At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4, the Newark Police Department Communications Center received a phone call from a subject claiming that they were outside of Newark High School, in Christina School District, and were planning …

Kent County is the first to have its property reassessments completed. (Photo from The Law Firm of Bingaman Hess)

Kent County residents first to see new property values 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Government

Kim Patterson Luton of Dover got a Christmas present nobody would want: A letter detailing the new reassessment of her family’s property. The letter, which arrived in mid-December, concerned property built in 2005 and long assessed at $59,300. Under the new evaluation, her home is assessed at an eye-popping $419,300.   “My husband and I are seniors and living on fixed …

The investigation at Newark High was announced Thursday.

Police actively investigating threats at Newark High

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Police & Fire

This story has been updated with new information at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5. An active investigation is happening at Christina School District’s Newark High School. The Newark Police Department announced the investigation Thursday, as it is looking into threats made to the school and school staff.  “There is not believed to be a threat to the public and …

Goldey-Beacom College will host the school fair event on Jan. 27.

Delaware school fair on Jan. 27 part of national choice week

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

An all-day event for students to explore the various educational opportunities in Delaware is coming to a state college later this month. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation is having dozens of school fairs across the country in January for National School Choice Week 2024. Independently planned by local organizations, these events provide parents with the opportunity to meet with …

Robert D. Leech of Sussex County had his masseuse license suspended for inappropriately touching some of his clients.

Sexual touching charges lead to suspension of masseuse license

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Police & Fire

A Sussex County masseuse  has been charged with multiple counts of unlawful sexual contact after his clients complained, and police continue to seek any other people who were affected. Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock announced Wednesday his suspension order of Robert D. Leech of Sussex County. According to the order, the establishment was named Fusion Wellness and Spa and was …

The PECC has been working over the past year on recommendations for pay adjustments for Delaware educators.

Educator pay raise proposals to get joint hearing Jan. 11

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Delaware’s General Assembly will have its first public look and discussion about proposed educator pay raise recommendations next week. At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, the House and Senate education committees will come together to listen to a presentation on the final report from the Public Education Compensation Committee. Watch the meeting here. The 15-person compensation committee – made of …

The proposed US Wind benefits package includes annual payments over 20 years, worth $2 million dollars to each town.

US Wind offers 5 Delaware beach towns $2 million each

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Business

A national offshore wind energy development company is making its case to Delaware’s coastal towns. US Wind, Inc. recently presented a package of community benefits for Delaware’s coastal residents to the Delaware Association of Coastal Towns. The community benefits package includes a stream of annual payments over 20 years, worth $2 million dollars to each town.  The payments would begin …

Delaware's school choice application window closes Jan. 10.

School choice window closes next week 

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

Parents have eight days to submit applications if they wish to send their children to a school outside of their residential district or assigned school. Delaware is one of the 13 states in the country that allows families to apply for their children to attend any public school – district or charter – rather than sending them to the neighborhood …