Gold quarterback and Dover High product Triston Harris (13, left) describes Saturday’s annual Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game as “definitely important. There’s great athletes out here on both teams and we’re out here to compete. A lot of competition will be there. The better team will come out with the win. It’s all about how you want to be remembered.” (Delaware State News file photo)

NEWARK — Putting together a football team usually takes months.

But the Blue and Gold all-star squads had just a week to get their offenses up and running.

Dover High’s Triston Harris, one of the Gold’s quarterbacks, is just glad his team will be running a spread attack.

“Learning a new offense in a week is definitely tough,” he said. “But it’s nothing I’m not used to. I’m kind of comfortable with the spread offense — keep it simple, run a few plays, make sure everyone knows their assignments and we’ll be good.”

The two squads will get to see the results of their week of practice Saturday night when the 61st annual Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game is played at Delaware Stadium in Newark.

Kickoff has been moved up an hour from its traditional start, with pre-game activities beginning at 5 p.m. and the contest itself slated for 6 p.m.

The event benefits the DFRC, which enriches the lives of Delawareans with intellectual disABILITIES.

A year ago, the Blue edged the Gold, 8-6, to snap the Gold’s four-game winning streak in the event. Both teams scored touchdowns in the final two minutes with the Blue stopping the Gold’s two-point conversion attempt with just 22 seconds remaining.

Kent and Sussex County players play for the Gold squad, which also includes recently-graduated seniors from as far north as Newark.

Even players who are going to continue their careers in college want to go out with a victory in their last high school game. Dover’s Harris is walking on at Towson.

“It’s definitely important,” he said. “There’s great athletes out here on both teams and we’re out here to compete. A lot of competition will be there on Saturday. The better team will come out with the win.

“It’s all about how you want to be remembered.”

“We’re out here to have fun but nobody wants to come out here and lose,” said Caesar Rodney’s Brian Lewis.

Points were clearly difficult to come by in last year’s contest. But Middletown’s Mark DelPercio, the Gold head coach, said it’s difficult to predict how things will go on game night.

This week he planned to platoon his players in practice — keeping them only on offense or on defense — to simplify things.

“Come Saturday, everybody’s a competitor,” said DelPercio, who’s a head coach in the game for the third time. “We’re going to keep in mind the big picture and what this is all about. But, at the end of the day, they want to go out on Saturday and win a game.

“It’s always a challenge because you only have a week. One thing we’re doing that’s a little bit unique is keeping guys — for the most part — on just one side of the ball. That will increase their playing time but it will also help us out in terms of organization and getting things implemented faster. You’re not spending half the time practicing on one side of the ball.”

The Gold has won nine of the last 16 games. On the other hand, the Blue still leads the all-time series 31-26-3.

The last time Smyrna’s four Gold representatives played a game in Delaware Stadium, last December, they walked out as Division I state champions.
While today’s game isn’t as big, those Eagles want to finish their high school careers as winners.

“We’re going to come out ready to compete,” said receiver Donte Ritchie. “We’re going to come out heavy, try to play fast and have fun. I’m excited to play with all these guys in a special game.”

“This is supposed to be the best week of your life from what I’ve heard,” said receiver Brandon Bishop. “To play with these guys from my team and even guys from different teams has made this experience really awesome. We really want to represent well on Saturday.”

Extra points

Lake Forest receiver Ben Moore isn’t expected to play tonight after being injured during practice early in the week. … Several awards were given out during the Blue-Gold banquet on Friday night. The winners include: Lions Club Award-Joseph Anderson (Gold), Indian River, Kyle Cathers (Blue) Salesianum; Jeff & Denny Schwartz Band Award-Samantha Sullivan, color guard, Caravel; Bob Carpenter Memorial Award-Anna Phillips, Conrad; Outstanding Cheerleader-Miranda Caguin (Gold), Middletown, Marissa Holmburg (Blue), St. Mark’s; Jim Williams Award-Isiah Mitchell (Gold), Middletown; Dom Trotta (Blue), William Penn; Barb & Winnie Spence Hand-in-Hand Award-Joseph Anderson (Gold), Indian River, Ben Revak and Connor Dennewitz (Blue), Archmere.

DOVER — Delaware’s unemployment rate continues to fall, according to data released by the Delaware Department of Labor Friday.

The unemployment rate is now at 4.1 percent, below the national average of 4.7 percent, and has decreased in each of the past five months.

However, a separate study shows less stable growth.

According to one set of statistics, Delaware is on pace for an increase of 30,000 newly employed residents, a record-breaking mark.

Despite that, a survey of Delaware employers indicates the state is on pace for about 5,500 jobs gained — a considerable difference.

At the county level, Sussex and New Castle counties continue to lead in unemployment rate, posting levels of 3.7 and 3.9 percent, respectively. Kent County lags behind, at 4.4 percent.

However, the county results are not seasonally adjusted.

The Firefly Music Festival had its first full day of music, games, food and fun at the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway.

The Wombats performed on the Main Stage and The Heydaze played on The Porch among many other acts.

More folks joined the masses that had already arrived Wednesday and Thursday adding to the expected total of 90,000 music fans that will take over Dover this weekend.

Delaware State News photos by Marc Clery

The music heated up Friday at the Firefly Music Festival as performers such as Tame Impala, Ellie Goulding, Of Monsters and Men and Vince Staples took to the many stages.

Special to the Delaware State News photos by Doug Curran

With respect to the latest developments concerning the six-month jail sentence for three counts of sexual assault by Brock Allen Turner, I have several questions that trouble me deeply.

Why does society continue to blame the victim? Why does society continue to place so little value on over half the population of the planet, women? Why do we, particularly state instruments of justice, and parents, for that matter, continue to plant, cultivate and protect monsters?

Reading some of the comments on social media and in various media outlets, I get the impression that, in matters of sexual assault, the finger of blame and shame continues to point at the victim.

What was she wearing? Was she drinking? Why was she there? Did she know going in what could happen in that kind of environment? These kinds of questions are irrelevant, and their answers only highlight that judgment on her part was lacking. The answers to these questions do not, in any circumstance, green-light sexual assault! So, why do we, as a society, continue to ask dumb questions like this?

Questions like this are asked because, as a society, we harbor inner monsters that empathize with the victims’ attackers. I believe there is something dark in the spirit of man that seems to champion violence and hate. How else can one explain these questions and the dilemma victims often face when trying to decide whether to report a sexual assault?

It seems like, with each passing month, I read about a young girl burned to death for marrying someone her parents didn’t arrange for her to marry (Google Pakistan, Afghanistan or India, and honor killings), or another a woman being accosted and brutalized in the United States.

In far too many cases, justice is, ineffective, or biased against the victim, especially poor victims and minorities. It baffles my mind how we care so little for the women of this world without whom this world would cease to exist. We celebrate Mother’s Day, and spit in the face of women that have been brutalized behind Dumpsters by handing down six-month sentences for their attackers. We are on the verge of electing a woman to the highest office in the land, but we continue to yawn in the face of human tragedies such as honor killings.

Last, and this is perhaps the most troubling question I have, does anyone see the problem behind a man who thrusts himself into an unconscious woman, on the ground, in the dark, behind a pile of trash? What is wrong with that picture?

Now, picture that setting for a moment. Now, juxtapose that image with the one Mr. Allen’s father and police department offered to the public during his trial of a clean-cut, aspiring swimmer with Olympic aspirations. When you think about Allen’s assault and the environment it took place in, the image is not of a clean-cut all American young man, but of a monster. The fact that Allen’s father and the judge saw something different from what you and I see when we envision the attack, and the graphic setting it took place in, are revolting.

I suggest that, as a society, we stop asking dumb questions and start looking into how to excise the darkness within us. We need to stop giving aid and comfort to those demons that reside in each of us. Demons that shame victims, feign concern for the plight of women burned alive, and have empathy for the future well-being of rapists, are holding our society back from evolving into the highest order of human potential.

John P. Craig
United States Marine Corps (retired)
Magnolia

DOVER –– Every year start-up companies travel from festival to festival to sell their unique products and for many, Firefly Music Festival is a stop on their schedule.

“We got to a tipping point three years ago where we needed to either give up our jobs in San Francisco or give up our hobby,” said Mackenzie Vossler, co-owner of The Local Branch.

Husband and wife duo Blaine and Mackenzie Vossler founded the Local Branch in California three years ago and have been on the road since selling a wide array of goods from dresses to antiques. (Delaware State News/Ashton Brown)

“We decided to stick with our hobby and since we didn’t want to settle down yet, we decided to go on the road and have been doing it for three years.”

She and husband Blaine specialize in hand-crafted, American-made and fair-trade wares ranging from cotton dresses to leather lighter cases.

“We really wanted to bring it together for a retail gig and were kind of inspired by food trucks,” Ms. Vossler said. “Because there really aren’t many mobile retail stores.”

For now, the business is totally nomadic, taking the pair wherever the festival and craft shows are, although they recently purchased space for a workshop in the Hudson Valley.

“I make all the leather goods myself and as we begin to build our business, we need a place to store our merchandise and to work on all the hand-crafted things we sell,” Mr. Vossler said.

Another business on site that sells hand-crafted leather goods is In Blue Handmade.

Like the Vosslers, Blue owner Mary Lynn Schroeder decided she needed to get out of the corporate world while working in Chicago.

“I just decided I needed to leave it behind so I moved to a farm in southern Illinois and wanted to become more self-sufficient,” she said.

Mary Lynn Schroeder (left) left the corporate world behind in 2008 to pursue a career in leather ware with her own company In Blue Handmade. Marie Clare (right) is one of several employees Ms. Schroeder takes on the road.

“One of the first things I learned was how to sew and once I started, I knew it was something I wanted to continue doing.”

She moved her operation down to Asheville, N.C., and has been on the road since. 2016 was her second time at Firefly selling everything from notebooks to flasks to bags.

New York City-based Michael Gruner, founder of Jaunt, focuses exclusively on a specific type of bag –– the fanny pack at his shop, Jaunt.

“It all started three years ago when I realized fanny packs are just too big,” Ms. Gruner said.

“I thought back to when I was a kid and I used to go to Bethany Beach here in Delaware and I’d leave for the day and didn’t really have much to carry with me.”

But as an adult, there are things that always need to be on hand like cash, credit cards and cell phones. Mr. Gruner wanted to develop a bag that allowed adults to carry everything they need in a bag that left them as unencumbered as possible.

“It’s a pack that’s small, light, carries everything you need and doesn’t weigh you down,” he said. “All the designs are totally original and the fabric is really sturdy too.”

He’s now been on the road for two and a half years and Firefly is the business’ 25th festival stop.

Plenty of other vendors are on site selling anything from vinyl records to gourmet beef jerky that even comes with suggested wine pairings.

The merchants are on the festival grounds across from the Firefly Main Stage.

Governor Jack Markell makes remarks at a press conference on the second day of Firefly 2016 in Dover. (Special to the Delaware State News/Doug Curran)

DOVER –– Firefly Music Festival organizers joined state and local officials Friday to celebrate the start of the festival’s fifth year.

“You guys are a great company and take the fun wherever you go,” said Gov. Jack Markell about Red Frog Events, the parent company of Firefly. “You’re exactly the kind of organization any state would want to associate themselves with.”

As he’s done for the past couple years, Gov. Markell plans to spend the weekend at the Woodlands of Dover

Stephanie Mezzano, COO of Red Frog Events, producers of the Firefly Music Festival, talks about the event. (Special to the Delaware State News/Doug Curran)

International Speedway with his family.

“It’s an absolutely huge year for Firefly,” said Red Frog CEO Stephanie Mezzano. “We’ve continued to invest in this property and the Woodlands are better than ever.”

Festival-goers seemed happy about the recent upgrades.

“It’s a really cool place to hang out and gives you a chance to get out of the sun,” said Dover resident and second-year festival attendee Diane Coddling of the expanded Treehouse Stage.

The Treehouse has always been a smaller stage set in the woods. But due to its popularity in previous years, festival organizers made the decision to make it a permanent stage and create a larger area for people to enjoy the music.

“It’s still a quiet and private area, which really allows you to enjoy the shows,” Ms. Coddling added.

The most visually striking additions are two art installations –– a blue structure to create some shade and a neon green tube just for visual effect.

“The tube looks really amazing at night,” said Cindy Reed of Oregon.

She has always been a festival fan and recently got a job that’s allowed her to travel the country helping with festival setups.

“I’ve been to a lot of festivals and these art installations are great, but I’d definitely like to see more,” she said. “They have a good visual effect and also do a lot to break up all the open space here. For the most part, it’s a giant field.”

Festival-goers Liam Murphy and Cindy Reed took a break from the heat and sun on Friday, relaxing in the shade provided by a new art installation at Firefly. (Delaware State News/Ashton Brown)

But she did appreciate the shade offered by the blue installation, which integrated benches as well for attendees to take a load off.

As with any festival, spirits play a large part and Firefly has expanded the drinking experience with a larger and enhanced Beercade.

The tent features more activities, including arcade games, classic games and cornhole.

“I actually played some pinball today,” said Rachel Tutelli of Long Island, New York. She is attending the festival with three of her siblings. “We were here last year and they didn’t have cornhole, so that’s been a lot of fun too.”

Ms. Tutelli and her family also took advantage of the outdoor seating, drinking and relaxing while holding up their Frank Reynolds character totem from the TV show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to be easily spotted by friends.

Linda Parkowski, executive director of Delaware Tourism, said Firefly is giving millenials –– people like those of the Tutelli family –– the chance to get to know Delaware and potentially pique an interest that could cause them to come back for events other than Firefly.

Delaware’s marketing demographic had formerly been older adults. But, Ms. Parkowski said now the demographic spans from 25 to 55.

“We’re hoping these visitors have the opportunity to discover and explore Delaware,” she said.

Today at Firefly

Today will see the music going until 2 a.m. when DJ and producer Deadmau5 performs on the Main Stage starting at 12:45 a.m. Rock trio Pepper will also perform until 2 a.m. on The Backyard Stage starting at 1:15 a.m.

The day of music kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with Strangers You Know on The Lawn Stage and Pvris on The Backyard.

Main Stage headliners today will be Chairlift, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Chvrches, Death Cab for Cutie, Florence + The Machine at 10:15 followed by Deadmau5.

Other highlights of the day include rappers Fetty Wap and A$AP Rocky on The Backyard Stage with St. Lucia preceding Pepper at 11:45 p.m.

St. Lucia will also do a DJ set at The Treehouse Stage at 7:45 p.m.

Yahoo.com will be streaming selected sets throughout the weekend.

Gates open at noon with single-day passes available at fireflyfestival.com.

Linda Parkowski, executive director of Delaware Tourism, is glad to see Firefly. (Special to the Delaware State News/Doug Curran)

DOVER — It’s not something that the thousands of people attending the Firefly Music Festival at The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway this weekend probably will even notice.

The areas in blue were in Dover city limits. A joint effort between the city and Dover International Speedway had Dover annexing the areas in yellow into the city limits, also. (Delaware State News file)

However, those workers involved behind the scenes at the music festival are enjoying a more streamlined approach for its fifth edition after 260 acres of land at The Woodlands was annexed to the city of Dover from Kent County on May 9.

The annexation has helped clear up many logistical issues that previously plagued the event.

For example, the main stage used to be located on Kent County land and was overseen by the Delaware State Police, while many other patches of The Woodlands — the main grounds for the music festival — fell within city of Dover jurisdiction and were protected by the Dover Police Department.

The same difficulties rang true for all of the other first responders, including firemen and EMTs who work the festival. Confusion reigned when it came to who was responsible for what piece of the festival property.

Plus, Firefly organizers used to have to fill out two sets of permits, one for Kent County and one for the city.

That all changed in early May when Dover City Council voted unanimously to approve zoning changes for the annexation of The Woodlands.

A total of 260 acres of land on the east side of Del. 1 behind the race track was transferred from Kent County to Dover and the adjustments to the city’s comprehensive plan changed the zoning of the property from an agriculture use to a commercial use.

Jerry Dunning

“The zoning is primarily a benefit to the local agencies that help support our event by putting all areas of the speedway under one jurisdiction,” said Jerry Dunning, senior vice president and general manager of Dover International Speedway. “It cuts down on confusion for the music festival, primarily, and allows for a more streamlined permitting process and agency oversight.”

The annexation should also help clear up some conflicts and confusion in terms of code. One example is the city and county have differing regulations when it comes to the distance that RVs and motor homes can be placed next to each other and how near they can be to electric sources.

Now, all of those rules have become uniform for the entire property, which is a huge plus according to Dover City Councilman Fred Neil.

Fred Neil

“Now if there are problems that do arise with the music festival then the city can take action,” said Councilman Neil, who lives near The Woodlands. “You still have the state police involved with the [Delaware Department of Transportation] and city police when it comes to traffic issues and there’s still a lot of coordination involved with several different agencies.

“However, enforcement of issues — such as noise problems from late-night parties — is easier now that the property has been annexed by the city. With having the land in the city it puts one group in charge of the regulations. I think it’s a good thing.”

Gregory Moore, of the Becker Morgan Group, represented Dover International Speedway at the May 9 Dover City Council meeting in which the annexation was approved.

Mr. Moore said the speedway does not have any development planned for the annexed areas and that they will continue to be used for parking and overnighting for campers.

He also confirmed that the parcels include the area where the State Police perform training and that he expected it would be business as usual for all of those activities as it has been for the last 15 to 20 years at the speedway.

The city had been working with Dover International Speedway for around a year-and-a-half to annex all of the properties used for festivals, camping for NASCAR races and other activities into the city of Dover.

The annexation also means more revenue for the city, though how much is still unclear.

Since the land is now under city control it is subject to normal property and utility taxes. How much the city stands to earn is unclear, officials say.

While most of the Woodlands’ property was annexed to Dover, there is a 35-acre portion that remained the sole domain of the county. That land is not contiguous to existing city property and did not qualify for the transfer.

“I think [Kent County] was very happy with it,” Councilman Neil said of the annexation. “All [the city] did was take the lead further down the line with the encouragement of Dover Motorsports to do so.

“It is still essential that we have cooperation with various state agencies because it’s such a huge event that adds 90,000 residents to our city of 30,000 for the weekend.”

Mr. Dunning said that everyone involved with Firefly is better off with the annexation.

“All of the agencies will benefit from this change, including emergency services, police, inspections, planning department, fire marshal and more,” he said. It helps simplify the overall coordination of our large-scale events.

“The speedway now falls into one zoning class [recreational/commercial], which allows for a better understanding of the rules in which we have to work.”

Aimee Decicco, left, and Rosie Wenrich take advantage of the food choices and eat their lunch at the Firefly Music Festival. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

DOVER — The Firefly Music Festival has been filled with stages and attractions to keep 90,000 people entertained throughout the four-day event.

Dozens of food and beverage stands with various menu options run along the borders of The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway to keep all of those stomachs satisfied.

Fans can easily get their hands on a cheeseburger or hot dog from one of the many American Grill stands. But they can also locate a veggie or gluten-free dish at several different food stands in the park.

Faith Lipford, a vegan from Oxford, Pennsylvania, said she had no trouble spotting a good place to eat.

“I was looking for the vegan symbol and I was able to find one pretty easily,” she said.

She ordered cold noodles from Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, which is also located in Dover Downs.

Michaela Pearson from Dover said she didn’t expect to see Doc Magrogan’s at Firefly.

Mackenzie Malaspina and Nicholas Marquis snack on chips from local favorite Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House at Firefly.

“I was really surprised to see they had local restaurants here,” she said. “They’re selling fish and chips and some seafood options for people, which is cool.”

Daniel Paco, a vegetarian from Manahawkin, New Jersey, enjoyed his veggie burrito bowl from Tex Mex City Friday afternoon.

“It’s actually really good, and I kind of wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

Kyle Davidson from Rehoboth Beach said he noticed healthy options on several different menus.

“I feel like every place I’ve gone to had a [vegan or vegetarian] option,” he said.

Mr. Davidson said the food options are decent, but the prices are a bit excessive.

“With some stuff, the price doesn’t necessarily match the quality,” he said. “But the options were better than last year.”

Firefly not only provides various options of foods, but also drinks.

Fans can pick up their Pepsi product and Bud Light beer from the various umbrella stands, but they have to grab their whiskey from the Jack Daniel’s truck parked across the Pavilion and Firefly Main Stage.

Adults can purchase whiskey and enjoy a free tour of the mobile distillery that demonstrates how their whiskey is prepared.

Krista Nuzum, who works with Jack Daniel’s, said it’s a way of bringing Lynchburg, Tennessee, the location of the Jack Daniel’s distillery, to Dover.

“We definitely want to bring people in, introduce them to the cocktail if they haven’t had it and let them enjoy the brand,” she said.

Sky Deswert from Philadelphia and Hannah Mix from Raleigh, North Carolina said it’s important to have a variety of selections at a festival like Firefly.

“It’s nice to have different options for people’s dietary needs,” Ms. Mix said.

“It’s nice that people from different cultures have access to their own food if that’s an option they want,” Ms. Deswert said.

They both work at the Coriander Market, an Indian food shack across from The Thicket. They said chicken masala and chana masala are the most popular items on the menu.

“The chana masala is regular potatoes, a sweet potato puree, and chick peas,” Ms. Mix said. “And the chicken masala is basically the chana masala with chicken.”

Ms. Deswert said healthy options are necessary at a festival.

“The veggie masala is vegetarian, and if you don’t include the rice, it can be gluten-free,” she said.

Emily Fries from Chicago said there are many different themes throughout the festival. She works at the German-themed food stand called Schnitzel Shack.

“We sell the chicken schnitzel; a breaded chicken breast with lettuce, onion and whole grain mustard, on a pretzel roll,” she said.

Ms. Fries said people expect more than burgers and fries when they attend a four-day festival like Firefly.

“Having a lot of different options kind of makes them feel like they’re at home and not just here for the day and eating whatever is provided for them,” she said.

Kristen Griffith is a freelance writer living in Dover.

Shaun Walker and his friend, Jake Smalley, drove through 13 states in nine days last June, keeping their dreams alive. When they left Los Angeles after the grueling tryouts, Walker and Smalley had earned what they came for — spots on the USA Men’s National Deaf Volleyball team. (Submitted photo)

Shaun Walker had already tried twice and failed to make the USA Men’s National Deaf Volleyball team.

But the 30-year-old from Lincoln felt like he still had one more tryout left in him.

So Walker and his friend, Jake Smalley, drove through 13 states in nine days last June, seeing the sights and keeping their Olympic dreams alive.

And when they left Los Angeles after the grueling tryouts, Walker and Smalley had earned what they came for — spots on the national team.

Now Walker would love to take one more long trip to play volleyball.

He’ll be playing for the U.S. team in the Pan American Deaf Volleyball Regional Qualifier and World Deaf Volleyball Championship from June 26-July 15 in Washington, D.C. From there, the squad hopes to earn a spot in the 23rd Summer Deaflympics, which are scheduled for next summer in Samsun, Turkey.

“I am so fortunate and proud to be able to represent the USA in the upcoming PanAM Deaf Volleyball Regional Qualifier and the World Deaf Volleyball Championships,” said Walker. “I am also excited to be able to meet and compete against the best deaf volleyball athletes from around the world.”

Walker has played volleyball since he was eight or nine years old. Among other teams, he’s played for CYM and recreational leagues at Dover’s Holy Cross Church.

Communication during a match, of course, is different for deaf players.

Walker said hearing players are usually willing to learn some sign language so they can communicate with him more efficiently.

“There is a huge difference in playing with hearing and deaf athletes,” he said. “Hearing athletes depend on communication through verbal communication while deaf athletes depend mostly on visual cues from one another.”

Being part of the national team takes funding, of course. Walker needs to raise $2,500 to practice with the national team and has started a Go Fund Me page to help offset his costs.

Ingelsby gets a win

Think of it like being down by five points with 10 seconds left in a basketball game.

And then somehow you sink two three-pointers to win the contest at the buzzer.

That’s a little bit like what new Delaware men’s basketball coach Martin Ingelsby pulled off recently.

Chivarsky Corbett, who had a promising freshman season for the Blue Hens two years ago, wasn’t just leaning towards transferring, Texas-San Antonio had already announced that the 6-foot-7 swingman was joining its program.

But, with Corbett still having the option of staying put, Ingelsby starting talking to the youngster after he was hired by Delaware on May 25.

The two talked a few more times before Corbett decided he would stay with the Hens after all.

“I really felt, getting to know him and listening to him talk, he did not want to leave,” said Ingelsby, the former Notre Dame assistant. “He’s enjoyed his experience here.

“He was one of the first guys I reached out to after I got the job that night. … At the end of the day, he just needed to feel comfortable in the direction of this program. … I told him, ‘You’re a really key guy for me. I need you back in the fold if we’re going to be able to do some stuff this year.’”

To be sure, Corbett isn’t being billed as a savior for Delaware. But did make the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team after averaging 8.8 points per game as a freshman.

Right now, the Hens look like they need all the scoring options they can get. Despite starting only one game in 2014-15, Corbett scored in double figures 13 times, including a career-high 21 points against Robert Morris.

The Florida native missed most of last season with a knee injury and still has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Ingelsby and the Hens still have a long way to go. But the new coach, who also has a verbal commitment from Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year Ryan Daly, has shown the ability to do some recruiting so far.

“I think he really got excited as I talked about who we’d be on the offensive end — kind of bringing our blueprint for how we played at Notre Dame,” Ingelsby said about Corbett. “I’m not going to label you as a ‘two man’ or a ‘four man’ or a ‘three man.’ You’re just a basketball player and we’re going to play and share the basketball. I just think you’ll have a lot of fun if you stay here playing for me and playing in this system.

“I think the more we talked and developed that relationship, I think it became pretty clear to him that this was the place for him.”

Fond memories

Bill Falasco said one of the nicest things about being back in the area is running into his old players.

The former Lake Forest High baseball, basketball and football coach moved to Florida for a while before returning to the Felton area a few years ago.

Falasco was inducted into the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame last Monday.

“I see so many of them now,” said Falasco, who is the director of Harrington’s Parks & Recreation department. “They’re fathers now and they have their own kids and they’re in my programs out here. That’s all good. It’s like doing it again all over.”

And Falasco doesn’t mind helping out that next generation of youngsters with their pitching or hitting when their dads ask.

Certainly, Falasco knew how to get the most out of his Lake Forest baseball players.

“We tried to teach the total game and weren’t afraid to use it,” he said. “If the percentages were that we were going to be able to push a run across, we went with it — including two-strike suicide bunts.

“They didn’t care whether they got to swing or bunt,” Falasco said about his players. “It didn’t make any difference. They bought into that. If they hadn’t done that, it would have been very, very frustrating to get us to play a total baseball game.”

Odds & ends

• Wild Quail Country Club will host the Delaware Amateur golf tournament Monday through Wednesday this week.

It figures to be a grueling finish with 36 holes scheduled for Wednesday. There are 19 Wild Quail members in the field, including past champion Jay Whitby and the Rosal family, Pem, Nino and Matt.

• JRL Lacrosse is taking registrations for its goalie workshop on June 27 at Wesley College.

The coed workshop is for children 10-18 years old and will run from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost is $80. Contact Jillian Lontz at JRL.Lacrosse@gmail.com or (717) 314-5785.

• The 17th annual Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Roll will be held on July 2 at 9 a.m. starting and ending at Dover’s Silver Lake Park, The event benefits the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund, which provides assistance to veterans in financial crisis.

Registration is available online at www.trisportysevents.com. Race day registration will open at 8 a.m. Online registration will close at 6 p.m. on June 30. Contact Ray@trisportsevents.com for more information.

• While she hasn’t been a pro for very long, former Delaware basketball star Elena Delle Donne is one of 60 players on the ballot for the top 20 players in the WNBA’s 20-year history. The list of the top 20 players will be unveiled on Tuesday at 10 a.m. on ESPN.

MILFORD — Richard Sames, 86, spent Thursday morning making sure no cars parked illegally in front of Wal-Mart.

With the backing of the Milford Police Department, he didn’t need to say much.

“If anyone doesn’t want to follow along, I’ll make a call and officers will be there quickly,” he said.

Richard Sames, 86, stands next to a Milford Police Department volunteer patrol car. (Delaware State News/Craig Anderson)

As a nearly 10-year member of the agency’s Volunteer Patrol program, Mr. Sames continues to contribute weekly to his community’s well being.

On four-hour shifts with 70-something-year-old partner Jim Baker, the spry senior citizen delivers Milford PD paperwork to the Attorney General’s Office in Georgetown and Dover; other rides are spent checking unoccupied homes due to residents on vacation.

If there’s a special event in Milford — like a festival, perhaps — Mr. Sames will likely be there directing traffic.

“I’m a certified flagger,” he said with a chuckle “There’s actually a four-hour class you take to qualify for being one.”

Last week, Milford PD publicly recognized Mr. Sames for his wide-ranging efforts, which also include a board membership with the Milford Senior Center, singing in his church choir, and contributing to operations at the Masonic Lodge.

Earlier this month, proudly wearing his Boy Scout uniform while still serving on the Del-Mar-Va-Council, Mr. Sames received the WMDT/Mountaire Farms Better Delmarva award for June. An Eagle Scout and 74-year member, Mr. Sames is currently Delaware’s second-oldest Boy Scout.

“The award celebrates persons, companies or institutions on Delmarva doing the right things where we live, work, play and pray,” Mountaire Farms Director of Community Relations Roger Marino said.

Police appreciate work

The recognition was well deserved, said Milford PD Sgt. Robert Masten.

“We are proud to know Mr. Sames and appreciate all of his hard work in making Milford a better place ..,” he said.

Sgt. Masten noted Mr. Sames’ routine volunteerism with the Community Policing Unit, and participation in the annual DEA’s Drug Take Back event at Milford PD.

Richard Sames has volunteered with the Milford Police Department since 2007. (Delaware State News/Craig Anderson)

“Mr. Sames has been an asset to the police department and to the city of Milford,” Sgt. Masten said. “We are thankful Mr. Sames has chosen our organization for some of his volunteer work.”

In his time volunteering with Milford PD since 2007, Mr. Sames has learned just how busy law enforcement is.

“They are truly involved in all that is going on here,” he said. “All you have to do is sit in the dispatch room, hear the calls and find out just how busy they are.”

With patrol officers stretched thin, Mr. Sames sees his volunteerism as a community service. The volunteer patrol has six active members now, and he said 12 would be ideal.

“There’s great camaraderie in being involved with the police department,” he said. “You find out a lot more than you ever imagined is going on in the city.”

Four bouts of pneumonia since the fall, including one in May, have slowed Mr. Sames’ swimming schedule, which he is slowly rebuilding. He works two out of every three weeks with the Milford PD, taking a daily shift.

Mr. Sames believes the most recent pneumonia might have been triggered by a week of three straight days of swimming and attending the out-of-state college graduation of one grandson and wedding of another with his wife Carolyn, a registered nurse.

“I think I probably did too much that week,” he said.

Helping however possible

So he’s doing what he can for the Milford PD, and remains involved to his limits.

Richard Sames, left, was presented the WMDT/Mountaire Farms Better Delmarva award for June by Roger Marino, director of Community Relations of Mountaire Farms. (Submitted photo/Milford Police Department)

“Four hours a week is what I’m able to do right now,” said the Korean War Army veteran who worked 38 years for the DuPont Co. and owned an H&R Block franchise in Milford for 20 years after that before selling.

When it comes to swimming, Mr. Sames tries to go Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He was going five times a week until last September, covering a half-mile each time in the water.

“That’s the goal, you have to have a goal and plan all the time,” according to the Bethlehem, Pa., native who graduated with a business degree from Muhlenberg College after realizing that becoming a Lutheran minister wasn’t his calling.

“I’m still building up my stamina.”

There’s no end in sight to the police work.

“When I drop dead, I’ll quit,” he said. “Whether I’m 86 or 87 or 90 it doesn’t matter. If I’m not able to do it, I’ll quit.”

The “casino issue.”

Why are we, and several other legislators, especially from Kent and Sussex counties, so concerned?

Here are some facts:

• The three Delaware casinos employ more than 4,000 people. More than 2,000 of those are in our state’s two southern counties.

• Since their inception in the mid-1990s, the casinos have generated more than $3.7 billion (that’s a “B”) for Delaware’s General Fund.

• At the beginning, the state’s annual share of gross gaming (slot machine) revenue was about 22 percent, depending on total revenue for the year. Note that this 22 percent was not taken from casino profits — their “bottom line” — but from the casinos’ gross gaming revenue — their “top line.”

Sen. Brian Bushweller

• Based on this arrangement, the casinos moved forward and invested hundreds of millions of dollars – $285 million in the case of Dover Downs alone — to create what you see today at the three casino sites.

• Over the years, however, the state has routinely changed the rules, raising its share six times until, finally, in 2009, the state raised its share a seventh time to stake claim to 43.5 percent of gaming revenues.

• Meanwhile, the state established new licensing fees and assessed other new costs to the casinos. All these increases have made it virtually impossible for the casinos to market their product effectively and to make continuing improvements to their facilities. All this, just as new casino competition was emerging in the states surrounding Delaware.

• In 2010, in an attempt to ease the financial strictures these arrangements put on the gaming industry, the state authorized the introduction of table games at the casinos. Ironically, however, the state decided to take a 29.4-percent share of the table game revenue. That has resulted in the casinos actually losing money on table games because those games are far more labor intensive than slot machines. In the meantime, though, the state has already reaped $136 million from those table games.

• On top of all that (the state’s 43.5-percent slot share and it’s 29.4-percent table game share), the casinos must provide substantial shares of gaming revenue — up to 10.75 percent for slots and 4.5 percent for table games — to both the thoroughbred and standardbred horse owners, and pay significant, additional expenses of the horse racing industry.

When you add in the cost of the slot machines themselves, which the state negotiates with the slot machine vendors, the casinos end up paying more than 60 percent of slot revenues and nearly 34 percent of table game revenues to other parties. That’s before they begin to pay their own employees, their utility bills, all their regular local, state and federal taxes, and all the other costs of running their operations.

No business can survive under these circumstances.

Delaware has rightly taken steps over the years — including significant steps in the past several months — to protect the jobs at many companies and entities in northern New Castle County that thousands of local citizens depend on to pay their mortgages and raise their children. We, and other Kent and Sussex legislators, have supported those efforts, including, in 2016 alone, relief for Chemours, the new DuPont-Dow Companies, the Port of Wilmington and the Riverfront Development Corporation.

Now, the state of Delaware’s demands on the casino industry threaten thousands of jobs here in Kent and Sussex

Rep. Bill Carson

counties, and those employees deserve to have the state fighting for them, just as we did for those working in northern New Castle County.

We hasten to add that the demands of the state threaten future state revenues as much as they threaten jobs. This year, the casino industry will pump more than $160 million into state coffers. Inaction on this issue will steadily whittle away at that revenue source.

Faced with new, intense competition from surrounding states, our casino industry has done an amazing job retaining customers. However, the state’s demands on the casinos are exacerbating the challenges of out-of-state competition. Those demands are now the immediate threat to jobs, especially in Kent and Sussex, and to revenue to the General Fund.

There are precious few days left in this legislative session. The General Assembly and governor should reduce the state’s share of gaming revenue this year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Brian Bushweller is the Democratic state senator representing Dover’s 17th District and Bill Carson is the state representative representing the Smyrna and Central Kent County’s 28th District. Both are members of the General Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee.

Corinne Freeth, left, of Wilmington, registers to vote as volunteers, Cody Locklear, Charlotte Chauvin and Renita Wade wait to give assistance at Firefly on Saturday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

DOVER — Most people attend the Firefly Music Festival to enjoy the music, but the people of HeadCount have come to convert concertgoers into registered voters.

HeadCount, a nonprofit, nonpartisan voter registration group, advocates democracy through music. They are located all throughout the country with a mission to give young adults a voice.

The HeadCount team of 10 hasn’t hesitated this weekend to ask those who walk past their tent in The Market area if they are registered to vote.

“We go to shows and festivals around the country and we register voters,” said Margery Ellis, a volunteer from Wilmington, North Carolina. “We’re not pushing any particular party or cause. We just really want to make sure everyone has access being registered to vote.”

Isabel Hill from Fredrick, Maryland said she liked the fact that HeadCount wasn’t forcing a specific party or candidate.

“They just get people involved instead of pushing their own agenda,” she said.

Ms. Hill approached the HeadCount table to switch her party.

“I wanted to vote in the primary this year, but I had registered as an Independent and didn’t change it in time,” she said.

Ms. Ellis said Firefly is filled with the demographic they are trying to target.

“There are so many young people here that may or may not had exposure to get registered,” she said.

Ms. Ellis said it’s especially important for people to register this year since the presidential election is so controversial.

“So many people have opinions,” she said. “The best way to express your opinion is to vote, and if you’re not registered, you can’t vote.”

Volunteer Team Leader, Margery Ellis explains how to fill out voter registration forms at Firefly on Saturday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Fellow HeadCount volunteer and Wilmington, North Carolina resident Cody Locklear said the intensity of the presidential election should motivate people to register.

“People say, ‘What is one vote going to do?’” he said. “It could do a lot. One voice can change everything.”

Ms. Ellis said she enjoys attending music festivals around the country, but she enjoys registering people who didn’t realize they were eligible to vote even more. For example, some states recently allowed former felons to register.

“Sometimes there are people who didn’t realize that that was an option for them,” she said. “So getting to register that person who didn’t think they’d get to vote again is a really cool thing.”

Mr. Locklear said he alone has persuaded about 50 people to register this weekend.

“I stress the importance of their opinion and their vote will matter, and it could make a difference,” he said.

Ms. Hill agrees.

“A lot of people have opinions about what should and shouldn’t happen in the government,” she said. “People should have the ability to vote when they want to.”

Firefly fan Taylor Hartsock from Richmond, Virginia has been registered to vote for six years.

“I’ve voted in every election,” she said. “I’ve voted in the primaries and even in the elections that people don’t think matter, like Congress.”

She said she met someone at Firefly who’s in HeadCount’s Richmond, Virginia chapter.

“I think what they’re doing is a great thing because a lot of young people don’t vote,” she said.

She said she was talking to her 15-year-old brother about voting when he’s old enough.

“This recent election is kind of enforcing his belief that his vote doesn’t matter, so that’s unfortunate,” she said.

Nationally HeadCount has registered almost 350,000 people nationwide for the upcoming election.

By Saturday afternoon, HeadCount had registered 396 Firefly fans to vote. Their mission is to register 500 people by the end of today.

“I think we’re going to smash our goal,” Ms. Ellis said.

Kristen Griffith is a freelance writer living in the Dover area.

Townsend Fire Company Station 26 engines and vehicles are positioned outside Saturday morning. (Delaware State News/Craig Anderson)

TOWNSEND – A life well lived for almost a century was saluted on Saturday.

By all accounts, the late Clarence A. Schwatka Jr. was an icon in his southern New Castle County hometown and well beyond, evidenced by the large turnout for funeral services at Townsend Fire Company Station 26.

Mr. Schwatka, the state’s longest-serving firefighter at the time, died at age 98 on June 11, after a yearlong illness.

He was a World War II artillery detachment veteran and Townsend FC past chief, town postmaster and Chief Sergeant at Arms in the Delaware Senate, serving with distinction at all times.

His personal life was just as successful, evidenced by his surviving wife of 78 years Beulah (the last remaining original member of the Townsend FC ladies auxiliary), a daughter, three grandchildren, five great grandchildren and six great great grand children.

Speaking in 2014, Mr. Schwatka said staying involved for 80 years was easy.

“My community always came first, and when I started as a junior member the fire company was the biggest organization in town,” he said.

Edward Schwatka described his uncle on the ground level of getting the Townsend Fire Company started eight decades ago and was “very talented, educated and energetic. He was quite active and always kept moving.

“I haven’t heard anyone say anything bad about him.”

Serving as Townsend’s postmaster, “he knew everyone in town and treated them all as a friend,” Mr. Schwatka’s nephew remembered.

“When we talked about his time in the war, he would remember all of his comrades by names and what they went through together.”

Service with distinction

Even with the longevity involved “His accolades far outweighed his year of service,” said Townsend FC member David Hall Sr., who considered Mr. Schwatka a key role model in his formative years as a firefighter.

“[Mr. Schwatka] not only touched this community but had an impact statewide and nationwide,” Mr. Hall said.

“He’s served in every capacity possible when it comes to the fire company and was a very large mentor to me in how to conduct myself, how to dress in uniform and meet with the public.

Townsend Fire Company Station 26 honored the late Clarence A. Schwatka Sr. on Saturday.

“The amount of contributions he made were unprecedented.”

Chief Rickie Clark said during his own 20 years of service, Mr. Schwatka “was a constant guide to every chief I’ve ever known.

“He was the kind of guy who always kept involved with the company and the state. He never tried to instill old wisdom, but he got you to find your way. He was a calming voice when things were going nuts.

“You could sit with him and have a conversation whether it was about the fire business or anything else and you’d be able to take a breath and see things more clearly at the end.”

According to long-time family friend Dave Hughes of Smyrna, “Eighty years in the fire department, that’s a legend alone. The man deserves as much recognition as he can get. He must have seen a heckuva lot of history.”

Indeed, Mr. Hughes said, “This is not a normal firefighter’s funeral. He was somebody special, he was a very friendly man, very likable and very lovable.”

There was just one thing Mr. Clark couldn’t remember about the late Mr. Schwatka.

“In 20 years I never heard the man yell,” he said.

Photos by Gary Emeigh

NEWARK — Colby Reeder didn’t really think he was going to take it all 100 yards.

But when he got to the sidelines, the Salesianum star running back saw plenty of green turf in front of him.

“It looked like the gates to heaven just opened up,” said Reeder. “I’ve just got to keep running.”

One hundred yards later, Reeder had a record-breaking interception return for a touchdown and the future Delaware linebacker was well on his way to earning Outstanding Player honors as the Blue downed the Gold, 31-20, in the 61st Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game played before a crowd of 3,241 at Delaware Stadium on Saturday night.

Reeder finished with the Blue’s first three TDs in the game as the New Castle County-based squad won its second straight in the series after snapping the Gold’s four-game winning streak a year ago.

With Dover quarterback Triston Harris leading the way — and coach Mark DelPercio of Middletown willing to open up his book of trick plays — the Gold kept the game entertaining most of the night.

When Newark’s Angel Guerrero, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound tackle, took in a short lateral and rumbled 10 yards for a TD, the Gold was back within 31-20 with 4:12 left.

But the Blue recovered the ensuing onsides kick attempt and ran out most of the clock to seal the win.

“We started off with a trick play and it was just so much fun,” said Harris. “Being able to see our left tackle get a touchdown was a great experience. It was just great seeing that and seeing wide receivers complete passes. That’s just so much fun.

“We knew we were going to competing against a good Blue squad and they got us today man,” he added “They got us good. We’re all great competitors and we worked hard on the field but we just came up short.”

“You come out here and you and you want to have some fun in a game like this,” said DelPercio. “You want to win. But these guys had a great week. I told them, many years from now, you’re not going to remember the game. You’re going to have the memories they had and they’ve made a lifetime of friends. These guys get it. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

Trailing 19-7 going into the fourth quarter, the Gold kept the pressure on the Blue with a 70-yard scoring drive.

A 36-yard pass from CR’s Brian Lewis to Smyrna’s Donte Ritchie off a receiver screen set up a one-yard scoring run by Middletown’s Frankie Datillo. The touchdown cut the Blue’s lead to 19-14.

But Delcastle’s Ahmere Dorsey returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards — only a tackle by Polytech’s Mark Bonnie saved a touchdown — as the Blue quickly answered. The long return set up a 34-yard scoring pass from William Penn’s Daniel Johnson to Mount Pleasant’s Robert Myrick as the Blue took back its two-touchdown lead.

Then, when Sallies tight end Kyle Cathers scored on a one-yard run, the Blue’s advantage had ballooned to 31-14 with 6:31 on the clock.

Lewis, a quarterback for much of his career at CR, ended up throwing two passes on receiver screens and catching another from Smyrna receiver Brandon Bishop. Lewis’ two completions totaled 79 yards with his catch picking up 36 more.

Lewis was a last-minute addition to the game, cutting short a Florida vacation and flying back to be part of the contest.

“We started talking about it on Thursday and we decided to let it rip,” Lewis said about the trick plays. “I had a blast. It was a great time, a great experience and it was just wonderful. I’ll never forget these boys.”

The contest was tied 7-7 in the second quarter when Reeder made the biggest play of the night.

With the Gold at the Blue six, Reeder intercepted a pass at the goal line, broke to the sidelines and rumbled 100 yards for a touchdown.

The interception return was the longest in Blue-Gold history. A missed PAT kick left the Blue with a 13-7 halftime advantage.

Reeder admits that running the 100 yards felt like “a mile.”

“I had enough energy to finish it,” he said. “But when I finished it, it felt like I got hit by a truck. I needed Gatorade so much.”

In the second half Reeder kept scoring, breaking loose on a 44-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter to stretch the Blue’s lead to 19-7.

Reeder finished with 144 yards on 21 carries. He came into the game knowing it was probably his last one as a running back.

“I love touching the rock,” said Reeder. “So every carry I acted like it was my last carry. The big boys up front gave me holes and I loved running behind them.”

Reeder also had a pair of sacks on defense.

“He’s the best player on the field,” said DelPercio. “There’s no surprise there.”

Harris threw for 95 yards and a touchdown while running for 47 more yards on seven carries.

Both teams got off to a fast start, scoring TDs on their first possessions of the night.

The Blue rode the running of Reeder, who capped off a 12-play, 67-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. Reeder carried the ball nine times for 57 yards on the drive.

The Gold answered right back, though, with Smyrna’s Bishop hitting Lewis on a 36-yard receiver pass on its first play from scrimmage.

Then, on a third-and-goal from the 15, Dover’s Triston Harris lobbed a nice pass to the back of the end zone that Bishop made a great diving catch on for the TD. With the score tied 7-7 after just two possessions, the two squads already had scored as many points as they did in last year’s 8-6 Blue victory.

There were plenty more points to come — just not enough for the Gold. It was hard for anybody to complain too much, though.

“I’d say this was the best week of my life coming together with this team,” said Harris. “You would think playing against these guys throughout the season that maybe you wouldn’t like them or have fun with them. But we created bonds that would last a lifetime.

“These guys are like my brothers after this week. We had so much fun and it was an honor to be able to play with them.”

Extra points

Mount Pleasant’s Ronald Shipman-Scott was named the game’s outstanding lineman. … Sallies’ Cathers and Middletown’s Peter Cox won leadership awards. …Sussex Tech’s Patrick Griffin intercepted a two-point conversion pass in the fourth quarter for the Gold. … Lewis, who also played quarterback at CR, also threw a 47-yard pass on a receiver pass in the second quarter. That gave the Gold a total of 83 yards on the two trick plays in the first half. … The Gold’s Isiah Mitchell returned an interception 36 yards in the first half. … St. Georges fullback Logan Gilbert got the ball on three fake punts for the Gold – throwing the ball twice and running it once – but didn’t convert on any of them.

DOVER — Several lawsuits pitting Delaware against a host of other states could result in changes to how unclaimed property is doled out and lead to a major hit to the state’s budget in years to come.

At issue is a form of checks from MoneyGram, a financial transfer company. Two separate lawsuits filed in the U.S. Supreme Court and involving 23 other states will likely determine whether Delaware’s current practice of keeping abandoned checks and the hundreds of millions of dollars it currently claims every year from unclaimed property violates federal law.

Delaware is unique among states in that it derives a significant portion of its revenue from unrecovered assets such as bank accounts, checks and stocks. In the current fiscal year, about $514 million — 13 percent of the state’s total budget — comes from abandoned property. Only personal income tax and the franchise tax are larger sources.

This budget quirk stems from Delaware’s status as a corporate haven. According to the state, more than 1 million

Michael Houghton

companies are incorporated here, including more than 60 percent of Fortune 500 businesses. MoneyGram is among the companies formed here, although it operates in all 50 states.

When certain assets go unclaimed after a period of time, Delaware is able to liquidate the property and use the funds in the budget. If the owner later shows up, the state will reimburse him or her, though most property is not recovered.

“It’s a river of money that the states have relied on,” said Michael Houghton, a lawyer at the Wilmington-based law firm Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell.

According to a court filing from a coalition of 21 states, Delaware has caused “injury and damages” to those states by “depriving (them) of sums of which they are the rightful custodians under state and federal law.”

Litigation

In February, Pennsylvania sued Delaware in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, arguing uncashed money orders from MoneyGram should go back to the originating state rather than where MoneyGram is incorporated. Wisconsin filed a similar suit, and a coalition of states, led by Arkansas and Texas, introduced litigation in the Supreme Court earlier this month over MoneyGram checks.

Delaware “completely disregarded” the 1974 Disposition of Abandoned Money Orders and Traveler’s Checks Act, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement.

The law declares money orders and traveler’s checks are to be remitted to the state where money orders and traveler’s checks were purchased.

According to Mr. Paxton, Delaware owes more than $150 million to the 21 states and another $250 million to the nation’s other 28 states — at least $400 million in all.

In May, after Delaware sought to dismiss the Pennsylvania lawsuit, Pennsylvania submitted it to the Supreme Court instead.

“Obviously we concur with Pennsylvania in that this should be decided at the United States Supreme Court level because this is disagreement between two states and the interpretation of federal law,” Secretary of Finance Tom Cook said last week.

Thomas Cook

He believes precedent is on Delaware’s side, citing previous court cases.

In one case, the Supreme Court created priority rules that determine which states handle unclaimed property. What is referred to as the primary rule established that for abandoned property, the state of the owner’s last known address is given control over the asset.

In case where there is no known address, the claim defaults to the state of incorporation for the company in question, in what is known as secondary rule.

According to court filings, MoneyGram judged the 1974 federal law did not apply to official checks, with “specific direction” from Delaware, and escheated them to the First State as a result. MoneyGram could not be reached for comment.

In a filing from Delaware, Attorney General Matt Denn and other lawyers agree that official checks are exempt from the categories laid out by Congress.

The lawsuit from Texas, Arkansas and the 19 participating states contends Delaware and MoneyGram are violating federal law by not sending the checks to the states where they were first bought, although the company argued the 21 states have an issue not with it but with Delaware, court documents say.

While Delaware officials believe secondary rule makes it clear the official checks are being properly sent to the state, the Texas lawsuit alleges that belief is “based on a strained and convoluted reading” of federal law.

Impact

Mr. Houghton, who co-chairs an interstate commission working to change the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, declined to predict the outcome of the court cases, although he said he expects the Supreme Court’s ruling to be a narrow one that deals solely with official checks rather than all abandoned property.

He did note, however, the court has the ability to object to Delaware’s broader escheating practices, which would spell trouble for the state.

This issue pits Delaware, one of the nation’s smallest and least-populous states, against others much larger and with budgets that make Delaware’s pale in comparison.

“It’s not a secret that many states chafe under a rule that allows Delaware, simply because companies are formed here, to collect hundreds of millions of dollars each year when money is generated by citizens of those states,” Mr. Houghton said.

Sen. Harris McDowell, D-Wilmington, co-chair of the legislative committee that writes the state budget, is optimistic about the lawsuits.

“I think we have long established that Delaware is a nexus for certain transactions at the corporate level,” he said last week.

Harris McDowell III

It is no certainty the Supreme Court will take the case, however. Mr. Cook is hoping for an announcement in that regard by the end of 2016.

Should the court opt not to hear the dispute, Mr. Cook expects the contending states would file at a lower level. There is precedent for the Supreme Court hearing similar disputes, at least one of which involved Delaware.

If Delaware were to lose, “a great deal of fiscal scrambling” would be required, Sen. McDowell said.

For some states $150 million may be a “budgetary rounding error,” Mr. Houghton said, but it represents much more than that for Delaware, and restitution of that amount would likely mean serious cuts to programs and services.

If the court was to rule all abandoned property of this nature has to be paid back or simply that future unclaimed assets must be remitted to other states would be key in the event of a decision going against Delaware.

The latter would be a significant hit but could be planned for. A big one-time payout, however, would do a number to the state budget.

Although it may seem the state would need to change its laws if the court were to rule against it, experts say that is not the case. Such a decision would simply mean Delaware has been interpreting the law incorrectly and would no longer be able to collect some of the unclaimed property it now counts as crucial for its budget.

That, in turn, would force officials to develop new revenue sources or make cuts — or some combination of both.

The issue is a complex one with strong implications for Delaware and many other states. Much remains up in the air at this stage, but there is no doubt many observers are watching closely.

“We should all be aware that there are high stakes,” Mr. Houghton said.

A construction worker crosses southbound lanes of Del. 1 in Little Heaven. (Delaware State News/Doug Curran)

LITTLE HEAVEN — It’s a busy pathway to Delaware beaches and then back home.

In June, roughly 40,000 vehicles will travel daily through the Del. 1 corridor in the Little Heaven area.

Locals can’t miss three ongoing construction projects along the highway also known as Bay Road.

Collectively, construction in the name of progress makes for an occasionally tight and/or shifty eight-mile stretch of road in southeastern Kent County.

According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, reported crashes have decreased slightly since the $40 million Little Heaven project began on Nov. 9, 2015. The anticipated completion date is fall 2018.

“I would surmise, and hope, that the presence of the work zone may cause motorists to slow down somewhat and become more aware of their surroundings, which could potentially be leading to fewer injury crashes overall,” DelDOT Traffic Safety Engineer Scott Neidert said.

A tragic crash

Of course, there’s no quantifying the tragic impact of a fatal crash on June 7 that left a 41-year-Dover resident Heath Janssen dead.

Motorists travel in the northbound lanes of Del. 1 in Little Heaven (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

In that incident, the Verizon employee was surrounded by cones and seemingly safe when struck while standing behind his parked work vehicle on the southbound shoulder. Police filed first-degree vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of drugs charges against Zachary M. Krytzer, 27, of Milton.

In the early aftermath of the crash, DelDOT transportation spokesman Greg Layton said, “We can and do raise awareness about driving while intoxicated, but we cannot force the drivers to obey the law.

“Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and other driver behaviors are what make work zones dangerous places to be. …

“We do try to raise awareness of these dangers — by sponsoring campaigns and posting messages to social media —

A roadside memorial was constructed with flowers and a Verizon hard hat where Heath B. Janssen was killed on June 7 on Del. 1 in Little Heaven. . (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

and we do follow specific guidelines when setting up work zones, but ultimately drivers are responsible for the safety of the roadway.”

Responding to the employee death, Verizon issued a statement that read:

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Janssen’s family during this difficult time. Heath was very well liked and will be greatly missed by his co-workers and friends.

“We arranged for counselors to be present at our Dover facility last week to support those that worked alongside him.”

Otherwise, DelDOT’s numbers indicate that driving the highway in Little Heaven is no more dangerous than its pre-construction days.

Speeding near Thompsonville

Farther south near Milford, DelDOT’s Thompsonville grade separation intersection project, USA Gas owner Ajaib Singh says business is down 30 percent since construction began. Mr. Singh said crossover and U-turn adjustments in the area have cut off the convenience of visiting his business.

“Since the construction began I’ve lost all business,” said Mr. Singh, who then estimated the actual drop has been 30 percent.

Describing himself as “not a worrywart,” Mr. Singh said he’ll survive the highway alterations but “I’ll be happy when it’s done.”

Also, he said, large trucks are challenged to maneuver through the area and “people say it takes much longer to cross over the road. You have to be careful.”

A Milford resident for 33 years, Butch Elzey began by describing the construction area highway traffic as “insane.”

Mostly, he said, the danger comes from young drivers’ texting while speeding along Del. 1, not due to the construction zone.

“I’ve been in a hurry most of my life,” Mr. Elzey said, but “these younger 20- and 30-something-year-old people now refuse to slow down for anyone or anything.”

While Mr. Elzey said he’s witnessed “five or six” cars hit a nearby concrete Jersey barrier, he doesn’t necessarily blame that on the ongoing construction.

Life in fast lane

From what Mr. Elzey has seen, a police presence in the area slows traffic but it’s inconsistent.

“Just as soon as they leave, people start going 80 miles per hour again.”

A construction worker marks the road with paint in the southbound lanes of Route 1 in Little Heaven. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery(

The most dangerous part of the construction, Mr. Elzey said, is when dump trucks attempt to cross the highway, often on their way to a nearby noontime lunch spot. Until construction is complete, he said the family’s 35-foot motor home will remain parked.

“My wife and I have a catering business and sometimes it takes us 15 minutes to get across the road,” he said. “A lot of drivers don’t even consider slowing down to help other vehicles merge.”

When the bypass is completed, Mr. Elzey said, “a lot of the (traffic issues) will go away.”

DelDOT has taken crash-reduction measures, including closing highway crossover areas with large orange and white drums and erecting ample signage warning of shifting lanes and upcoming construction zones, closures and detours.

A traffic safety study indicated no speed limit adjustments needed to be made, officials said.

By the numbers

DelDOT said it responded when drivers complained placement of some signs didn’t give enough time for drivers to react.

“The ones I’ve gotten have been from residents having concerns with what is happening right in front of their house,” DelDOT construction engineer Craig Blowers said.

“Most everyone passing through haven’t said anything about it.”

According to DelDOT, there were 26 reported crashes from Nov. 9, 2015, when the Little Heaven project began to June 14, 2016. Six involved personal injury. In the same time frame a year earlier, 16 property damage only and eight personal injury crashes occurred. Personal injury crashes dropped from 33 percent to 24 percent, DelDOT said.

Rear-end crashes were the source of 44 percent of the most recent incidents, compared to 25 percent the previous year.

They were “likely due to slowing traffic through the work zone,” Mr. Neidert said.

Peak hours during weekdays are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. northbound and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. southbound. Most traffic heads southbound from late Friday into mid-day Saturday, followed by increased northbound travel for the remaining weekend.

Motorists and residents must deal with the conditions until fall 2018 when the project is expected to be completed.

Fortunately, Mr. Blowers said, “The folks who did the plans put a lot of phasing into the project.”

These are conceptual displays for the Little Heaven Grade Separated Intersection on Del. 1. While these composite renderings may not be precise in their engineering or landscaping details, DelDOT said efforts were made to ensure the accuracy in their overall appearance. (Submitted photos/DelDOT)

DOVER — The Firefly Music Festival turns 5 this year.

It went from an audience of around 30,000 people and a few stages around the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, to a sea of 90,000 people with a about 10 different stages, large and small, and attractions at every turn.

Artists such as The Killers, The Black Keys and Jack White headlined the first Firefly in 2011, which featured 40 acts as opposed to the 100-plus now.

The festival has gone on to host superstar artists such as The Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty and Sir Paul McCartney.

The headliners this year are Mumford & Sons, Kings of Leon, Florence + The Machine and Deadmau5.

For a very special group of local fans having access to what has become one of the biggest music festivals in the country has allowed them to attend every year and be members of the five-timers club.

Smaller beginnings

Alyssa Sanders of Dover said she did not know what to expect from the very first Firefly.

“I didn’t know most of the artists, but I ended up getting free tickets so I decided to give it a shot,” she said. “I’m so glad I went because it was a blast.”

Chris Dunn of Dover said the first year was great.

Savannah Shockley and Davis Taylor from Lewes have been to all five Firefly Music Festivals, (Submitted Photo/Davis Taylor)

“It was a little bit smaller,” he said. “It was a lot different than what it is now.”

Mr. Dunn said the four stages and smaller area compared to today’s 154 acres available in The Woodlands made the experience more intimate.

Davis Taylor of Lewes said he felt “free” when he walked into the very first Firefly.

“I felt like I could run around and be a crazy person, and no one would look at you like you’re crazy,” he said. “Everyone is there to be a little crazy.”

Mr. Taylor’s friend Savannah Shockley, who is also from Lewes, only attended Firefly for one day back in 2011.

“Just going one day was a cool experience,” she said. “There were a bunch of bands I always wanted to see.”

She said she made sure to get the full experience the following year by camping during what was then a three-day event.

It went to four days the following year. in 2014.

“It was kind of like a little getaway,” Ms. Shockley said.

This year she’s camping with a bigger group of people.

“Years before, I just camped with two or three people, and this year I’ll be camping with 23 people,” she said.

Mr. Taylor said his only expectation this year is for his hair dye to wash out.

“I dyed my hair blue this year,” he said. “I expect it to come out during a show.”

Bar set high

Ms. Sanders said the bar was set high after the first Firefly.

“To my surprise, each year after the first, contributed to exceed my expectations for the festival,” she said.

Mr. Dunn said he’s debated with his friends which year was the best.

Chris Dunn of Dover shows off wristbands from all five Firefly Music Festivals. (Submitted photo)

“The second year was probably my favorite,” he said. “It was the first time they did the late-night shows after the headliners. Nobody knew about them so it was pretty small, but an awesome crowd.”

Mr. Dunn said each year gets bigger, but he doesn’t know if each year gets better.

“Every year is just a different experience,” he said.

Mr. Taylor said each year’s band lineups seem to be better than the last. The musical acts have introduced him to different genre of music.

“This festival made me get into alternative music,” he said. “I would wait for the lineup every year and download each band’s music.”

Firefly memories

He said the enjoyment of the festival depends on the weather. Last year’s event was plagued by heavy rain and sloppy conditions throughout much of it.

“The years when there’s rain and mud really turns me off,” he said.

But a Matt and Kim concert last year during a “torrential downpour” turned into Mr. Taylor’s favorite Firefly performance.

“It rained for about 25 minutes during their performance,” he said.

During their song “Daylight,” he said the sky started opening up, and the sunlight began to peak through.

“It was really picturesque,” he said.

Ms. Shockley said her favorite Firefly performances happened last year with Grouplove, The Griswolds and Borns

“I was in the front row and knew all the words to every song,” she said.

Mr. Taylor said he enjoyed the last year’s late night White Panda concert. He said that despite the weariness of a long day, the energy from the electronic music and the crowd pushed him to dance.

“I never danced so hard,” he said.

Watching in style

The VIP accommodations offered by Firefly have been a bonus. One of Ms. Saunders’ favorite Firefly memories is when she received a free VIP upgrade after her friend won a contest.

“The amenities were awesome, and it was exciting getting the special treatment to cut lines and have preferred seating to watch the concerts,” Ms. Sanders said.

Mr. Dunn upgraded this year.

“We have VIP tickets this year, and they built a new VIP pavilion that is the size of a football field,” he said of the new accommodations this year, which also include air-conditioned bathrooms.

Ms. Sanders this year she’s checking out the Malibu Rum Beach House, the beach volleyball courts and the yoga. She said she enjoys the upgraded services they provided this year.

“I think the third year was my favorite, but this year is definitely giving it a run for its money,” she said.

Kristen Griffith is a freelance writer living in the Dover area.

Today at Firefly

This year’s Firefly Music Festival wraps up with headliners Mumford and Suns on the Main Stage at 9:15 p.m.

Electronic music group Major Lazer will officially send folks home with a 10:45 a.m. set ending a midnight in The

Ben Lovett and Mumford and Sons play tonight on the Main Stage. (Submitted photo/Michael Muros)

Backyard.

Highlights of the day include Main Stagers The Staves, Nathaniel Rateliff, Grouplove, Blink-182 and Mumford and Sons.

Rapper Ludacris kicks off the day at 12:30 p.m. on The Lawn Stage in a performance that was originally scheduled for Friday.

Elle King and The 1975 perform on The Lawn at 5:45 and 8 p.m., respectively.

Trombone Shorty and R&B legends Earth, Wind and Fire will be at The Backyard Stage at 5:45 and 8 p.m., respectively.

Travis Barker, of Blink-182, and Grouplove will both be in The Treehouse today.

Yahoo.com is streaming selected sets including Blink-182, Earth Wind and Fire and Mumford and Sons.

Single-day tickets are available at fireflyfestival.com.

Special to the Delaware State News photos by Doug Curran

In recent years, our state has invested wisely in quality early learning. But as our FY17 state budget is being finalized, $4.3 million in proposed cuts to early learning program funds threatens to jeopardize services to children of low-income working families. We can only provide a great start for all Delaware children with fully funded programs that cultivate successful future citizens in the crucial developmental years — from birth to age 5.

Quality early learning helps children develop key character skills — “soft skills” — which, when present, produce better students, a better workforce, and ultimately, better communities. By investing in high quality early learning now, we will best position Delaware businesses to maintain higher productivity, profits and performance because the future workforce will be more confident, competent and better able to build synergetic relationships with their colleagues and customers. This will decrease the need to invest in remedial social/emotional behavior training.

Soft skills drive business success. They are the foundation for exponential personal and professional growth throughout all stages and aspects of life. The term “soft skills” refers to any number of non-cognitive, character skills such as: motivation, self-confidence, attentiveness, cooperation, sociability, and teamwork. It is plain to see how and why skills like these are integral for producing successful students, employees, and members of society.

S. Renee Smith

Despite the importance of soft skills, there is a growing consensus among employers that they are increasingly elusive in the workforce. In 2013, Adecco USA— U.S. branch of the global HR solutions provider — conducted its State of the Economy Survey. Adecco found that 44 percent of surveyed senior executives believe Americans are lacking soft skills.

Workers lacking soft skills pose a problem for employers. Because character development begins at infancy, training employees to shift how they see themselves, others and the world around them is a difficult, time-consuming and costly process. Enter high-quality early learning.

High-quality early learning prepares children for success throughout their standard years of schooling, and beyond. This is because it helps them develop soft skills from the earliest age possible. Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops from birth to age 5, making that window a critical time for fostering character skills.

Nobel Prize-winning economics professor James J. Heckman has conducted extensive research supporting the economic value of investing in quality early learning, especially for at-risk children. A recurring mantra of Heckman’s research is “skills beget skills.” Quality early learning begins to develop the much sought after soft skills prior to a child’s entrance into primary schooling: preparing young children to be more successful students and future citizens.

In Delaware, 43 percent of all young children (birth – age 5) live in low-income families [nccp.org]. This means that 43 percent of our children are the least likely to have access to sufficient developmental stimulation, putting them at an even greater disadvantage when they begin school, and ultimately, setting Delaware up for having a less successful and efficient workforce.

There’s no guesswork involved in estimating the economic value of investing in high-quality early learning. Heckman’s research indicates “a 7-10 percent per year return on investment based on increased school and career achievement as well as reduced costs in remedial education, health and criminal justice system expenditures.”

With a return on investment that high, there’s no denying that putting time and money back into high-quality early learning is a sound decision for us to make because it makes our children and the future of Delaware better.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Renee Smith is a nationally recognized self-esteem and branding expert and coach, speaker, and co-author of “Self-Esteem for Dummies.” She helps employees of Fortune 500 corporations, entrepreneurs and individuals overcome a limiting mindset, identify their mission, craft a message and create a brand that they can package, position and promote in the marketplace.