Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders waves to his supporters following a rally at Recreation Hall on the campus of Penn State University last week in State College, Pennsylvania. ( Washington Post photo/Ricky Carioti)

WILMINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., encapsulated what he wanted to make absolutely clear to Delawareans heading to the presidential primary polls on Tuesday.

“This country faces many, many questions and that we are not going to effectively address those questions with a declining middle class and grotesque level of inequality unless we are prepared to stand up to big money interests who have so much influence on our economic and political lives,” the Democratic presidential candidate stressed during a telephone interview with the Delaware State News on Saturday.

Noting that “my state of Vermont is smaller than Delaware,” Sen. Sanders said he believes in the impact of local initiatives and said many great ideas generated in the First State could be beneficial throughout the nation.

The senator said he believes his candidacy is prepared to “shock people” on Tuesday and take Delaware’s vote and others, along with making a stronger showing in Connecticut. Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will also hold primaries Tuesday.

During a 66-minute speech before thousands of Delawareans that followed at the Chase Center, the candidate outlined his vision of “A Future to Believe In,” often pointing to corporate greed and big money campaign contributions designed to swing the vote against him and toward rival Hillary Clinton.

Sen. Sanders urged Delawareans to make it the highest turnout in state history, noting that high interest primaries have produced his candidacy’s best voting results.

“Let Delaware show the world that it is prepared to go forward in a political revolution,” he said in final remarks before exiting the podium to an outpouring of applause.

Beginning his presentation, the candidate immediately referenced Vice President Joe Biden’s neutral position in the Sanders versus Clinton choice, but preferring the Vermont Congressman’s “aspirational” style opposed to “over cautious.”

Beginning his campaign about a year ago and polling at three percent and 60 points behind Mrs. Clinton, Sen. Sanders sounded inspired by some national polls that now have him in the lead.

Better yet, he said, “We’re beating Donald Trump in every instance and almost always by larger margins than Secretary Clinton.”

Comparing the current election system as an oligarchy due to high dollar wealthy individuals and companies contributing to Political Action Committees, Sen. Sanders said his seven million individual campaign contributors provided an average of $27 to his cause.

“We’re (running) a campaign of the people,” Sen. Sanders said. “ … (Most powerful special interests make campaign contributions) and they know what we’re doing.”

Touching on differences with Mrs. Clinton, he pointed to his opposition of the war in Iraq in 2002 and noted that the overthrow of ruthless tyrants like Saddam Hussein, Bashar al-Assad and Muammar Gaddafi must also come with an understanding of the people in those counties and what consequences an introduction of democracy will bring.

Pushing for revised trade policies, Sen. Sanders stressed that United States companies should more often create their products here and pay a living wage. He believes a $15 hourly wage is needed so folks working 40 hours per week should not be living in poverty.

“We’ve got to tell companies that they can’t continue to ship jobs elsewhere,” he said.

More efficient and sustainable energy sources are needed he said, including “wind, solar, geothermal and other technologies.” He wants to stand up to the “fossil fuel industry and save this planet” put a tax on carbon product and target a “corrupt campaign finance system.”

Regarding a wide disparity of income and benefits between the country’s rich and poor, Sen. Sanders said “A nation is not judged by how many millionaires … or nuclear weapons it has, but it is judged on how it treats the weakest and most vulnerable among us.”

A Sanders presidency would bring the introduction of free education and public colleges and universities, something he said is available in every other major country in the world today.

Noting the staggering student loans needed to get through higher education today, “student debt should be refinanced at the lowest interest rate they can find.”

Also, he said he wants to “Transfer money back into the hand of the middle class” and “Tax Wall Street on speculation because “Greed and illegal behavior nearly destroyed this country’s economy.”

An uphill battle continued on, considering Mrs. Clinton’s substantial lead in delegates (1,428 to 1,153) and super delegates (502 to 38).

State Rep. Kim Williams, D-Newport, was an introductory speaker before Sen. Sanders arrived, and said, “The room was energized. It was amazing.

“You see him on television and then when you see his message in person it’s amplified, it’s clear. He speaks to the people.”

There was also time for Rep. Williams and others to meet behind closed doors during his visit.

“What you see publicly of him is what you see privately,” she said. “You see his passion for the American people, you see his passion to make sure all people are heard.

“He’s a great man.”

Staff writer Craig Anderson can be reached at 741-8296 or canderson@newszap.com.

DOVER — After months of watching and listening to speculation, debate and even boasts about hand size, Delawareans get to finally take action in perhaps the wildest presidential election campaign in recent history.

First State voters go to the polls Tuesday, along with four other states. Hundreds of polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While Hillary Clinton appears to have the Democratic nomination just about sewn up, the state’s 16 Republican delegates could be crucial for GOP front-runner Donald Trump, whose rivals are fighting to prevent him from gaining the 1,237 needed to clinch the nomination before the national convention.

Delaware Election Commissioner Elaine Manlove said she does not know what the turnout will be but is hoping the interest in this election results in a large number of people voting.

“The ballot is what drives turnout,” she said.

Delaware has a closed primary, meaning Democrats can only vote for Democrats and Republicans can only vote for Republicans.

Technically, there are six Republicans on the ballot: Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and retired surgeon Ben Carson.

However, the last three have suspended their campaigns, although because they have not formally submitted papers to withdraw, they can receive votes, Ms. Manlove said.

On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and businessman Roque De La Fuente will be the choices for voters.

A poll conducted by the public relations firm Gravis Marketing earlier this month showed Mr. Trump winning in a landslide. The survey had him earning 55 percent of Republican votes, more than the other two candidates combined. Gov. Kasich had 18 percent, Sen. Cruz garnered 15 percent and 12 percent of the 1,038 respondents were undecided.

On the Democratic side, Secretary Clinton received 45 percent of the voters, and Sen. Sanders got 38 percent. Seventeen percent of respondents were unsure of whom they would vote for. In total, 1,026 Democrats were polled.

According to the company, 63 percent of Republicans described themselves as moderate or slightly conservative, while 67 percent of Democrats said they leaned toward the middle or slightly left.

Though Gravis Marketing has been criticized for inaccurate polls, political observers say Mr. Trump is likely to win Delaware.

A Sussex County Republican Party poll from about a month ago had Donald Trump crushing Sen. Cruz and Gov. Kasich, garnering 72 percent of the vote in total.

Gov. Kasich’s own campaign believes the businessman will dominate in the First State.

“We expect Trump to have a strong chance of finishing above 50 percent and would recommend spending resources on the other April 26th states,” chief campaign strategist John Weaver said in a mass email sent to the campaign’s mailing list.

Because of Delaware’s small size, there are few polls focusing on the state.

For years, the state’s primary was in February, but it was moved to April starting in 2012, going along with the wishes of the national parties.

Because Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island all go to the polls Tuesday, the day is sometimes known as the Acela Primary, a reference to the high-speed Amtrak rail that goes from Washington to Boston.

About 16 percent of Delaware Republicans voted in the 2012 primary, which saw eventual GOP nominee Mitt Romney win the state. In 2008, 38 percent of Democrats and 28 percent of Republicans cast ballots, with eventual nominees Barack Obama and John McCain winning.

Delegates and campaigns

Delaware awards 16 delegates to the winner of the Republican primary, while the Democratic process is more complex. Twenty-one delegates are divided proportionally, and then 10 superdelegates, consisting of elected officials and party leaders, can choose who to support.

Five of those superdelegates publicly have backed Ms. Clinton: Gov. Jack Markell, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, Rep. John Carney and former state House Speaker Robert Gilligan.

Most of the delegates will be selected at the parties’ state conventions. The GOP meets April 30 in Dewey Beach, and the Democratic Party will do so April 7 in Dover.

The 16 Republican delegates consist of a representative for each region (Northern New Castle, Western New Castle, Colonial, Kent and Sussex), eight at-large individuals, state party Chairman Charlie Copeland, National Committeeman Laird Stabler and National Committeewoman Ellen Barrosse.

Attendees at the state Republican convention will vote on their entire slate of candidates as a whole, which is expected to be largely a formality.

The Democratic delegation is made up of eight Democrats from rural New Castle, two from Kent, two from Sussex and two from Wilmington.

There are also five at-large delegates and an additional two who are party leaders or elected officials.

Aside from the Democratic superdelegates and the GOP chairman, national committeeman and national committeewoman, the identities of the delegates have not been revealed by the parties.

The Delaware GOP, unlike some state parties, does not bind delegates to the winner of the popular vote beyond the first ballot.

This means, should Mr. Trump fail to get the 1,237 delegates needed to clinch the party’s nomination, the July national convention could turn into a spectacle unlike few ever seen in American politics.

Delegates from many states, including Delaware, will be free to switch their allegiance and back a different candidate. Many “never Trump” Republicans are clinging to this as the last hope, and both Gov. Kasich’s and Sen. Cruz’ campaigns have leaned on this option as the last chance to stop Mr. Trump.

All of the candidates have opened offices in Delaware except for Sen. Cruz. With the notable exception of Mr. Trump’s Friday visit to Harrington, most of the efforts by campaigns have been concentrated on northern New Castle, the most populous part of the state.

Sen. Sanders made a visit to Delaware Saturday, stopping by Wilmington for a rally, and Secretary Clinton is scheduled to meet with people

CLINTON VISIT
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the leader in the Democratic presidential race, will visit downtown Wilmington Monday, one day ahead of the Delaware primary.
Secretary Clinton will visit World Cafe Live at the Queen Monday morning, her campaign announced Friday. Doors open at 9:15.
According to the campaign, Secretary Clinton will discuss plans to grow the economy and enact gun control laws.
The event is free, and anyone interested in coming is asked to RSVP at https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/view/4JZREKHI7YQHH6YS/.

in downtown Wilmington Monday.

Through Friday, Delawareans had donated $537,340 to presidential candidates, with Secretary Clinton and Sen. Sanders receiving the most, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Less than $6,000 had been donated to Mr. Trump, who has largely self-funded his campaign on his own personal wealth.

Ms. Manlove, the election commissioner, said the primary costs a little less than $1 million to put on. Full results should be in by 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, about 90 minutes after the polls close.

Major media outlets likely will begin calling the races earlier.

There are about 312,000 registered Democrats and 185,000 registered Republicans in Delaware, according to the Department of Elections.

For information, including eligibility and polling places, visit https://ivote.de.gov/.

The Delaware State softball team wrapped up its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule with a convincing 10-1, six-inning victory to secure its fifth consecutive series sweep over Howard on Sunday.

DSU (16-2 MEAC, 23-16 overall) not only extended its season-long winning streak to nine straight games, but its 12-game MEAC winning streak resulted in its highest conference victory total (16) for the Hornets since going 20-3 in 2006.

DelState has all but wrapped up its third straight MEAC North division crown. It owns a three-game lead over Hampton and Norfolk State with one more weekend to play.

Sunday’s victory was sparked by Jordan Stamps’ third homerun of the series which gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead. Catcher Sandy Hawthorne, designated player Rochelle Sablay and infielder Haley Jones (double) drove in a run each in DSU’s four-run third.

Hawthorne, the MEAC’s leader in RBI (46), later added a three-run homer for her team-high third hit of the day.

Pitcher Nicole Brock (10-5) threw a five-hitter to pick up her second victory of the series.

Wesley swept in finale: Wesley saw its regular season come to a tough end when the Wolverines fell to Arcadia, 6-3 in 10 innings and 3-0 in game two.

Nina Marcano went 3-for-5 with a double in game one while Sam Burns recorded a pair of hits. Lindsay Siok (Milford) went the distance, throwing all 10 innings and allowing three earned runs.

In game two, Burns, Ashley Royer, Megan DiRubbio and Breanna Hartman each recorded a hit for Wesley (12-20).

James Madison 11, Delaware 2: The sixth-ranked Dukes pounded out 15 hits as they completed a weekend sweep.

JMU (40-3, 15-0 CAA) took control early by plating four runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Gabby Klecko finished with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored for UD (26-17, 8-7 CAA), while Anna Steinmetz and Alyshia Dellatore added two hits apiece.

Baseball

Hornets split with UMES: Sean McGrath and Travis Dill combined for a two-hitter and Jake Bartlett drove in two runs to give Delaware State a 4-2 win in the nightcap to earn a split in a MEAC doubleheader with Maryland-Eastern Shore on Sunday.

The Hawks won the opener 4-3 in 11 innings.

McGrath allowed just one hit, while striking out four and walking one in five innings to post his team-high third win (3-4) on the season. Dill (Caesar Rodney) threw the last two innings, allowing a hit and one run, to earn his first save of the season.

Jacob Bartlett had two of the DSU’s seven hits in the nightcap. McGrath has 31 strikeouts in his last 22 innings pitched.

DSU left a season-high 16 runners on base in the opener.

Siena 9, Delaware 2: Siena’s Dan Swain led off the game with home run and things didn’t get much better for the Blue Hens.

Siena scored two runs in four separate innings, finished with 10 hits, and took advantage of three Delaware errors and eight walks.

Delaware (24-16), which had a three-game win streak snapped, tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the first, but the Hens could not generate any more offense the rest of the day.

Delaware freshman rightfielder Kyle Baker led the Hens with three hits to raise his team-leading average to .397 while third baseman Diaz (Cape Henlopen) Nardo went 2-for-4.

College lacrosse

WOMEN, Delaware 17, William & Mary 7: The Blue Hens had 11 different players score at least one point as they wrapped up the regular season with a win.

Senior Kara Dattellas and junior Jamie Schwartz led all scorers with five points on two goals and three assists apiece. Sophomore Becky Gohsler and junior Coley Ricci each recorded hat tricks.

The Hens (3-3 CAA, 11-6 overall) is currently fourth in the league standings but they won’t know their fate for the upcoming CAA Tournament until next Saturday.

College golf

Hen men finish 7th: The Delaware men’s golf team finished in seventh place at the Colonial Athletic Association Championship.

The Blue Hens posted a 306 team score during Sunday’s final round, finishing seventh out of nine schools with a 911 three-round total. Delaware sophomore Kieran Purcell carded a four-over par 76 on Sunday as he finished in a tie for 14th place in the individual standings with a 10-over par score of 74-76-76-226.

Mallard Pond Park is about to get a makeover. Dover will receive $31,350 for playground equipment and $50,000 to build a concrete path for walkers, runners and cyclists. (Delaware State News file)

DOVER — Dover’s Mallard Pond Park sits between a collection of apartments, condominiums and homes, including Brandywine Court, Fox Hall West and Heatherfield East.
Aside from a few rusting barbecue grills, the park is generally unknown to many.

“The park is beautiful, but it currently has no amenities for public enjoyment,” said Ann Marie Townshend, the city’s director of planning and community development.

That image will change soon, as the city was awarded money from DNREC’s Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails program, which made $1.29 million available to 14 park and trail projects statewide.

The city will receive $31,350 for playground equipment and $50,000 to build a concrete path for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Ms. Townshend said playground equipment has been ordered, and installation should be complete around the beginning of May, with the path finished during the summer.

“It will have slides, swings and spring rockers,” Ms. Townshend said. “A few benches will be installed as well.”

The Outdoor Recreation, Parks and  Trails as created by the Delaware General Assembly, is a grant program assisting local governments in public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development.

Eligible recipients are municipalities, counties, park districts and state agencies.

The first grants were awarded in 1988 and it has provided more than $27 million toward recreation projects.

“Parks and trails are an essential component of the fabric of our communities, contributing to our quality of life and our appreciation of the natural world,” said Gov. Jack Markell in a press release.

“Building new parks and trails or adding to those we have is a good investment both now and in the future,” he added.

“It means recreational opportunities and health benefits and enhances the appeal of our communities as good places to live and raise our families, while making our state an even more attractive destination for visitors.”

Ms. Townshend said plans to upgrade the park have been in the works for a few years. That was one of the main reasons the city submitted a grant application to the state to be eligible for funds to improve the park.

“The proximity to Dover High School and the benefit that the path connection would provide caused us to select Mallard Pond Park,” Ms. Townshend said.

She said about $65,000 for the playground and $100,000 for the path already were available for future upgrades.

“We had money set aside for the park,” Ms. Townshend said. “We had a few ideas in the works when we held an informational session for residents in 2014.

“They made suggestions to what they wanted to see and where they wanted it.”

She said the pathway and playground equipment principally would serve those living in the area, but the plan provides for a small parking area at the end of Marsh Creek Lane. However, there isn’t enough money to build it yet.

Ms. Townshend based the park’s final design plans on resident’s recommendations regarding the park.

“We used feedback from the pubic to determine the placement of the playground equipment and the location of the path,” Ms. Townshend said.

“The residents of Brandywine Court Condominium asked that we move any improvements away from their property, and our final plan addresses this.”

She hopes residents will be excited about the final product moving forward.

“The playground and path will provide different opportunities for families, who want to enjoy the outdoors,” Ms. Townshend said.

“They can ride their bikes, or play on the playground set. It’s something for everyone.”

If you just so happen to be paying attention, one can clearly see the rapid decline and denigration for so many aspects of the “American Way” and our country as a whole.

Establishment politics and corporate greed need to be eradicated. Politicians need to clearly understand, they are elected by the people, and are to be for the people, not special interests nor for themselves. Boundaries and strict limitations need to be enforced concerning politicians and actual relations with Wall Street and the entire corporate world.

Ninety-five million Americans displaced from the workforce, 55 million receiving public assistance, America’s infrastructure — roads, highways, bridges and railway systems — in serious decay, aviation, both planes and support structure, lagging way behind in technology, health care system, coupled with medication costs out of control, not to exclude people deprived of essential care.

That’s not all: substance abuse is a major problem contributing to the rapid disintegration of a “healthy” society, with people dying unnecessarily. Governments, federal, state and local, are not doing nearly enough in making a difference to eliminate this scourge. The main objective should be interdiction: identify, isolate, contain and eliminate the source.

Develop, maintain and provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitative services for addiction and a transformation process that enables individuals to make positive changes with their lives, not to include incarceration. Incarceration should be solely for the undesirables, individuals who are apprehended by law enforcement for distributing and selling; actual sentencing should be harsh and long-term.

The entire health care system currently in use is an abysmal failure and must be repealed A new administration in 2017 needs to ensure all recipients are permitted to select the insurance company, plan, and doctor of choice, with no restrictions on coverage. As for the skyrocketing costs regarding actual care and medication, the federal government, in conjunction with the states, needs to impose strict regulation and control on the entire industry to ensure costs and profits are kept in check, fair and equitable for all.

Education reform needs to take place, as well. The United States lags behind a significant number of countries. Colleges and universities need to stop extorting the consumer with outrageous tuitions, lower costs, stop providing absurd pay and compensation packages for presidents and deans. Within the entire process of providing an education, from the outset, individualized attention is imperative; every student is important, not just the gifted, talented and honor students. The ultimate goal: to ensure no person is left behind.

The military needs a complete a comprehensive overhaul, to include rebuilding and expanding its infrastructure, arsenal, reach and capabilities. Significant pay increases for all members across the board.

No armed services member should ever have to resort to requesting public assistance to live day to day, nor having to provide for a family. Military retirements should be tax-exempt, and why not? Certainly, after an individual has served this country honorably for 20 to 30 years. ALL war veterans deserve whatever care is determined after the appropriate evaluation, without delay. The life-insurance policy acquired while serving on active duty should stay in force, with premiums paid by the military and included in retirement provisions.

Abolish the Internal Revenue Service, and implement an across-the-board 15-percent flat tax for everyone. Get the “Wall” built without delay, just as a presidential candidate has advocated. In addition, control immigration by “vetting” properly all who wish to enter this country.

Eliminate dependency on foreign oil by totally lifting restrictions on exploration and development within the United States, and by doing so, consumers will see significantly lower and affordable prices at the pump. Expand efforts in research and development on acquiring alternative fuels, as well.

Return to space exploration, specifically the “Space Shuttle program,” vital to so many aspects associated with mere civilization and, most importantly, national security. Increase protective measures to ensure Second Amendment rights are never infringed upon. Return to core principles, the foundation for stable moral and religious values, to include a strong, unified, sustainable family concept.

In closing, what has been evident for a considerable period of time is [that] this country has drifted dramatically from “center right” to “center left.” The number-one ambition for all should be to ensure a return to the norm, “center right,” to include eliminating social, religious, racial and economic inequalities.

James M. Isabella
U.S. Air Force, retired
Magnolia

3 Palms Zoo employee Matt Shaffner of Clayton holds Gus, a Chinese goose rescued at Silver Lake. (Delaware State News/Dave Chambers )

CLAYTON — The unidentified kids who kicked a mallard to death two weeks ago should be held responsible.

Just as culpable, however, is whoever abandoned the domesticated duck in Dover’s Silver Lake Park to live on its own.

A concerned citizen called the Clayton-based 3 Palms Zoo and Education Center after witnessing the attack on April 13, and staff rushed to the scene as quickly as possible.

According to 3 Palms co-owners Michael Stonebraker and Matt Shaffner, the wounded waterfowl with two broken legs couldn’t waddle anymore and was dragging herself by her wings when they arrived shortly after the animal cruelty crime.

“She was in tremendous pain,” Mr. Stonebraker said. “I could feel that her legs were shattered and in pieces as soon as I picked her up.”

An X-ray ensued, which Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research viewed and deemed critical injuries.

Despite emergency lifesaving measures by John H. Weiher Jr. of the Atlantic Veterinary Center in Middletown, the mallard (which also had a punctured lung) was euthanized the next day due to injuries that made a reasonable quality of life impossible, Mr. Stonebraker said.

Sadly, Mr. Shaffner said, releasing domesticated ducks into the wild is an ongoing problem throughout Delaware.

“People buy them over the counter as babies for $6 and then raise them,” he said. “Some have the idea that it’s a good idea to set their ducks free, but don’t realize that they’re sentencing them to death.”

Attacks on the animals are far from a rarity, either.

“Unfortunately, it’s not unusual,” Mr. Shaffner said. “It’s disturbing but not unusual. These kids (at Silver Lake Park) seemed to have something not right with them.

“Others don’t realize or understand what might be coming up toward them and can take violent action when there’s really no reason to.”

Mr. Stonebraker believes Silver Lake Park has become a “dumping ground for domestic ducks and geese,” where they have become targets for abuse.

“These animals depend on people for survival,” he wrote on a Facebbook post. “Unfortunately there is a group of abusive punks who frequent the park and have been ‘picking off’ the domestics.”

Even if domestic ducks avoid being killed by mean-spirited humans, 3 Palms ownership said they can only survive a year at most in the wild, far less is the water freezes over.

“They have no instinct to live on their own,” Mr. Shaffner said.

After the assault, eight other domesticated ducks were reportedly seen swimming in and waddling around Silver Lake. Three Palms staff went to find them, assisted by friends of the nonprofit, and were able to locate five; the rescuers shudder to think what became of the other three.

Last week, five members of a Dover Air Force Base unit (one of which is a long-time 3 Palms supporter living near Silver Lake Park who learned of the saga on Facebook) volunteered to assist in rounding up the surviving ducks; it took at least two hours and venturing into neck deep water to bring them in, Mr. Stonebraker said.

“They didn’t want to come off the water,” he said. “They know of and had seen trauma and were not as trusting as they normally would be. The water was their security.”

Appalled by the animal cruelty, rescuers attempted to report the acts to several law enforcement and state agencies without success; finding whoever had jurisdiction regarding the crime at Silver Lake Park proved elusive, Mr. Stonebraker said.

The five surviving waterfowl are now sheltered at Three Palms’ facility at 924 Blackbird Forest Road, and staff is attempting to find two drakes a caring permanent home. The zoo can be reached at 715-1326 or email info@3palmszoo.org. More information is available online at 3palmszoo.org.

Also rescued was a personable goose named “Gus” along with brother and sister Khaki Campbells, which will stay at 3 Palms permanently.

DOVER —- Wesley College has announced Jack Ford, Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning journalist, documentary producer, prominent trial attorney, author, and professor, will be the speaker at the 2016 Commencement ceremony on May 7 at 1:30 in the Dashiell Amphitheatre in front of the H.B. DuPont College Center..

Born in New Jersey and raised by a single parent, Mr. Ford attended Yale University and continued his education at the Fordham University School of Law. Following law school, he spent several years as a prosecutor before entering private practice.

Jack Ford

He served as an adjunct professor of law at the Fordham University School of Law, a visiting professor at both Yale and New York University as well as the author of two critically-acclaimed novels. He is widely known for his television journalism work, including being the original anchor at the launch of Court TV in 1991.

He joined NBC in 1994 as chief legal correspondent reporting on high-profile court cases for “NBC Nightly News”, “The Today Show” and “Dateline.”

As a former college athlete and three year starter in football, Mr. Ford’s broadcasting career also crossed over to sports. He is currently the CBS news correspondent for “60 Minutes Sports” and the co-host of “Metro Focus” on PBS.

One project in particular holds special meaning for Ford. He was the executive producer of “Marching On: 1963 Army-Navy Remembered.” The film chronicles the legendary college football game held shortly after the death of President John F. Kennedy.

“Jack has had an amazing and unique career venturing from the law to broadcast journalism and more,” said Wesley President Robert E. Clark II.

“I have known Jack for many years and I am excited for our College and community to be able to have the opportunity to meet and hear from my friend, and our newest member of the Wesley College family.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he also has served as a spokesperson, host and/or board member for several charitable causes and organizations, including the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, the N.J. Special Olympics, Meridian Health System, Monmouth University and Yale University.

DOVER — The Supreme Court of Delaware has scheduled oral arguments in the review of the state’s death penalty.

Lawyers will appear before the court June 15 in a debate that could help settle a longstanding debate over capital punishment for convicted killers.

The current question stems from a federal court ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court in January decided part of Florida’s death penalty law violates the Constitution because it allows the judge to sentence death. The court ruled a jury must hold the responsibility for determining aggravating factors.

Delaware’s law is somewhat similar to Florida’s. In the wake of the federal decision, a Superior Court judge requested the state’s top court review the capital punishment statute.

The Public Defender’s Office is arguing against the constitutionality, while the Department of Justice is taking the opposite stance.

The final brief was submitted last week by the Public Defender’s Office.

Future capital cases have been on hold while the issue is up in the air.

Lawmakers have attempted to repeal the death penalty the past four years but have fallen short.

CAMDEN — The new water tower on Upper King Road was supposed to be functional by summer, but a dispute between the town of Camden and Camden-Wyoming Sewer and Water Authority has put a halt to the project.

The new tank, located near the Nellie Hughes Stokes Elementary School, is the third in Camden and Wyoming and was close to being completed until a stop-work order was placed on the tower earlier this month.

The notice was issued by the town of Camden for not receiving $27,000 of associated fees for a building permit.

“We let the CWSWA build the water tower without a building permit until we determined the fees for it,” said Craig T. Eliassen, the town’s solicitor. “Once we determined a price we held several hearings on it and reduced the cost by 70 percent as the original price was about $90,000.

The water tower on Upper King Road in Camden was supposed to be completed by late summer but work has stopped after a dispute over fees. (Delaware State News/K.I. White)

“When we gave them the number regarding the fees they felt they weren’t responsible for it and refused to pay it,” he said.

During a town council meeting last year a motion was made to charge the CWSWA a permit fee of $27,000 for the proposed water tower.

The vote passed 3-1 with one abstention.

But Michael Quinn, chairperson of the CWSWA board of directors, said there weren’t any other invoices sent out about the fees, which is why he believes they shouldn’t be responsible to pay it.

“Nothing was sent out to us,” Mr. Quinn said. “There was no prior assessment. Everything was expressed verbally and that’s not binding if nothing was in writing.

“They came up with a number and thought they were going to levy that against us,” he said.

“We took a loan out for $2 million for this project. The money for this project is borrowed.

“We don’t have that in our budget,” he said, referring to the $27,000 requested fees.

Camden’s population increased by almost 65 percent and Wyoming’s increased by 15 percent between 2000 and 2010, which was the reason behind the new water tower.

“It will guarantee an adequate water supply for the future,” Mr. Quinn said.

Mr. Eliassen said the CWSWA has to pay permit fees like everyone else.

“We have a legitimate fee to collect,” Mr. Eliassen said. “We plan to collect the fees because that’s what we’re supposed to do. The ball is in their court.”

Mr. Quinn said the CWSWA plans to sue the town of Camden to hopefully resolve the issue.

“We’re going to court to figure it out,” he said. “We need a third party to determine what’s going to be done and whether we owe money or not.

“If we voted to refuse to pay it the town will still insist on charging us, so we’re in a pickle and we need a court to determine who is right.”

He hopes the process doesn’t take too long because the tower still needs to be painted and sanitized.

“We can’t work without that building permit,” Mr. Quinn said. “We need to get this work order lifted because we don’t want the tower to rust.

“We still have to paint the building and sanitize it. We’re hoping everything goes our way and we can get this up and running by the end of the summer.”

The tank is designed to hold 1 million gallons of water and costs about $3 million, the sewer and water authority told the Delaware State News in January.

WILMINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visited Delaware Monday — just one day before the state’s primary — in an all-out effort to energize her voter base.

The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state told an audience packed into the theater at World Cafe Live at The Queen that as president she will fight for minorities, combat climate change and improve the well-being of those in the middle and working classes.

Hillary Clinton

Her 30-minute speech was punctuated by applause and cheers from the partisan crowd which broke out into chants of “Hill-a-ry” before and after her speech.

“Here’s what I promise you,” she said. “If you will go out and vote for me tomorrow, I will stand up and fight for you through this campaign all the way into the White House and every single day I will get up trying to figure out how I can improve the lives and protect the American people and make sure our children have the chance to live up to their own God-given potential.

“That’s what we can do together, my friends!”

Her visit, announced Friday, came after Republican candidate Donald Trump spoke in Harrington Friday and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders made a stop in Wilmington Saturday.

The venue for Monday’s speech was much smaller in comparison to the sites that hosted the other two presidential hopefuls.

A large banner for the Clinton campaign hung behind the stage, and several attendees held homemade signs showing their support for the Democrat.

Though most of her address applied to the nation as a whole, she made a few specific references to the state. She expressed sadness at the deaths of former Attorney General Beau Biden, son of the vice president, and of Amy Inita Joyner-Francis, a 16-year-old killed at Howard High School in Wilmington last week.

Calling the creation of “good jobs with rising income” her top priority, Secretary Clinton cited the policies set by her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and pledged to continue the work of President Obama.

“I want to grow the economy but I want the growth to be fair,” she said. “I want everybody to benefit from the prosperity the way we did back in the ‘90s.”

Secretary Clinton, who is backed by five of Delaware’s 10 superdelegates, is thought to have the advantage over Sen. Sanders today, although polls for Delaware are few and far between.

The three members of the state’s congressional delegation, all Democrats, spoke before Secretary Clinton and she was then introduced by Gov. Jack Markell.

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said she is “fully capable of being one of the greatest American presidents starting from her first day.”

Gov. Markell called her “the most qualified candidate to run for president in my lifetime.”

Issues such gun control, abortion rights and expanded mental-health treatment all drew loud cheers from spectators, who stood close to the stage.

Although she mentioned Republican presidential candidates only a few times, Secretary Clinton issued criticisms of the GOP. Referencing her husband, she claimed the strong economy of the 1990s stumbled after George W. Bush was elected president in 2000.

“We have to learn the lessons of the past. So when you hear Trump and (Sen. Ted) Cruz and the Republicans talking about their economic policies, they want to go back to what failed us before,” she said.

“Make no mistake about it, they talk a good game, but if you look at what they actually are putting out, they want to slash taxes on the wealthy more than they ever have been. I want to raise taxes on the wealthy so they are paying their share and supporting our country.”

Secretary Clinton told the audience she would not raise taxes on the middle class and claimed she is the only candidate willing to make such a promise.

She emphasized that voters had the chance to make history by electing the first woman president.

Secretary Clinton’s mentions of Mr. Trump’s criticisms of Islam and Sen. Cruz’ calls for special patrols of Muslim neighborhoods caused audience members to boo.

Annette Woolard-Provine, who said she agrees with Secretary Clinton on “almost everything,” found the speech inspiring.

The Wilmington resident voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 primary but is hoping the former first lady can win this time around.

“I think she’s really thought about the issues very deeply, she’s had a lot of experience so she knows what the hell she’s talking about, which is not true with all of the candidates,” she said afterward.

DOVER — Polls opened at 7 a.m. today for Delaware Democrats and Republicans to vote for their party’s candidate in the 2016 presidential primary. Voters have until 8 tonight to make their selection.

Return here after the polls close for results.

Delaware Democrats will send 31 delegates to the national convention in Philadelphia while Republicans will select 16 for their party’s convention in Cleveland.

Democrat candidates are Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Roque De La Fuente.

Republican candidates on the ballot who are actively campaigning are Ted Cruz, John Kasich and Donald Trump. Also on the ballot are candidates who have suspended their runs for the Republican nomination — Jeb Bush, Ben Carson and  Marco Rubio.

CHESWOLD — In these unsettled times, exercising the right to vote never seemed so important.

Whether the choice was Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, Bernie Sanders, John Kasich or Donald Trump, Delawareans voiced serious opinions after visiting the polls Tuesday morning.

Wil and Shirley Martin of Dover enter the Dover Elks to cast their vote in Tuesday’s primary elections.

“It’s been a hugely upsetting year and after listening to the candidates it’s really hard to tell who is saying what,” Janeen Holding said in the Townsend Volunteer Fire Company parking lot.

“Really I believe we’ve all got to pray that God will find the right president for us.”

While not revealing her choice for the Democratic nominee, Ms. Holding said, “I’m for women.”

Participating in his first primary and saying, “I’m feeling the politics right now,” 22-year-old Gus Gallagher of Smyrna left no doubt of his choice of Democrats.

“I see where Bernie Sanders is coming from on health care and education,” said the Wilmington University student who is a substitute teacher in the Smyrna School District.

Beverly Garnett

“I’m in school and it seems like I’m going to be paying off student loans until I’m 50. That’s something Bernie has talked about a lot, and how to put a stop to it.”

Absent any landslide victories by Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Gallagher said small state Delaware’s voting results would matter in the grand scheme this election season.

After listening to CNN intently and trying to sort out what candidates stand for, Smyrna’s Beverly Garnett settled on Hillary Clinton.

She wasn’t thrilled by the overall campaign so far, describing all the candidates as “bantering back and forth and fighting like the schoolchildren they say they are trying to protect.”

Mrs. Clinton’s experience in politics swayed Mrs. Garnett, despite past controversies.

“Everyone makes mistakes,” she said. “They’re trying to get her on Bengazi, but who am I to judge?

Carl Batson

“I voted for her not because she’s a woman but because of what she stands for and how it relates to me.”

At the Little Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Carl Batson left after voting for Mr. Sanders, whom he described as “the lesser of two evils, I guess.”

Regarding Mrs. Clinton he said, “She’s done all this stuff while in office and had some serious issues. Plus, it always seems like she has a second agenda.

“Bernie claims to be giving all these things away while promising we’ll not pay more taxes, but there’s no way possible to pay for all that he’s been promising.”

With a daughter in school, Cheswold’s Milton Chase said he supported Mr. Sanders and his push to make all public colleges and universities tuition free, among other aspects of his platform.

Milton Chase

“It’s not the same old politician’s approach,” Mr. Chase reasoned. “If Bernie takes over I think he won’t be afraid to take on the establishment and make some changes that will help out the rest of us.”

Sitting in his car and ready to leave the Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company, Andrew Blake said Mrs. Clinton, “seems honest with the policies that’s she’s coming up with, things that are feasible, unlike Bernie Sanders’ ideas that in reality just aren’t possible.”

Standing in the parking lot across from Cheswold fire hall, RuthAnn Purchase had a noticeable “Bernie Sanders” placard in her front window. She’s a Green party member and couldn’t vote Tuesday, but believes Mr. Sanders comes closest to her ideals of limiting campaign corporations and cutting away at corporate influence of elections.

“I read a study showing that only 16 percent of those under 30 even believe reaching the American Dream is possible, so there’s a lot of hopelessness in our future right now,” Mrs. Purchase said.

“I believe that when we return to a democracy where human beings influence the legislators then there is hope for all of us at the local, starting with Cheswold.”

Reasons to vote

Wearing an “I Like Ike” button and fresh from casting a vote for Mr. Trump, Cheswold’s Mike Fredrikson said the United States manufacturing base has been given to foreign interests, hampering any chance at building a solid economic base here.

Mike Fredriksen

“We’ve got our nose stuck in everyone else’s business around the world and we’re not taking care of our home here,” he said.

Mr. Fredrikson called for other countries to “step up” and said, “We give $1.5 billion to Egypt and they burn our flag. They’re the big gun over in the Middle East and should step up and take charge of fixing the problems over there.”

Mostly, however, Mr. Fredrikson lamented what he described as less than half the eligible populace turning out to cast votes.

“How many men have died to give us the ability to exercise this right today,” he said.

“It saddens me to think that 53 to 54 percent of those who could vote, don’t vote.”

Ultimately, Mr. Fredrikson said he was fired up for this special Tuesday in Delaware.

“Who am I, but I get to vote for who will become the most powerful man in the world,” he said. “Of course, I’m excited,”

In Townsend, John Mason pledged his support to Republican Ted Cruz, because “he knows our country, knows our constitution and has my values.”

There’s plenty to fix here, Mr. Mason said.

“We have problems financially, we have problems morally,” he said. “Financially we’re already broke and we have to make our house fiscally sound.

Daniel Weishaupt Jr. and Sr.

“I would like to borrow money like the government does and then not own up to it … When it comes to morals, we have many issues, too. There is a difference between men and women … and the Constitution is not there to get into marriage and religion. There should be limited federal powers, but the states have given up those powers.”

Aiming to show his 6-year-old son the importance of “just one of the many rights we have,” Daniel Weishaupt went to the Cheswold polling place and voted for Mr. Trump.

“I like the way he tells it as it is and doesn’t beat around the bushes,” Mr. Weishaupt said. “He’s focused on getting American business back on track and keeping jobs here.”

‘Losing our country’

Also in Cheswold, Judy Kelly said she supported Mr. Trump, fearing “we’re losing our country to everyone else.”

Judy and James Kelly

She’s not fond of excessive federal assistance and believes Mr. Trump is “so different” and “not afraid to take on the establishment, which is what somebody needs to do right now.”

Her husband James went with Mr. Cruz, citing his “graduating at the top of his Harvard class, being a great orator and having a good program outlined while many times pushing for smaller government. Trump’s ideas seem to be quite limited.”

Things must change, Mr. Kelly said.

“I’m very disappointed with the Republican leadership,” he said. “They’ve been pushovers for the current administration and it’s cost us a lot of money and has put our kids in debt to the point that it will take decades at the least to get out of.”

Despite being able to see the Smyrna Middle School polling place from her home, Elizabeth Jackson was sent from there to the Main Street location to cast her lot.

Joe and Carol Quinn of Dover leave the Dover Elks after happily performing their civic duty and voting in Tuesday’s primary.

Ms. Jackson was determined to vote for Mr. Sanders, whom she believed has the best interests of her four sons future in his policy, especially on how to pay for education.
There’s been no clear consensus on the best Democratic choice in the days before the primary, Ms. Jackson said.

“It’s been so broken up,” she said. “Some of my friends said they were for Hillary Clinton but I had to follow what will affect my own personal situation the most, and that led me to Bernie Sanders.”

A change at the top of the political spectrum can hopefully filter downward, Ms. Holding said.

“The congressmen and congresswomen all they do is fight,” Ms. Holding said in Townsend. “Their salaries are way too high and their vacations are awful.

“They should be made to stay in their house until they do what they were elected to do.”

Making up minds

Although unwilling to say for whom he had cast his ballot, state Rep. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, said he made up his mind about a month ago.

“There’s a lot to take into consideration,” he said after voting at the Delaware Fire School in Dover. “You’re not only voting for a candidate for president, you’re voting for the team of people they’re going to surround themselves with, too.”

Dover resident and voter Kenneth Roach leaves the polls at Dover Elks Tuesday.

Rep. Paradee added that which candidate would make the best choices for the economy also played a big role in his decision.

Other Dover residents hadn’t made up their mind as early as Rep. Paradee.

“I actually went in undecided,” said Lawrence Hampton, a registered Democrat. “I’m not completely satisfied that who I voted for will be the best choice for president, but here, you can only choose between the people on your party’s ballot.”

Laurel Baird came to the Fire School with a plan of whom to vote for, but the candidate she chose wasn’t her first choice either.

“I’m a Republican and all of the candidates I liked kept dropping out, so I wasn’t left with many choices,” she said. “But it wasn’t until after the Florida primary when I made my decision.”

By that time, the field had been whittled down to Cruz, Kasich and Trump.

Staff writer Ashton Brown contributed to this story. She can be reached at ABrown@newszap.com or 741-8272. Follow @AshtonReports on Twitter.

Dover senior Tevin Thomas safely slides into third after hitting a triple. (Delaware State News/Dave Chambers)

Dover senior Tevin Thomas (5) congratulates senior Christopher Webb (1) after his first-inning run.

Cape sophomore starting pitcher David Erickson (21)

Dover senior starting pitcher Garrett Lawson (16)

Cape sophomore shortstop Zach Gelof throws to first

Dover freshman Hiram Davis (6) rounds third headed for home.

Dover senior starting pitcher Garrett Lawson at bat

Cape sophomore Zach Dale (6) gets fired up with his Vikings teammates before the game.

Dover pitcher Garrett Lawson (16) fist bumps senior Jordan Hutchins (2) after he crosses home plate.

Photos by Dave Chambers

DOVER − Voter interest in Delaware’s presidential primary was evident even before the polls opened Tuesday morning.

State elections commissioner Elaine Manlove said voters had requested 6,410 absentee ballots in advance of Tuesday’s primary, more than double the 2,624 that were counted in 2008, the most recent year in which Republicans and Democrats held presidential primaries in Delaware.

She said turnout at the polls Tuesday was higher than in a typical presidential primary.

Republicans were choosing between Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Democrats were casting their votes for former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Voters also were casting ballots in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

For Republicans, Delaware offered 16 winner-take-all delegates.

“I expect Donald Trump to win big. I think he wins with 50 percent, plus or minus 5,” said state GOP Chairman Charlie Copeland. The billionaire, brash-talking businessman was the only Republican candidate to visit Delaware, drawing thousands of people to a rally at the state fairgrounds last week. Kasich and Cruz, whose mother was born in Wilmington, opted not to visit the First State.

On the Democratic side, 21 delegates were up for grabs, to be apportioned between Clinton and Sanders based on Tuesday’s final vote count. Both candidates visited Wilmington in the days leading up to the election.

Charles Henrich, a union electrician from Dover, said he voted for Sanders.

“He’s more for the union guy than she is,” Henrich said.

State Democratic Party chairman John Daniello said stormy weather forecast for the region on Tuesday could keep some voters, especially senior citizens, at home, which plays to Sanders’ advantage.

Delaware has a closed primary, meaning only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in their respective primaries. Unaffiliated voters, who account for about 23 percent of Delaware’s roughly 600,000 registered voters, must remain on the sidelines until the November general election.

Delaware State Police catch the driver of a car who led them on a chase through the Harrington area Tuesday morning. Photo by Andrew West/Delaware State News

HARRINGTON — A Lincoln man was arrested Tuesday morning after leading Delaware State Police on a chase in the Harrington area.
About 9 a.m. Tuesday, Delaware State Police were in the area to back up Harrington Police Department on a domestic incident that occurred in Clarks Corner Apartments, state police said.

A trooper spotted Tyrell M. Waters, 24 of Lincoln, who was wanted by Harrington Police and Dover Police for domestic assaults as he was exiting Friendship Village off West Street and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the silver 1999 Mercedes Benz, state police said.

The suspect refused to stop and continued through Harrington and across U.S. 13 onto Carpenter Bridge Road. He continued northeast on Carpenter Bridge Road before turning southbound on Jackson Ditch Road where he crashed into a 2016 Ford Fusion being operated by a 27-year-old Milford man in the area of Lillian Drive.

The suspect exited his vehicle, which caught on fire, and fled into some nearby woods where he was finally taken into custody after a brief struggle with troopers.

Tyrell Waters was transported to Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.

He was then taken to Troop 3 in Camden where he was charged by troopers for resisting arrest with force (felony), disregarding a police officer’s signal (felony), offensive touching of a law enforcement officer, and reckless driving.

After arraignment, he was committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $5,001.00 secured bond.

DOVER − Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald J. Trump will win the Delaware presidential primary.

With more than 307 of the 313 districts reporting, former Secretary of State Clinton has about 60 percent of the vote.

Secretary Clinton celebrated wins in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania with supporters about 9:13 p.m. Tuesday in Philadelphia where the Democratic convention will be held this summer.

Mr. Trump, who rallied in Harrington on Friday, has about 61 percent of the vote.

Trump, who will win all 16 of Delaware’s Republican delegates, won all five states holding primaries Tuesday. If Trump does not win the first vote of delegates at the Republican Convention, Delaware’s delegates will no longer be bound to him.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich will finish second with 20 percent of the vote, followed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with 16 percent.

Delaware’s 21 Democratic Party delegates will be split  between Secretary Clinton and runner-up Bernie Sanders based on voting.

At the Donald Trump rally on April 22, [state] Sen. Colin Bonini (whose very presence there tells us all we need to know about whether would make a good governor) was quoted as saying that the United States was founded on “the belief that when government gets out of our way and lets us chase our dreams, all of us win.”

Mr. Bonini must not have been paying attention in American history class when the 1780s were covered, as he appears to think that we are governed by the Articles of Confederation. He obviously has not read the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which talks about the positive purposes or advantages of government: “to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty … .”

If Mr. Bonini’s (and, according to him, Mr. Trump’s) view had prevailed since the 1780s, our country would look something like this:

Slavery and other forms of human trafficking would be common — maybe even widespread. But fortunately, the 13th Amendment got in the way.

Child labor would be common, and very profitable for employers. But fortunately, the Fair Labor Standards Act got in the way.

All schools would be private, and tuition would be very expensive; but fortunately, the establishment of public schools got in the way.

All roads would be toll roads, privately owned; but fortunately, the building of public highways got in the way.

Delaware’s beaches would be cesspools of pollution and closed to swimmers through much of the summer. But fortunately, the Coastal Zone Act got in the way.

Jim Crow segregation and racial discrimination would be the rule. But fortunately, the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act got in the way.

American rivers would be closed to fishing and would occasionally catch fire. But fortunately, the Clean Water Act got in the way.

Epidemics of food poisoning and other food-borne diseases would be common, and we would not be able to have reliably effective medicines; but fortunately, the Pure Food and Drug Act got in the way.

The Ebola virus would have been able to migrate to the U.S., and an outbreak would have occurred; but fortunately, the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control [and Prevention ] got in the way.

Our cities would be so unhealthy that people would have to wear face masks periodically, and sports stadiums would have to be relocated far from downtown; but fortunately, the Clean Air Act got in the way.

Our most beautiful scenic wonders would be closed to the public and turned into mines, logging camps, or country clubs for the idle rich; but fortunately, the establishment of state and national parks got in the way.

People lucky enough to have a job would commonly be working 50-60 hours a week with no overtime pay; but fortunately, the National Labor Relations Act got in the way.

Relatively few people would be able to retire, for fear of facing destitution and even starvation; but fortunately, the Social Security Act got in the way.

Senior citizens would face early deaths due to untreated conditions or illnesses, and life expectancy would be significantly lower; but fortunately, the establishment of Medicare got in the way.

The American economy would have suffered several major depressions since 1933, since banks and stock markets were operated more like casinos than businesses. Fortunately, the New Deal got in the way.

People like Mr. Bonini have been wanting to repeal it ever since. If he and Mr. Trump get in charge, brace yourself!

Daniel Pritchett
Dover

DOVER — A 17-year-old male was shot once late Tuesday while standing at the corner of Queen and Reed streets, police said.

The suspect in the incident is unknown, the Dover Police Department said; several shots were fired toward the victim, who was hit in the shoulder/chest area at approximately 10:25 p.m., according to authorities.

The suspect was on foot and fled in an unknown direction, Dover Police spokesman Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman said.

The wounded teen underwent surgery at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital in Dover and was in stable condition afterward, police said.

Late Wednesday morning, police said it was unknown whether anyone else was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting, along with whether any spent ammunition rounds were located.

Police were investigating whether there was any verbal communication between shooter and victim beforehand, along with identifying a motive. Interviews were conducted after the incident.

The investigating Dover Police Department asked anyone with information to call 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous.

Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333, at www.tipsubmit.com or through Dover Police’s MyPD mobile app.

Dover residents, from left, Jaymere J. Willis, Joshua Prigge and Shiheem Durham were each arrested Tuesday on a second-degree burglary charge. (Submitted photo/Dover Police Department)

DOVER — Three teens were quickly arrested after fleeing on their bicycles as police responded to a reported residential robbery early Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Jaymere J. Willis, 15, of the 1200 block of Walker Road, Shiheem Durham, 14, of the first block of Webbs Lane, and Joshua Prigge, 15, of the 100 block of Continental Drive, were taken into custody without incident at approximately 1 p.m., according to the Dover Police Department.

No property was taken from the residence, police said, as the suspects quickly fled upon law enforcement’s arrival.

Police were called to a unit block residence on Village Drive after a neighbor witnessed a rear door kicked in after residents left the home, police said.

Charges included second-degree burglary, second-degree conspiracy and criminal mischief.

The trio was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, and their cases were transferred to Kent County Family Court. No bond was set and the teens were turned over to their parents, police said.

While it was unknown whether the bicycles were confiscated, Dover Police spokesman Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman said they likely were returned to the parents or family members.