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Gallery: Dover celebrates third annual Juneteenth festival

The capital city's third annual Juneteenth parade and festival took place on June 21, starting at 12 p.m. Those in the parade …

Gold team players posing for a picture with one of their “Buddies” before the game started Friday night in Newark. SPECIAL TO THE DAILY STATE NEWS/GARY EMEIGH

Photo gallery: Blue-Gold Football All-Star Game

NEWARK - The Blue downed the Gold, 48-18, in the 69th Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game on Friday night at Delaware Stadium. The …

Harrington police chief Adam Gillespie retired June 17, capping a 21-year career.

Harrington police chief Gillespie retires after 21 years with force

HARRINGTON — Harrington police chief Adam Gillespie retired June 17 after a 21-year career with the department. “I’ve been …

Cole Moran performs on harmonica as his father Frank Moran plays the guitar and sings during the Blind Wind performance June 17 at Cupola Park.

Millsboro concert series features first of two Blind Wind performances

MILLSBORO – It’s a rather simple recipe for music that can sooth the soul. A small sound system. Father on acoustic guitar, …

John Whitelaw, advocacy director for Community Legal Aid Society, Inc., speaks at the June 12 town hall. At right is Lakia Turner, director of Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau.

Proposed federal cuts, impact on Delawareans focus of town hall

GEORGETOWN – Upward of 16 million Americans and thousands of Delawareans stand to lose healthcare if the Trump Administration’s …

In Case You Missed It

- Delaware, Delmarva Power reach $6.5 million deal to assist individuals struggling with utility bills
  
  DOVER— As Delawareans continue to experience rising energy costs due to extreme seasonal temperatures, Gov. Matt Meyer announced June 18 …
- Personal income tax bracket changes stall in Delaware House committee
  
  DOVER— An altered proposal to raise personal income tax rates — for Delawareans with annual earnings over $150,000 — will likely languish …
- Charles "Buster" Staats, Jr., 95
  
  Charles “Buster” Staats, Jr. died peacefully on January 15, 2025, at his home in Smyrna. He was preceded in death by …

General Assembly

Joint Finance Committee changes course, approves Delaware hospital review board funding

DOVER— The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee reversed course on their decision to pause funding for the controversial Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board on June 17, despite …

Delaware, Delmarva Power reach $6.5 million deal to assist individuals struggling with utility bills

DOVER— As Delawareans continue to experience rising energy costs due to extreme seasonal temperatures, Gov. Matt Meyer announced June 18 an agreement with Delmarva Power that will assist …

Personal income tax bracket changes stall in Delaware House committee

DOVER— An altered proposal to raise personal income tax rates — for Delawareans with annual earnings over $150,000 — will likely languish for the remainder of the year, as lawmakers …

More General Assembly

Delaware News

Heat forces Kent County to collect trash earlier during week of June 23

DOVER — Because of projected high temperatures during the week of June 23, trash-collection services will begin at 5 a.m. for all Kent County Garbage Collection Districts, officials said. …

After several months, Delaware drought is finally done

MIDDLETOWN — First State drought conditions arrived rapidly last fall.

Dogfish Head going all out for 30th birthday

MILTON — Dogfish Head is marking its 30th anniversary by inviting fans to a weekend-long schedule of events June 20-23 at its coastal Delaware locations. The celebrations include free live …

First State's Allen returns home to perform at Dover Bally's

MUSIC COUNTRY STAR ALLEN RETURNS HOME Country singer Jimmie Allen, a native of Milton, will perform at 9 p.m. June 20 at Bally’s Dover, 1131 N. Dupont Highway. The multiplatinum country star …

Dover promises bang for the buck

DOVER — Mayor Robin Christiansen is looking forward to a huge blowout for 2026’s Fourth of July Celebration, during the country’s 250th birthday. First, though, the city will …

Lose the lawn, for Earth’s sake

Lawns are the most irrigated “crop” in the U.S, covering approximately 40 million acres of land — twice as much as our national parks. They provide no nourishment to any species …

Man, 22, critically injured in Milford shooting

MILFORD — A 22-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot multiple times June 19 in Milford, Milford police said. Police responded around 11:13 a.m. to a report of shots fired in …

Photo gallery: Fourth annual Juneteenth celebration event held in Smyrna

The fourth annual Juneteenth celebration event, organized by Corrine Upshur, was held at George C. Wright Jr. Municipal Park in Smyrna on June 19.

Motorcycle operator dies in Camden crash

A 64-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash in Camden on June 17, Delaware State Police said.

DelDOT: Increased Del. 1 toll rates are coming at time to be determined

DOVER — Delaware’s highway tolls will rise this year and it’s just a matter of when.

More local news

Maryland News

Salisbury businessman appointed to fill vacant District 3 Wicomico County Council seat

SALISBURY — A former Wicomico County Council member has been selected to fill the vacant District 3 seat formerly held by Shane Baker. David Ennis was appointed unanimously by the council …

Video of Crisfield High School band earns national award

WESTOVER — A video filmed in February 2024 by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) featuring the Crisfield High School band was honored by the National School Public Relations …

Outgoing Salisbury city manager attends last council meeting before taking role in Easton

SALISBURY — Outgoing Salisbury City Administrator Andy Kitzrow was shown appreciation for his years of service at the end of the June 16 city council meeting, his last before he officially …

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Obituaries

Charles "Buster" Staats, Jr., 95

Charles “Buster” Staats, Jr. died peacefully on January 15, 2025, at his home in Smyrna. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharlene Bartsch and his son Charles …

Francesca Amelia Sanfilippo French, 95

Francesca Amelia Sanfilippo French passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025. A visitation and Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. John/Holy Angels …

Angel David Aguilar

With profound sadness and eternal love, we announce the passing of Angel David Aguilar, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and proud veteran, who passed …

Larry Kesselring, 84

Larry Kesselring left this earth to be with his heavenly father on June 11th after a lengthy illness. Funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, June 19, 2025, …

George Bruce Hill, Jr., 46

George Bruce Hill, Jr., of Delmar, DE, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025. Born in Salisbury on November 18, 1978, and raised in Princess Anne, he was the son of George …

George R. Beck, 75

George R. Beck of Dover, DE, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Born in Baltimore, MD, Mr. Beck was the son of the late George W. Beck, Jr. and Louise Jeanette Schneider …

Robert William Konschak, 78

Robert William Konschak of Dover, Delaware passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025. Robert was born in Dover to the late William and Olga Konschak. Robert …

Joshua Daniel Wright, 35

Joshua Daniel Wright of Dover, Delaware, passed away, Friday, June 6th, 2025. He was born May 12th, 1990, in Landstuhl, Germany, to Daniel R. Wright and Cynthia Jean …

Rose M. Bowler, 84

MILFORD - Rose Marie Bowler of Dover, Delaware, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025. Rose was born on June 7, 1940, in Dover, Delaware, to the late James and Margaret …

Teresa Barto Swafford

Teresa C. Swafford passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 in Summerville, South Carolina, following a long illness. Born on January 26, 1943 at Milford (DE) …

See other obituaries

Opinion

- How far should home rule stretch?
  
  There has been much discussion in the Delaware General Assembly about Senate Bill 159, now awaiting consideration in the House of …
- Gillis: We’re done admiring the housing problem
  
  Katie Dodge Gillis is executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Delaware. By Katie Dodge Gillis Recently I was listening …
- White: Citizen worries about Dover’s rising fees, rates
  
  After reading an article published on 6/16/25, in the Daily State News “Dover City Council considers higher electric, water rates” I …
- Drennan: SNAP decision was not sweet
  
  Reporter Joseph Edelen outlined the rejection of the proposal to restrict SNAP benefits. The local officials tabled the proposal of no candy or …
- Brown: Delaware Veterans Affairs bill has some flaws
  
  It is heartening to see the support for House Substitute 1 to House Bill 1, relating to the creation of a Delaware Department of Veterans …

More Opinion

In Toon

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Class of 2025

Smyrna High's Class of 2025 includes 453 graduates

SMYRNA — There were 453 seniors who graduated from Smyrna High June 7.

"I had to do it!" said Joshua Grier of his WWE Championship belt.

Dover High School celebrates its 125th commencement ceremony

Despite a rainy start to the afternoon, the sun soon came out to shine on the 453 Dover High School graduates in attendance for the …

Evelyn Kopp performs the National Anthem at Polytech's graduation on June 5.

Polytech High School graduates 374 students in class of 2025

Polytech High School saw 374 students receive degrees in its class of 2025 graduation ceremony on June 5. The degrees were …

There's time for a selfie with classmates.

Odessa High seniors depart in graduation ceremony

TOWNSEND — The Odessa High Class of 2025 had 315 members graduate during a ceremony June 7.

The thrill of graduation arrives at the end of the ceremony.

Middletown High Class of 2025 sees 309 members graduate

TOWNSEND — The Middletown High Class of 2025 had 309 members graduate during a ceremony June 7.

See more graduation photos

Scenes from Bay to Bay

Last light

The importance of family

Backyard birds

Flying high

Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders warm up before a pep rally at Lord Baltimore Elementary School, Ocean View, on May 30. Photo by David Maull.

Boxed in

Jerry Hull spotted this Eastern Box Turtle in his west Dover backyard after it enjoyed a little rain and clover on June 6.

Glorious colors

Patricia Sterling took this colorful shot of an American flag at sunset in Wyoming on May 31.

Flags for Heroes in Milford

Everett Bennett, of Milford, shared this drone photo of the Milford Rotary's "Flags for Heroes" at Bicentennial Park.

Sly grin

This fox was posing for his closeup at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on June 9. The photo was taken by Karen Williams of Felton.

Green Heron

April Doyle, of Smyrna, spotted this Green Heron June 7 at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Just the two of us

Patricia Sterling, of Wyoming, captioned this, "Just the two of us." The unique friends were spotted at Silver Lake, Dover, on June 1.

Preening

On June 1, Jerry Hull spotted this ruby-throated hummingbird preening for his Scenic Delaware debut.

Bee easy

Jerry Hull captioned this photo, "Bee Easy." He said, "Nothing like nature reminding us to enjoy the little things all around us."

Mama

April Doyle, of Smyrna, spotted this young fox with its mother in early June at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Rainbow over Dover

Jerry Hull captured this rainbow after a brief thunderstorm that rolled through Dover on June 7.

Rainbow over Bombay

April Doyle, of Smyrna, enjoyed this scene with a rainbow in the picturesque Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in early June.

Spider's web

April Doyle found beauty in this spider's web June 10 in Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Talking turkey

Lee Mullarkey of Dover captured this turkey strolling down the sidewalk in Camden on June 9.

Leave it to beaver

On a June 10 visit to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, April Doyle spotted this beaver rising from the mud.

Foxy pose

Patricia Sterling, of Wyoming, spotted this young fox kit in a log pile May 30 at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Corn

Richard L. Bryan, of Lewes, notied the nice start of corn on Dairy Farm Road in Lewes.

Mama with foal

.Lee Mullarkey, of Dover, enjoyed seeing this mare and foal in Wyoming on May 27.

Gator

Alex Cisar, of Dover, spotted this "Alligator Tree” overlooking the 10th green at Maple Dale Country Club.

Family time

April Doyle watched this growing family of geese on April 14 at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Delicacy

This heron dined on a frog May 15 at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by April Doyle, of Smyrna.

Peek-a-boo

Gary Knox, of Dover, spotted this heron peeking out of the leaves on May 25.

Rainy day

A heavy rain didn't deter this hummingbird on May 28, says photographer Gary Knox of Dover.

Happy kit

April Doyle, of Smyrna, photographed this Red Fox Kit on May 14 at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Flags for Heroes

Jerry Hull of Dover captured the beauty of the "Flags for Heroes" display at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus..

Karate class

Gary Knox, of Dover, photographed the Kaizen Karate Academy students doing exercises at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus with the Memorial Day backdrop...Gary A. Knox.Dover.

Patriotic display in Milford

Deb Felmey, of Magnolia, snapped this photo of the Milford Rotary flag display for Memorial Day..

More Scenes from Bay to Bay

Business

Hilton Garden Inn hosting Sunset Business Mixer

Next Wednesday, June 25, from 5-7 p.m., members and guests of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce will enjoy a summer evening …

BayRunner Shuttle is celebrating 25 years of business on the Eastern Shore. PROVIDED

Driven by community: BayRunner Shuttle celebrates 20 Years of connecting Maryland

SALISBURY — For two decades, BayRunner Shuttle has done more than just get people from Point A to Point B — it has built a bridge …

Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway's president and general manager, tells Air Force Col. Chris McDonald, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and other Dover airmen the history of the Miles the Monster statue at the speedway in April 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. AIR FORCE

Flight of fancy: Tatoian enjoys role as Air Force civic leader

DOVER — When Mike Tatoian moved to the capital city in 2007, he expected to be around lots of horsepower, since Dover Motor Speedway …

Amber Wissman, area team lead for the new Ocean State Job Lot in Seaford, second from left, prepares to cut the ribbon at the June 14 opening celebration. Joining her are, from left, Ocean State's director of communications Lynn Hall; philanthropic communications specialist Beth Mainville; Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club director Jermane Duncan; Lamyra Ross of the club; Seaford City Councilmen Orlando Holland, Mike Bradley and Alan Quillen; Mayor Matt MacCoy; and economic development director Trisha Newcomer.

Seaford celebrates Ocean State Job Lot opening

The transition is complete, and there’s a new shopping option in Seaford. Ocean State Job Lot opened its doors June 9, and a June …

A jet lands at Salisbury Regional Airport where Piedmont is based. SALISBURY INDEPENDENT/RICHARD CAINES

Salisbury-based Piedmont Airlines announces planned expansion of fleet

SALISBURY — Salisbury-based Piedmont Airlines recently announced that it plans to expand its aircraft fleet in three years. …

More Business News

Sports

Former Dover High and Delaware pitcher Dom Dom Velazquez is playing in the Frontier League. DELAWARE ATHLETICS PHOTO.

Diamond State Diamonds

Diamond State Diamonds Stats as of June 18: MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHING Player College/High school Team Class Org. W-L ERA G GS SV IP H BB …

Defenseman Cameron Taylor of the Riders trying to get possession the ball from Brandywine’s Samuel Duch in the first quarter Tuesday night in Camden. SPECIAL TO THE DAILY STATE NEWS/GARY EMEIGH

Taylor grew into an All-American lacrosse player for Caesar Rodney

CAMDEN — Cam Taylor started out in lacrosse playing attack. But all that changed in a moment for the youngster. “In …

Julius Timmons of Caesar Rodney drops back to throw a long TD pass to Gold teammate Darius Miller of Lake Forest.  SPECIAL TO THE DAILY STATE NEWS/GARY EMEIGH

Davis helps Blue pull away from Gold in football all-star game again

NEWARK — For over two quarters, the Gold all-stars kept pace with the Blue on Friday night. But Hodgson receiver Brysheem …

Polytech's players gather around freshman pitcher Madison Frazier during Thursday's Henlopen North softball game with Cape Henlopen. SPECIAL TO THE DAILY STATE NEWS/GARY EMEIGH

Delaware South goes 3-0 in first round of Carpenter Cup softball

PHILADELPHIA — Delaware South went 3-0 in its first-round games in the Carpenter Cup softball tournament on Thursday. The …

Gold football all-stars getting their official team photo taken in the end zone stands at Sunday’s media day. SPECIAL TO THE DAILY STATE NEWS/GARY EMEIGH

Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game is a crossroads for Delaware seniors

NEWARK — Darius Miller not only had to decide what college he was going to go to. The Lake Forest High two-sport athlete also …

More Sports

Things to Do

Milford history program to cover famous Pickett’s Charge

MILFORD — The Milford Museum American History Series continues July 12 at 1 p.m. with a program about the legendary Pickett’s Charge during the Civil War. The program, to be presented by …

Kent County Arts in the Park concert moved indoors due to weather concerns

DOVER – Due to forecasted thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening, June 18’s concert featuring Michael Christopher and Coastal Country will be relocated indoors. The concert …

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Calendar of Events