DOVER — State Sen. Brian Pettyjohn was detained by authorities Thursday morning after he accidentally attempted to bring a gun onboard an airplane.

Sen. Pettyjohn, a Georgetown Republican, said in a statement he has been “carrying a concealed weapon regularly” after several individuals, including U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, were shot in Alexandria, Va., June 14.

“I inadvertently left my weapon in a laptop bag as I was headed to the airport to attend the Southern Regional Education Board conference that is being held this weekend in New Orleans,” Sen. Pettyjohn said.

“Upon my bag being checked by (Transportation Security Administration agents), the handgun was detected. I was escorted to the on-airport office of the Wicomico County sheriff’s office where I was briefly questioned about what was found. Upon giving my statement and a computer check of both my record and my handgun, I was released to reschedule my flight.”

According to the TSA, the gun was loaded.

“Individuals who bring firearms to the checkpoint are subject to possible criminal charges from local law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said in an email. “Tyically a first offense for bringing a firearm to a checkpoint is $3,000.”

As of Thursday, Sen. Pettyjohn was not charged with any fines.

PHILADELPHIA — The stage is big and the surroundings will be new, but Delaware South is quite familiar with its Carpenter Cup semifinal opponent.

It’s an all-Delaware affair at Citizens Bank Park.

Delaware South will meet Delaware North today at 1 p.m. at the Philadelphia Phillies stadium. The winner will play either Olympic/Colonial or Jersey Shore, both New Jersey teams, in the championship game Saturday at 10 a.m., also at Citizens Bank Park.

This is the first time either Delaware team has played at Citizens Bank Park.

“Hopefully it will put us on the map a little bit,” said Delaware South coach Corey Wyatt of Lake Forest High. “We’ll have some scouts and some college coaches that see Delaware is good and we can compete with people if given the chance.”

Delaware South won the event once in 2000, when the semifinals and finals were held at Veterans Stadium.

Delaware split into North and South in 1993.

“It’s a little bit of a rivalry,” Wyatt said. “It will be a very intense game. It should be a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to it.”

Before the split, Delaware won the inaugural high school showcase event, which includes 16 teams from Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in 1986.

Delaware South is made up of players from Kent County, Sussex County, Middletown and public schools from the Newark-area. Delaware North includes the rest of the high schools in New Castle County.

Delaware South reached the semifinals behind a 4-1 first-round victory over the Philadelphia Public League last Friday, followed by a 12-7 win against Inter-AC (Pennsylvania) on Monday.

Delaware North needed wins over Berks County (Pa.), 3-2, and Suburban One American/Continental (Pa.), 5-1.

The two Delaware teams scrimmaged against each other before the tournament. There was also the senior all-star game, the Blue-Gold game, where the teams are divided up similarly to the Carpenter Cup.

Delaware South had six players also play in the Blue-Gold game, which the Blue team (North) won by one run.

That game was played at Frawley Stadium, home of the Carolina League’s Wilmington Blue Rocks. But the opportunity to play on a Major League field is something most of the players on both teams have never had before.

“I’m really excited for the kids,” Wyatt said. “I’m excited for them to see what they can do out there. Hopefully they’re not in awe. They go out there and play the way they’re capable of playing.”

In the wake of (the recent) shooting at the ball field where members of Congress were practicing for the congressional baseball game, political hypocrisy reared its ugly head once again. By that evening, the most outspoken and sanctimonious of the right wing were blaming the gunman’s targeting of Republican members of Congress on the “liberal hate” coming from those on the left.

It’s very interesting that they chose to assign blame and complain about the “liberal hate” and demand the Democrats tone down their rhetoric and vitriol, instead of calling for unity. Because, in case you’ve somehow missed it, for eight of the last eight and a half years, it’s been the righties spewing the hate, rhetoric and violent vitriol.

Where was the outrage from the GOP and those on the right when Democrat members of Congress had their offices in their home districts become the target of broken windows and fire-bombings?

Where was the outrage from the GOP and those on the right when a Democratic Party headquarters office was firebombed?

Surely there was some level of outrage when Tea Party darling Sarah Palin’s PAC released into the world Sarah’s “political hit list,” complete with a map of the U.S. of A. that showed Democrat-held congressional districts marked off with “surveyor symbols” that bore a striking resemblance to gun crosshairs? Nope, she was given a job on FOX News.

What about when Ted Nugent “joked” about assassinating President Obama?

Nope, many of them blamed President Obama for trying to silence a critic and infringing on Mr. Nugent’s constitutional rights when they found out he was interviewed by the Secret Service, regardless of the fact that threatening the life of the POTUS is illegal. Mr. Nugent even got himself an invite to President Trump’s White House.

They couldn’t muster up outrage when right-wingers gathered at rallies and marches holding signs like the one featuring an image of a noose and the slogan “HANG in there, Obama,” nor could they seem to muster up any level of outrage when some of those rallies featured President Obama being burned in effigy.

And even more silence and no outrage when during the campaign, at his rallies, Donald Trump encouraged supporters to beat up people who were there but weren’t Trump supporters, and after the election when black churches were vandalized and burnt in the name of Donald Trump.

How many of these people stood up and spoke out when a Trump supporter stabbed three men who intervened while he berated two young Muslim teenage girls? As I recall, not many, if at all.

Many of these sanctimonious and outspoken people on the right have spent the better part of those eight years proclaiming the government to be tyrannical and telling anyone who would listen that the Second Amendment was given to Americans to use against tyranny and talking about using “Second Amendment solutions.”

So, from my perspective, the righties have just as much blood on their hands as the lefties do. And what did those on the right who weren’t spreading the rhetoric and violent vitriol do with their time instead of trying to bring civility back to the American political arena and asking those in their ilk to tone down the rhetoric? They used that time to come up with cutesy nicknames for those who don’t agree with them, like “Libtards” and “snowflakes.”

The sound of political hypocrisy coming from the right is, to me, anyway, not only deafening, but also, absolutely gut-wrenching. While the pot is calling the kettle black, there is a fire burning out of control and threatening to burn the kitchen down. Maybe now, there will be enough people on both sides of the aisle willing to commit to bringing back civility and work at toning down their own party’s rhetoric and vitriol.

In closing, I wish to offer this simple passage from the Bible’s book of Matthew: “You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Ricky Shehorn
Hartly

In its more than 100-year history, the Wyoming Ice House has seen its share of history.

Now thanks to Jim Rezac, it’s hearing a lot of music too.

Singer-songwriter Liz Longley will perform at the Wyoming Ice House Sunday at 6 p.m. (Submitted photo)

In October of last year, Mr. Rezac, a popular local singer-songwriter, put on a show that featured himself and headliner Janet Robin at the former Wyoming Crystal Ice and Cold Storage Co.

He’s back with another one Sunday night, featuring singer-songwriter Liz Longley.

The ice plant at 200 Southern Blvd., which was constructed circa 1910, was built to provide a service to the local farmers and the nearby railroad.

The building, now owned by former Wyoming mayor Mike Marasco, has seen renewed life as a music hall for occasional shows and by Mr. Rezac himself.

“It’s just this fun, funky place,” said Mr. Rezac, who has been known to perform his weekly Facebook Live shows from the plant.

“It’s filled with old farm equipment and we have signs all over the place for places that don’t exist anymore, like The Blue Coat Inn. It really makes for a nice atmosphere to hold a concert.”

Mr. Rezac said the show with Ms. Robin drew about 80 people.

“The show with Janet went over really well and as soon as it was over, people started telling me ‘You should do a show every month,’” Mr. Rezac said.

“It’s a lot of work so I’m not sure I want to do one every month but a couple a year seems to work for now.”

Both Ms. Longley and Ms. Robin have performed at the Cooldog house concert series near Kenton, organized by Paul Gumerman.

For the show Sunday, he’s added a food truck. Like last time, it will be BYOB with a suggested donation of $20.

He thinks the singer-songwriter genre is a nice fit for him and the venue.

“After the first one, I knew I wanted to do another one but I wasn’t sure what kind. I love the blues but there are already a couple of cool blues jams at Jonathan’s Landing and the Blue Earl in Smyrna,” he said.

“So I kept leaning toward the singer-songwriter type of thing and I would know when the right person came along.”

She came along in the form of Ms. Longley, who Mr. Rezac has been a fan of since he saw her in 2011 performing on Dover’s Legislative Mall for Delaware Green Fest.

“As soon as she started playing, I knew I liked her,” Mr. Rezac said.

“The first song she played was ‘When You’ve Got Trouble’ and I was hooked.”

As a singer-songwriter himself, Mr. Rezac says he’s picky about what and who he likes musically.

“She puts together great melodies and her words are killer. Her words just blew me out of the gate,” he said.

A few months back, Ms. Longley announced her summer tour and put out the call for anyone who was hosting any private shows.

“They cut down on the expense of touring. I contacted her and said ‘I can’t hire you for a private gig’ but I told her what I had in mind and she went for it,” Mr. Rezac said.

The Berklee College of Music graduate and award-winning songwriter is currently on tour with her latest album “Weightless.”

The pop-rock record is produced by Bill Reynolds, the bassist for Band of Horses, who has also produced music for The Avett Brothers.

The Downingtown, Pa., native, who now lives in Nashville, has been compared to Shawn Colvin, Paula Cole and Nanci Griffith, all artists for whom she has opened.

Jim Rezac performs at the Wyoming Ice House in October. He’ll be back Sunday with Liz Longley. (Submitted photo)

After the success of the first concert, Mr. Rezac said he has gotten a good reaction ahead of Sunday’s show, expecting to get about 120 to 150 people.

After Ms. Longley’s concert, Ms. Robin will return to the Ice House on the same date, Oct. 1, that she played last year.

“Last year that fell on a Saturday, but this year, that will be on a Sunday and I think that will work out well. Saturday, people seem busier but Sunday many people have gotten back from the beach and are looking to unwind,” he said.

Sunday’s Liz Longley show starts at 6 p.m. with Mr. Rezac as the opening act.

Early birds

Kent County Tourism released information this week on their two big fall events.

First up, the 31st annual Amish Country Bike Tour will take place Sept. 9 in Dover. The Amish Country Bike Tour is Delaware’s longest running and largest cycling event.

Those wishing to take part in the early bird discount have until July 1 to register at www.AmishCountryBikeTour.com.

By taking advantage of the discount, cyclists can save $20 off the registration price.

Until July 1, registration price is $40 for adults and $20 for attendees ages 5 to 16. From July 1 to July 31, registration is $50 for adults and $25 for ages 5 to 16. After Aug. 1, registration costs $60 for adults and $30 for ages 5 to 16. Participants under age 5 participate for free.

The event includes a bike tour map, giveaways, and up to four food and rest stops including the famous “pie stop” at the Amish Schoolhouse and after-tour catered picnic.

Then in October, the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival, now in its eighth year, and will take place Oct. 14 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.

Those who purchase tickets before July 9 will receive a special early bird price of $25 per ticket. After July 9, ticket prices will increase to $35 per ticket.

Day-of-event tickets will be available to purchase for $40 at the door. Tickets include 10 tasting tickets for beer, wine, or spirits. Designated driver and non-sampling tickets will also be available for $10. Additional tickets can be purchased inside the festival gates.

Kent County wineries, breweries, and distilleries will be featured. The festival is a 21-and-over event.

Those wishing to be a sponsor or vendor at the event should contact John Doerfler, Kent County Tourism Corporation’s Events and Sales manager, at jdoerfler@visitdelawarevillages.com or 302-734-4888. To purchase tickets and for more information go to www.DelawareWineandBeerFestival.com.

‘Over the River’ at Guild

This is the final weekend for the Kent County Theatre Guild’s “Over the River and Through the Woods” at the Patchwork Playhouse on Roosevelt Avenue in Dover.

In the comedy-drama, Nick (Terry Doane of Dover) is a nice young man who visits with his four Italian grandparents

Terry Doane, right, as Nick hugs John Zinzi as Frank. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

— played by John Zinzi (Milton), Chris Polo (Dover), John Marino (Lewes), and Patti Gatto (Dover) — for Sunday dinners. They would like to see him settle down and start a family of his own and are willing to do whatever they can to help him achieve their ends — plans that could include Caitlin O’Hare (Teresa Pierce of Dover).

But Nick has some important news of his own now, and it may not be what his grandparents want to hear.

It is directed by Mike Polo and assisted by Amy Bill and Bruce Leister.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and $16 for seniors, military members, and students. KCTG members pay $15 and 13 and under $10.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.kctg.org, by phone at 674-3568, or at the door. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more.

‘Rock Around the Clock’

The Second Street Players and Mispillion River Brewing present “Rock Around The Clock: A 50’s Style Sock Hop Fundraiser” featuring the sounds of Haleyz Cometz tonight at the Milford Senior Center. Doors open at 6.

Tickets are $35 and includes dinner and entertainment. There will be contests and games, silent auction and a cash bar with specialty drinks.

All proceeds go to the Second Street Players.

For more information visit secondstreetplayers.com.

Bluegrass Jamboree

Delmarva Gospel presents a Bluegrass Jamboree today featuring Flatland Drive, Remington Ryde and Little Roy and Lizzy Long starting at 6 p.m., and on Saturday featuring Little Roy, Lizzy Long, Flatland Drive, Remington Ride, The Delmarva Ramblers, Lilymay Border and more artists starting at noon.

Cost for today is $25, Saturday $30 and a combo for today and Saturday is $45.

To purchase tickets, call 302-531-7997, or 302-422-8315, visit delmarvagospel.com or at the door.

This event will be held at Sam Yoder Farm at 89 Hunting Quarter Road, Houston. Camping is also available by calling 302-263-0076.

Now showing

New this weekend in theaters is “Transformers: The Last Knight.”

On DVD and download starting Tuesday are big-screen remakes of “Power Rangers” and “CHiPs.”

Fox Post-2 topped Smyrna Post-14 by a 7-4 margin in American Legion baseball on Thursday evening.

Fox Post (4-1) has beaten Smyrna twice this season.

Smyrna dropped to 3-5 in its first season in the league.

Canal Post-25 8, Nanticoke Post-6 Patriots 7: Mikayle Holloway drove home Brandon Rohrer with the winning run in the bottom of the seventh as the Middletown-area squad pulled out the victory.

The contest featured five lead changes with the Patriots tying the game at 7-7 with a run in the fifth.

Justin Gray hit a two-run homer in the first for Nanticoke while Tyler Elzey (2 RBI) and Jake Rogers (1 RBI) had two hits each.

Canal got four hits and two RBI apiece from Joey Lungen and Holloway.

Local golf

Bayside hosts Jr. qualifier: Joe Parrini (York, Pa.) claimed the top spot in the Boys’ 16-18 Division with a three-under-par round of 69 as the Philadelphia Junior Tour capped off its trip to the beach with a Jr. PGA Championship Qualifier at Bayside Resort on Thursday.

The top third of the Boys’ 13-18 and 12-and-Under divisions secured a spot in the Philadelphia Jr. PGA Championship in July.

Winning the Boys’ 13-15 Division was Joshua Ryan (Norristown, Pa.) with a round of 80.

Olivia Schwandt (Wilmington) won the Girls’ 16-18 Division with a round of 94. Hannah Lydic (Ocean View) picked up another win on the PJT in the Girls’ 13-15 Division with a round of 81 (+9).

Benjamin Saggers (West Chester, Pa.) was the winner of the 12 & Under Division with a round of 41.

Track & field

Cavs’ Lampkin named top female athlete: Daija Lampkin of Middletown High was recently named the Gatorade Delaware Girls’ Track & Field Athlete of the Year. The 5-foot-2 senior broke the tape in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.85 seconds, the 200-meter dash in 23.76 seconds and anchored the winning 4×200 relay at the Division I state championships this past season.

The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year, Lampkin holds state records in the 100, 200 and 400. She placed second in the 200 at this month’s New Balance Nationals Outdoor in 23.80, and finished seventh in the 100.

A member of the National Honor Society and a sports medicine assistant to the school’s athletic trainer, Lampkin has also volunteered locally on behalf of her church and a food bank.

“Daija Lampkin is the best female track athlete to ever come through Middletown High School,” said Middletown coach Mary Kay Waltemire. “She sets her goals high, both on and off the field, and she gives it all she has to obtain those goals.”

Lampkin has maintained a weighted 4.26 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field on scholarship at the University of Alabama this fall.

Howard’s Rosembert earns state honor: Edwin Rosembert of Howard High was named the Gatorade Delaware Boys’ Track & Field Athlete of the Year.

The 5-foot-8, 153-pound senior won three individual championships and anchored the winning 4×400-meter relay at the Division II state meet this past season, leading the Wildcats to second place as a team. Rosembert won the 100-meter dash in 10.84 seconds, the 200-meter dash in a state-record 21.36 and the 400-meter dash in 49.46. He also captured the 200 at the state Meet of Champions in 21.48.

A member of the National Honor Society, Rosembert has volunteered on behalf of a local hospital.

“Eddie not only has tremendous talent, but also a mental quality that sets him apart,” said Howard coach Nick Palka. “His focus is clearly at a higher level than most, and he is able to set his mind on a goal and just go after it.”

Rosembert has maintained a 3.47 GPA in the classroom. He has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at Delaware State University this fall.

Sara Ann Garrison, a recent graduate of Cape Henlopen High, has a new EP and a host of concerts and festivals throughout the summer and fall, including tonight’s Smyrna at Night event. (Submitted photo)

SMYRNA — For most, the period right after high school graduation can be a time to relax and reflect on a job well done.

Not so for Sara Ann Garrison.

After graduating from Cape Henlopen High School on June 6, the Lewes country singer was in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8 performing at the CMA Music Festival.

She was there to give a series of concerts and promote her new EP “Livin’ A Dream.”

The slate of shows served as a kickoff to a busy summer and fall of concerts and festivals, including tonight’s free Smyrna at Night. She will perform on the outdoor stage on Main Street in front of Odd Fellows Cafe starting at 6:40.

She joins 27 other acts in nine venues around town, some with two stages, during the event which gets underway at 5:15 p.m.

No stranger to Music City, Ms. Garrison was the 2014 winner of Nashville Universe’s Shooting Star of the Year Award, made the top five in Nashville Universe’s Rising Star of the Year in 2015 and was a 2016 Fresh Face of Renegade Radio Nashville.

“It’s always really cool to get to go down there,” Ms. Garrison said this week.

“I did a few shows in a few days, signed some autographs and had a great time.”

Now that she has graduated high school, Ms. Garrison has more time to concentrate on her music.

“I’m going to put college aside for a while. For the longest time, I had to juggle school and music with writing during the week and then doing concerts on the weekend,” she said.

“Now I can put my full force behind the music career.”

Performing since age 3 and writing music since she was 13, it was always a tricky task balancing the books with her burgeoning career, especially in the run-up to writing and recording her latest work.

“I would end up coming home from school, relaxing for a little bit and then start co-writing with someone else or writing by myself or practicing the songs,” she said.

For “Livin’ a Dream,” she got the tutelage of other, more experienced songwriters who helped her with some of the songs.

Two of the five songs she wrote by herself.

“It was a real learning experience,” she said of her co-writers arranged through her label, Heart Songs Corporation.

“It was cool to get different ideas as to how to write a song.”

She still remembers the songs she wrote when she was 13 although she doesn’t perform them anymore, adding they might resurface at some point.

She says the songs that she writes now are more “mature.”

“They tend to be more connectible to some people and easier to understand and identify with,” she said, adding that she finds herself writing a great deal about love and relationships these days.

In her young career, Ms. Garrison has opened for such established country stars as Sam Grow, Chasin’ Crazy and Jon Pardi and performed on the Next From Nashville stage at the 2015 Delaware Junction country music festival in Harrington.

On Sept. 30, she will play the Garden State Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey, opening for Dan & Shay and the Eli Young Band.

She enjoys the exposure that opening for major acts brings.

“You always know you have new potential fans who may have not heard you before,” she said.

Other highlights this summer include Wilmington’s Lady Bug Festival in Wilmington on July 20 and the Wicomico Festival in Salisbury, Maryland on Aug. 20.

She will also play Dover’s Concerts on the Green Series on Aug. 3.

Those who attend tonight’s Smyrna at Night show can expect a mix of her new songs and some covers.

“For those who don’t know my music completely, I like to mix it up and throw a Taylor Swift song or a song by another artist in there,” she said.

“Livin a Dream” is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Google Play. Physical copies will also be available at her concerts or at saraanngarrison.com.

‘So much value’

Smyrna at Night, now in its fourth year, has been getting bigger every year both in terms of attendance and attractions.

“There’s really so much value for zero admission,” said Jeremy Hebbel, co-owner of Gable Music Ventures.

Smyrna at Night is a production of Strongpoint Marketing in association with Gable.

Internationally touring blues musician Vanessa Collier will play the main stage at Smyrna at Night tonight at 9. (Submitted photo)

Last year’s event drew about 3,500 people with 4,000 expected this year.

“Weather is always the wild card. But ignoring that, there does seem to be a buzz about Smyrna at Night with people tagging other people about how it has gone the last three years and new people saying they have to go this event,” Mr. Hebbel said.

Headlining Smyrna at Night this year is international blues musician and saxophonist Vanessa Collier, Nelly’s Echo, who performed on Season 3 of “The Voice,” and Dover’s own Hoochi Coochi.

Mr. Hebbel said he’s proud of the eclectic lineup and of the headliners.

“Vanessa was by far the most buzzed-about act at Ladybug last year,” he said.

Gable produces both Smyrna at Night and the all-female Ladybug Festival, which this year will take up two days in downtown Wilmington, July 20-21.

“She is someone who has been nominated for blues awards, travels the entire world performing and graduated from the Berklee School of Music,” he said.

Hoochi Coochi, an indie blues quartet, has been “blowing up over the last year,” said Mr. Hebbel, adding that Hoochi Coochi will also headline Ladybug this year.

Aside from blues, music genres this year include country, rock, folk, big band, drum and bass and contemporary Christian.

“We did lots of brainstorming with town officials to make sure we had the right balance of genres and also local acts,” Mr. Hebbel said.

“When you discover a type of music that you didn’t know you liked, it can be a real game changer.”

Due to popular demand, Mr. Hebbel said that festivalgoers should look for an increase in food trucks this year, with 14 set to roll in.

The evening will also include a children’s play area and a beer garden.

SMYRNA AT  NIGHT LINEUP
MAIN STAGE ON MARKET STREET PLAZA
5:15-6 p.m. – The Joe Trainor Trio, Piano-based rock
6:15-7 p.m. – Hoochi Coochi, Indie Blues
7:30-8:30 p.m. – Nelly’s Echo, Pop/Soul
9-10 p.m. – Vanessa Collier, Blues/Soul
SMYRNA OPERA HOUSE
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Single Origin, Indie Neo Soul
6:45-7:45 p.m. – The Susquehanna Floods, Blues/Southern rock
8:15-9:15 p.m. – FaithWorX, Contemporary Christian
OUTDOOR STAGE ON MAIN STREET
5:25-6:25 p.m. – Cecilia Grace, Pop duo
6:40-7:40 p.m. – Sara Ann Garrison, Country
8-9 p.m. – Bryan Russo, Indie Blues
PAINTED STAVE OUTDOOR STAGE
5:15-6:15 p.m. – Tyler Greene Music, Psychedelic rock
7-8 p.m. – Forsaken, Hick Hop
PAINTED STAVE INDOOR STAGE
6:15-7:15 p.m. – Ali Sperry, Americana
8-9 p.m. – Alvin Clayton Pope, Multiple genres
SHERIDAN’S INDOOR STAGE
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Keith Kenny, Rock/Blues
7:30-8:30 p.m. – Jason Ager & the Golden Eagles, Blues/Soul
SHERIDAN’S PATIO STAGE
6-7 p.m. – Orion Freeman, Folk
8-9 p.m. – Sam Schmidthuber, Country
DRUNK’N BAKER
5:30-6:30 p.m. – The Rose Project, Indie Americana
6:45-7:45 p.m. – Shane Palko, Folk
8-9 p.m. – Hot Breakfast!, Acoustic dork rock
SMYRNA MUSIC GARDEN
6-7 p.m. – Trap Rabbit, Instrumental drum and bass
7:30-8:30 p.m. – Megan Knight Trio, Americana
MAVERICK TEXAS BBQ OUTDOOR STAGE
6, 7:30 and 9 p.m. – Big Ric Rising (three sets), Party dance band
MAVERICK TEXAS BBQ INDOOR STAGE
5:15-6 p.m. – Matt Sevier, Singer-songwriter
6:15-7 p.m. – Britton Brothers, Multiple genres
7:15-8 p.m. – Matt Sevier
8:15-9 p.m. – Britton Brothers
9:15-10 p.m. – Matt Sevier
BLUE EARL BREWING COMPANY
4-7 p.m. – Bryan Scar, Singer-songwriter
7-10 p.m. – Rocket 88, Blues/Rock

Dozens turned out for the annual Community Education and Health Fair Thursday at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, where 60 vendors offered health screenings and product information on everything from skin care to financial planning.  The event is designed for all ages, with children’s activities and more.

Community Education and Health Fair at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover on Thursday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

MaryLois Barnas, CPNA with Alternative Solutions. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Pam Schwartz, left, and Susan Yocum with Dover Federal Credit Union. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Pam Schwartz with Dover Federal Credit Union watches Ronnie Brennan spin the prize wheel. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Paul Fleming with Delaware Senior Olympics chats with guests . (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Terry Tolson with Bennie Smith Funeral Services talks to a guest. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Mary Randall, Kent County Coordinator with Read Aloud Delaware, talks to a guest.  (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Katrina Robinson, right, with Health Options Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, talks with Betty Martin of Dover. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

A view of Little Creek (also known as Little River). The Leipsic River watershed, to which the creek belongs, was just given a report card on Thursday that assessed its overall condition as part of a recent Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program. The watershed received a C+, indicating that it’s not functioning at its full potential. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

DOVER — A recent Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program report card, released on Thursday, gave the Leipsic River watershed an overall grade of C+ in terms of its condition — indicating that it’s not functioning at its full potential. The Leipsic River watershed encompasses 128 square miles, according to Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The Leipsic River watershed is located within the Delaware Bay and Estuary Basin, and all of its waters drain into the Delaware Bay. Land cover in this watershed is dominated by wetlands and agriculture, said DNREC. Of these wetlands, nearly three-quarters are saltwater, and the other one quarter are freshwater. The watershed itself is composed of two sub-watersheds that flow into the Delaware Bay: the Leipsic River, which originates in Kenton and flows approximately 19 miles eastward through Bombay Hook National Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge and Little Creek (also known as Little River), which flows for approximately eight miles through the town of Little Creek.

Per the report, approximately 8,493 acres of historic wetland area in this watershed has been lost to development, agriculture and conversion to open water along the coastline in recent years.

“Unfortunately, approximately 21 percent of this watershed’s wetlands have already been lost,” said Alison Rogerson, DNREC environmental scientist and program lead for the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program. “But this opens an opportunity for citizens and landowners to benefit from restoring and protecting local wetlands by taking small steps.”

In the summer of 2013, teams of wetland scientists from the program visited a total of 128 randomly-selected sites within the Leipsic River Watershed, said DNREC. Using condition assessment checklists and biological metrics, they found wetlands in the watershed were in fair condition, and that the most common stressors to them were invasive plants; digging, filling, and/or ditching of wetlands; and agriculture or development in the wetlands’ surrounding buffer area.

The wetland reports and the work of the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program are made possible by EPA Region 3 Wetland Program Development funding.

What’s in the report?

DNREC’s data was used to create a technical report on the Leipsic River Watershed that summarized not only the health of these wetlands, but also examined how wetland acreage has changed in recent decades, what value wetlands provide and discussed how trends in land use have and will impact wetlands across the watershed. Land use in the watershed is dominated by agriculture and wetlands, nearly three-quarters of which are saltwater wetlands that act as resources for both people and wildlife. Impacts to wetland health can diminish a wetland’s ability to perform important functions like minimizing flooding, controlling erosion, improving water quality and providing a biologically rich habitat for plants and animals, said DNREC.

Conclusions and recommendations

Based on the report results, DNREC made 12 specific management recommendations targeted at scientists, decision makers, and landowners on how to best improve the watershed conditions.

Environmental scientists, researchers and land managers were advised to:

• Increase resiliency of tidal shorelines by installing living shorelines at appropriate sites.

• Support vegetated buffers for tidal and non-tidal wetlands. (Buffers are natural regions adjacent to wetlands that can help wetlands stay in good condition. Wetland buffers trap sediments and excess nutrients and filter pollutants before they reach wetlands. They can also slow storm water runoff from nearby impervious surfaces, such as roads.)

• Continue to increase citizen education and involvement through effective outreach.

• Control the extent and spread of non-native invasive plant species such as Japanese honeysuckle, narrow-leaf cattail, multiflora rose, Japanese stiltgrass and reed canary grass.

•Support the Delaware Bayshore Initiative by securing funding for wetland conservation and restoration.

The report made several recommendations to state, county and other local officials as well:

• Improve protection of non-tidal palustrine wetlands through state, county, and local programs.

• Update tidal estuarine wetland regulatory maps to improve accuracy and efficiency.

• Develop incentives to maintain natural buffers of tidal and non-tidal wetlands.

Since over half (53.1 percent) of all sites that were sampled in the Leipsic River watershed were privately owned, the report also included strong recommendations for landowners interested in preserving and improving the health of the watershed:

• Protect and maintain the buffers around your wetlands.

• Preserve or restore wetlands that are on your land by planting native plant species and removing invasive ones, letting grasses grow and leaving downed logs and sticks where they are.

• Strengthen tidal shorelines using environmentally-friendly methods — such as building living shorelines with coir logs, shell bags and native vegetation.

To read the full report on Leipsic and Little Creek, the wetlands report card and more information on assessment methods, visit de.gov/leipsicwetlands.

From left, Mike Maier, Navient; Brig. Gen. Ernest G. Talbert, Delaware Tech Board of Trustees; Jennifer Rivera, Navient and current Delaware Tech student; Dr. June Turansky, Delaware Tech vice president and campus director; Dr. Mark Brainard, Delaware Tech president; Ryan Rock, Army veteran and current Delaware Tech student; David Strawbridge, Delaware Tech director of veterans services; and Jack Remondi, Navient president and CEO, at new Veterans Resorce Center at Delaware Tech’s Terry Campus on Thursday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery )

DOVER — At first glance it might appear to be just a small room on Delaware Technical Community College’s Charles L. Terry Campus in north Dover.

However, it is a space that promises to bring some big-time support to the student veterans who are enrolled at the college.

Delaware Tech President Mark T. Brainard helped cut the ribbon and officially open the Terry Campus’ new Veterans Resource Center on the second floor of the Terry Building on Thursday morning.

The resource center was funded by a $22,000 donation from the Navient Foundation, the nation’s largest student loan servicer.

President Brainard said the Veterans Resource Center makes perfect sense considering the college’s enrollment figures.

“Supporting veterans and active duty military members is a top priority at Delaware Tech,” Mr. Brainard said. “Last academic year, more than 550 military service members, veterans and their family members enrolled in one of our programs college-wide.

Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard speaks about new Veterans Resource Center at Terry Campus on Thursday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

“While we can’t begin to repay the debt that we owe these men and women for their service, we can take steps to remove the obstacles they face and provide additional support for them when they pursue higher education and that’s our mission here at Delaware Tech.”

The Veterans Resource Center at DelTech will host guest speakers and student veteran programs such as financial education, career workshops and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder seminars.

It will also provide a meeting space for veteran students to study, relax and engage with fellow veterans and for the Veterans Inspiring Progress student organization that offers support and networking for the campus veteran community.

Ryan Rock, a 2012 graduate of Smyrna High School, spent several years in the U.S. Army before he decided to enroll at Delaware Tech last fall to study criminal justice as he pursues a career in law enforcement.

Mr. Rock had served as member of the 25th Infantry Division, Second Stryker Brigade, in Hawaii.

He said that Delaware Tech is sincerely concerned about the adaptation of veterans back into students.

“When I returned to school I was concerned about the viability of jumping back into academic study since it had been so long since I had been in a traditional school environment,” Mr. Rock said. “Fortunately, in attending Delaware Tech, I found a school that supports not only traditional students, but veterans and their specific needs.

“This center is important because it gives us a space where we can instantly have access to others who know what it’s like to walk in our boots and have a quiet space to go to when things get hectic on campus.”

Navient, which is headquartered in Delaware, supports U.S. military members and veterans through ongoing hiring efforts, an employee-led Veterans Resource Group and customer service.

It was Navient’s donation that helped make the Veterans Resource Center a reality.

“We are committed to see that our men and women in uniform receive all the support they deserve,” said Jack Remondi, president and CEO of Navient. “We are grateful to Delaware Tech for inviting the Navient Foundation to help make this dedicated space for student veterans a reality.

“It is our hope that it will allow a generation of post-9/11 veterans to forge new connections that will carry forward throughout their lives.”

The Terry Campus center means that Delaware Tech now has Veterans Resource Centers at its campuses in all three counties to assist student veterans.

“It provides a great space,” said Mr. Brainard, who noted that Delaware Tech has been recognized as a Military Friendly School three years in a row. “It’s a learning space, a relaxation space, it’s a networking space and it’s all dedicated to veterans.

“It’s a space that can be used if one of our veterans just wants to go after class and relax and catch up and prepare for the next class.”

Winning the 2017 Large Employer of the Year award is the Dover Air Force Base. Pictured from left, Col. Wiliam Gutermuth, CDCC Chair Janie Libby and Col. Scott Gaab during the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner at Dover Downs on Thursday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce’s annual Awards for Excellence Dinner honored a number of individuals and businesses for their work on behalf of the community, from volunteerism to economic development. It also recognized those who serve on the chamber’s board of directors. Delaware State News Advertising Manager Katrina Sullivan, a member of the chamber’s 2014 Leadership Central Delaware class, won the Young Professional of the Year award. The Dover Air Force Base won Large Employer of the Year and Pizzadili Winery won Small Business of the Year. Outstanding Partnership recognition went to Harrington Raceway and Casino, the City of Dover and Sayers Jewelers. Chamber Executive Director Judy Diogo thanked outgoing chairwoman Janie Libby for her service. She said Ms. Libby answered all calls for help, guidance and attendance at events. “She’s always been there,” Ms. Diogo said, and brought loyalty, drive and vision to the job. Sean Mace took over as the new chairman Thursday night.

Chair Janie Libby, left, gives Dina Vendetti the Volunteer of the Year award. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

CDCC Chair Janie Libby, left, gives Tammy Ordway a Volunteer of the Year award. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

CDCC President , Judy Diogo,left, gives Bill Strickland the Board Member of the Year award. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Winning the 2017 Young Professional of the Year award is Sales Manager at the Delaware State News Katrina Sullivan, right, with CDCC Chair Janie Libby.  (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Winning a 2017 Partnership Award with CDCC Executive Director Janie Libby, left, is Ellen and Ron Sayers of Sayers Jewelry. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

DOVER  — The Delaware Department of Transportation alerted motorists that between the hours of 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, they should anticipate traffic delays in the area of Little Heaven and outside of Milford for two funeral processions. Motorists are encouraged to use US 113 southbound.

A funeral procession will occur around noon for Milford Police Cpl. Sean Hudson at the Barratts Chapel Cemetery. Del. 1 northbound will be stopped for a period of time to allow the motorcade to enter the roadway to escort motorists to the Barratts Chapel Cemetery. The northbound lanes will reopen after the vehicles are parked.

At 1:30 p.m., there will be a funeral procession for the former South Bowers Beach Fire Chief David Bryan LeGates. There will also be multiple fire apparatus in the procession. The motorcade will enter Del. 1 southbound from Del. 14 eastbound and continue on Del. 1 southbound and make a u-turn at the crossover south of Argos Corner, Slaughter Beach Road. Del. 1 southbound will be stopped at Del. 14 to allow the motorcade to enter the highway. N orthbound lanes will be stopped to facilitate the u-turn south of Argos Corner. After the motorcade exits to Slaughter Beach Del. 1 will be reopened to motorists.

In addition to those events, the Delaware Turf Sports Complex will hold the NXT Blue Hen First State Class (Lacrosse Tournament), and c crossovers will be closed within this vicinity. The three crossovers to the north, between the Sports Complex and the North Frederica interchange, will be closed from noon until to 6 p.m. to safely facilitate traffic exiting the Sports Complex. Northbound traffic destined for points south will be detoured to Exit 86/North Frederica interchange where they can then access Del. 1 southbound. Traffic wishing to utilize one of the three closed crossovers north of the venue are encouraged to use Exit 79/Thompsonville Interchange. However, all crossovers from Tub Mill Pond Road/Milford Neck Road, and south should be open by noon.

The Running of the Bulls will take place on Saturday, June 24 around 2 p.m. in Dewey Beach. This event will stop DE 1 northbound and southbound traffic in Dewey Beach at approximately 2 p.m. for about five (5) minutes as runners leave Starboard restaurant. Traffic will be held and allow runners/walkers to cross during the pedestrian phase of the signals. Transportation Management Center (TMC) will be adjusting the signals in this area to assist with motorists traveling through Dewey Beach. Motorists can expect delays and an increased pedestrian activity.

All traffic signals along these routes will be monitored and adjusted by DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) along these routes to ensure the flow of traffic on DE 1 northbound and southbound.

Variable message boards will be posted for motorists.

Motorists can adjust their routes or travel times by using the DelDOT App, available for Apple and Android smart phones and tablets, and can be downloaded free at the Apple and Google Play stores or at www.DelDOT.gov and click on the link to stores.

Drivers are encouraged to call the following numbers at the Transportation Management Center (TMC) to report any travel or traffic related issues: Dial #77 from any cell phone in Delaware; (302) 659-4600 or 1-800-324-8379. Please dial 911 for emergencies.

DOVER — State Sen. Brian Pettyjohn is facing a felony charge for accidentally bringing a gun into an airport.

Sen. Pettyjohn, a Georgetown Republican, was detained Thursday morning after a loaded handgun was found in his carry-on bag at the Salisbury Regional Airport in Maryland. Charges were announced Friday by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

The offense, firearm on an aircraft, is a felony that carries up to 10 years in jail.

Sen. Pettyjohn said in a statement Thursday he has been “carrying a concealed weapon regularly” after a June 14 shooting in Alexandria, Va., wounded several people, including U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise.

In the statement, Sen. Pettyjohn said he accidentally left the firearm in a laptop bag. He was at the airport to fly to the Southern Regional Education Board conference in New Orleans.

The gun was found by Transportation Security Administration agents around 8:10, and the senator was questioned at the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office’s airport location. He was then released and was not arrested at the time.

Sen. Pettyjohn, 43, was first elected to the state Senate in 2012. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

SMYRNA — Let the good times roll!

This year a mix of a thawing recession, local population increase, engaged town council, state-provided downtown development funds and an active redevelopment authority are coming together to help revitalize Smyrna’s downtown district.

New businesses and restaurants have been opening every few months in the town of just more than 11,000 people.

Last June Brick Works Brewing and Eats opened just outside downtown on Route 13; late last year Slate Café — restaurant, bar and billiard hall — opened just north of downtown and more recently a yarn shop.

The Yarn Maven hosted a grand opening for its location on 11 W. Commerce St. on April 8.

Families walk along Commerce Street during Smyrna’s Night Out on Friday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

“The Yarn Maven has really been a very positive success story so far,” said Rick Ferrell, the business and economic development consultant for the town.

“It’s a business that pulls from the region because a specialty shop like that can’t survive on the town’s population alone. It’s a good example of how downtowns can attract specialty businesses that you don’t just see everywhere.

A family listens to music from their front porch during Smyrna’s Night Out on Friday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

“They become the reason downtown areas are more unique than shopping centers and strip malls by adding a certain texture and feel to the area.”

The coming months seem to be no exception as several new businesses open their doors.

The Lemon Leaf Café and JR’s Past Time Pub

The closing of The Inn at Duck Creek late last year was a setback for businesses on one of the downtown’s main intersections at Commerce and Main streets, but a new restaurant and bar will open next week in its place.

The Lemon Leaf Cafe’ will be opening soon in Smyrna. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Local restaurateur JR Alfree recently decided to rent the building and open a second location for his bar and restaurant The Lemon Leaf Cafe and JR’s Past Time Pub. The first location was opened in Chestertown, Maryland, in 2012.

“I first opened The Lemon Leaf Cafe and JR’s Past Time Pub in historic downtown Chestertown in an old restored building with four storefronts, so when I learned about this old restored building with four storefronts in historic downtown Smyrna, it made a lot of sense to make it my second location,” said Mr. Alfree.

Brittney, Brian and daughter Cara Passerell of Smyrna grab some food during Smyrna’s Night Out on Friday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

“When I was little, we used to come out to Smyrna all the time for dinner and special occasions at The Wayside Inn on Route 13. It closed over 15 years ago and it seems like no one has really tried to recreate something like it so I thought it was a great opportunity to do that.”

The restaurant and bar will have a menu with “classic Eastern Shore food with a twist,” Mr. Alfree said.

Several factors weighed on his decision to open a second location in Smyrna. The fact that the renovation and redesign of the space was very light helped.
“The building was just renovated around two years ago, all we really had to do was paint and redecorate,” he said. “The great thing about the Lemon Leaf Cafe is that you can treat it like your second dining room and come all the time: We have entrees starting at $13 and going up to $30.”

The flurry of business activity downtown also convinced Mr. Alfree that opening in Smyrna was a wise move.

Joe Trainor with the Joe Trainor Trio performs on the main stage during Smyrna’s Night Out on Friday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

“That’s one of the things that helped me make my decision — there is a lot of work and commitment in Smyrna to revitalize its downtown district,” he said. “Things like the facade grants they have for homes and businesses make a big difference. The town is really taking a strong leadership position on making Smyrna beautiful. That’s important to me.”

As far as managing both locations, Mr. Alfree plans to be making the 40 minute drive between his two locations frequently.

“I’m going to go back and fourth a lot,” he said.

Although the exact opening date was not set as of Friday evening, Mr. Alfree said that the Lemon Leaf Cafe will be open to customers some time next week and the JR’s Past Time Pub portion several days afterward.

Maverick Texas BBQ

Dave Dettra, the owner of the family-operated Maverick Texas BBQ at 19 W. Commerce St., has been working on restoring the building he bought in foreclosure for about four years.

“It was The City Tap and the Crystal Pistol before we bought it — it had been closed since 2011 and it was in bad shape,” said Mr. Dettra. “We started doing a lot of the work ourselves. It needed roofing and flooring repairs all over. We eventually hired a general contractor and things have been moving much faster now. “

Maverick Texas BBQ at 19 W. Commerce Street in Smyrna. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Mr. Dettra said the town and surrounding businesses have made the process of launching the restaurant much easier.

“Town government really welcomed our presence — they helped point us in the right direction with things and we’d have made a lot of mistakes if it wasn’t for their guidance,” he said.

Between its two floors, the building has an estimated 5,000 square feet. It will seat 100, plus 40 more on its mezzanine and another 60 on the patio.

Cecilia Grace members,Tessa, left, and Cecilia Sugarman perform on the Odd Fellows Stage during Smyrna’s Night Out on Friday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Mr. Dettra said the restaurant will feature “traditional Texas barbecue items like brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken, pulled pork and an array of sides. He also plans to host live music four nights per week year-round.

“The music styles will be a variety,” he said. “We’ll have acoustic music on Wednesdays, a singing pianist on Thursdays, and dance bands like rock and country on Friday and Saturday.”

Although the musical lineup is ambitious, Mr. Dettra believes that his roots in the music industry — 37 years as a keyboard player in a dance band called Jellyroll — will help him coordinate the talent.

“We’re right on the cusp of opening fully, we have to get all our permitting in order and the examination by the Fire Marshall,” said Mr. Dettra. “We don’t have a hard date set yet, but I see us opening fully in a few weeks.”

Cobalt Manor

Lindsay Powell-Conley and her husband Timothy are looking to open their second business in the downtown area this fall: Cobalt Manor, an Inn-style event space and restaurant at the site of the old Wright Mansion on 47 E. Commerce St.

Former Smyrna City Manager Dave Hugg announces The Joe Trainor Trio on the main stage during Smyrna’s Night Out on Friday. (Delaware State News/Marc Clery)

Their first business, Conley Trading Company on 62 W. Commerce St., opened over a year ago. Now that the business has made it past the first year mark, Ms. Powell-Conley said that it’s starting to find its legs.

The store is a consignment shop and outlet for local artists and craftsmen that sells antiques, vintage items and homemade organic soaps and lotions.

Ms. Powell-Conley has been trying for several years to start a business in the old Wright Mansion — which she says should actually be called the JC Bailey Mansion after its original owner.

“I actually grew up in that house,” she said. “I’ve tried to get the property multiple times — this is probably the third or fourth time attempting to acquire it. I knew from living in it and restoring it that it’s a huge undertaking and unless you have something profitable in there, it’d be difficult to afford the upkeep and utilities for the property.”

The town of Smyrna purchased the building at an auction and about 9 months later solicited a request for proposals on a business that could occupy it.

“A lot of people just wanted to tear it down because it’s commercial property,” said Ms. Powell-Conley. “The town and myself wanted to save it because it’s a beautiful piece of Smyrna history. Bigger investors don’t care about that kind of stuff.”

When completed, the Inn will be called Cobalt Manor and act as an event venue geared toward weddings. Other events such as birthday parties, holiday parties and baby showers would also fit well, said Ms. Powell-Conley.

Ms. Powell-Conley thinks Cobalt Manor will fit in Smyrna so well because the type of event space consumers want is in short supply in the town.

Although much restoration has been completed on the project, Ms. Powell-Conley said there is more to do. Her husband, who owns a contracting business, is doing a lot of the work himself, with the exception of plumbing, electrical and other licensed labor.

She said that they are tentatively planning to open the doors in the fall.

Felton-Harrington scored the game’s only run in posting a 1-0 win over Milford in the first game of the District I 7-9-year-old softball tournament on Friday evening.

Felton-Harrington plays again today at 6 p.m. against Smyrna-Clayton White in the single-elimination tourney being played at Smyrna-Clayton.

Katie Pierce doubled and scored the winning run on a hit by Shilee Ervin. Toni Joynes, Carley Rebuck and Anave Arendall also had hits for Felton-Harrington.

Alyssa Millman had a pair of hits for Milford with Khynn Tilghman, Briella Salisbury and Addison Sapp all adding one hit each.

Lacrosse

Tourney on tap at Del Turf: NXT Lacrosse is holding its Blue Hen First State Shootout Boys’ Lacrosse Tournament at Delaware Turf Sports Complex today and Sunday.

For the last five years, the event has been held at Caravel Academy. Sixty-four teams, made up primarily of fifth through ninth graders, from the Mid-Atlantic area are slated to take part in the tourney.

For information on NXT Lacrosse go to https://nxtlacrosse.com. For information on DE Turf Sports Complex go to http://www.deturf.com.

College field hockey

UD’s Nauck up for national award: University of Delaware field hockey junior Greta Nauck is one of 12 Honda Sport Award winners that is a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year award and the prestigious Honda Cup.

The winner will be announced live during the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Show on CBS Sports Network on Monday at 9 p.m. ET.

Nauck joined basketball All-American Elena Delle Donne ‘13 as the University of Delaware’s lone recipients of the Honda Sport Award. Delle Donne won the Honda Sport Award for women’s basketball following her senior season in 2012-13.

Nauck led the Blue Hens to their first NCAA Division I national championship this fall. The NFHCA All-Mid Atlantic Region Player of the Year and CAA Player of the Year finished the season first nationally with 3.04 points per game and 1.32 goals per game on a school-record 76 points and 33 goals.

College athletics

UD make changes: University of Delaware Director of Athletics Chrissi Rawak announced Friday several changes within her leadership team with the departure of Senior Associate AD Jake Olkkola, who has been named the AD at Colby College.

Olkkola has been at Delaware since 2010 in the areas of recreation and student health & wellness services as well as finance and administration. During his tenure, Olkkola also served as varsity sport administrator for numerous UD sport programs.

Delaware Senior Associate AD for Facilities, Operations, and Capital Projects Joe Shirley will now add oversight of the UD Ice Arena and Outdoor Aquatic Center to his responsibilities. Senior Associate AD for Health, Well Being, and Sport Performance Eric Laudano will now oversee the recreation services area.

An associate athletic director who will directly oversee the recreation services area and report to Laudano will be hired later this year.

PHILADELPHIA — Delaware South’s first-ever trip to Citizens Bank Park was a memorable experience for the players, but it left the basepaths too crowded to play in one more game there.

Delaware South was eliminated from the Carpenter Cup by Delaware North, 12-5, on Friday afternoon. Delaware North took the lead with an eight-run top of the sixth and held on to make today’s final against Jersey Shore (10 a.m.).

Delaware South pitchers allowed a combined 13 walks and hit six batters. It was also hampered by three errors, including a potential double-play ball on the second batter of the pivotal sixth inning.

“They had a bunch of free runners that we didn’t make them work for,” said Delaware South coach Corey Wyatt (Lake Forest). “Then we had a double play ball that we mishandled and it could have changed the inning. It really jammed us up.”

Delaware South loaded the bases for Delaware North in the sixth with a hit batsman to lead off the inning, an infield error and a walk. The first two runs scored on a sacrifice fly and a single, which was only Delaware North’s second hit of the contest up to that point.

Luke Oliphant of Sussex Tech bats for Delaware South during Friday’s Carpenter Cup semifinal game at Citizens Bank Park. (Delaware State News/Ben Heck)

Another walk loaded the bases again before Tatnall’s Oliver Campbell cleared them with a double to give Delaware North a 7-4 advantage and put the game out of reach.

Still, the players came away with great memories from the high school baseball showcase hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies which features teams from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This was the furthest Delaware South has made it since 2000, when it won the tournament.

Sussex Central catcher Ethan Watkinson nearly hit a ball out of Citizens Bank Park. Watkinson, who just finished his sophomore year at Sussex Central, hit a ball off the wall in left field and had to settle for a double.

Abraham Mow of Milford bats for Delaware South. (Delaware State News/Ben Heck)

“I’m still telling everybody about that,” Watkinson said. “I thought it was gone, but I’ll take it.”

Watkinson eventually scored on a balk to give Delaware South a 4-2 lead through four innings.

Then there was Gabe Wescott of Woodbridge. Wescott made a highlight-reel catch in the second in left field when he slammed into the wall under the 334-foot sign, fell to the ground yet hung onto the ball for the out.

Wyatt said he hopes experiences like that on such a big stage and an improved showing this year in the Carpenter Cup will encourage more players to try out for the team in the future.

“We have some guys still out there from the South who aren’t playing with us that we would like to have who could’ve helped us,” Wyatt said. “People have different priorities going on, but hopefully people see that Delaware baseball in the South is pretty quality and they can come out and join us next year.”

Ryan Steckline of Appoquinimink pitches for Delaware South. (Delaware State News/Ben Heck)

Watkinson agreed playing in the Carpenter Cup is a special honor.

“This is definitely a dream for every kid to be able to play at a Major League stadium,” Watkinson said. “It was a great time with this team. It would be better with a win here, but the experience was great. It’s a great opportunity to play in front of college scouts and with other kids. Everybody needs to try to do it.”

Abraham Mow of Milford continued his hot tournament with a base-hit and scored on Will Kimmel’s RBI groundout. Mow finished the Carpenter Cup with five hits in three games.

Aidan Riley of St. Georges drove in a pair of runs for Delaware South with a single in the third.

“This tournament is really cool because you put a bunch of guys together and you don’t practice,” Wyatt said. “You pick the team the second week of June then we come out and play so it’s not like you have a lot of time to get to know each other. It worked out for us this year. It was a really cool experience and I hope they valued being able to come here and play.”

Sarah Tunstill smiles after receiving a special tribute from the state of Delaware from Caesar Rodney School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald on June 8. (Submitted photo/Caesar Rodney School District)

CAMDEN — Sarah Tunstill, a teacher at Postlethwait Middle School, recently retired after a 50-year teaching career.

Ms. Tunstill got her start at Garfield Elementary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1967 to 1979, where she initially taught kindergarten.

These morning and afternoon classes ranged from 20 to 25 students with different students in each class. While at Garfield, she piloted several programs; one was special kindergarten with 20 disadvantaged students and no paraprofessional. These students were transferred from a segregated special education facility to an all-day class within the mainstream.

Later in the early 1970s, Garfield converted an education specialty school that had moved from all black enrollment to about two-thirds black, one-third white.

With the onset of integration of public schools, she left Garfield and transferred to Franklin Pierce School, a bilingual pilot school, where she taught fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade English-speaking students.

She taught at Pierce from 1979 to 1990 and relocated to Delaware after the death of her mother. While at Pierce, one of her students took first place in an “I Have a Dream” essay contest, competing with all Milwaukee Public School sixth-grade students.

Additionally, she set up a school-wide post office as a project for Valentine’s Day which was featured in MPS Magazine and she organized a Black History Month project educating and involving the entire school.

Ms. Tunstill relocated to Dover and worked for a year in the Capital School District as a librarian, supporting three elementary schools including East, Towne Point and Hartly.

In 1993, she accepted an assignment as lead teacher at New Beginnings Alternative School in Newark and serviced at-risk students from the surrounding school districts, including elementary and middle schools. Furthermore, she helped win skills-building for the Mind and Body – Academics and Athletes competition of Alternative Schools, 1999 state championship.

Finally, she served as coordinator of the middle school site in Newark and won Alternative Teacher of the Year in 1998.

In 2000, she accepted a position at Postlethwaite in the CARE classroom, teaching English Language Arts, Social Studies, and RTI (Response to Intervention) to sixth- through eighth-graders.

While assigned in this classroom, she devoted her energies to helping students with behavior or academic challenges achieve success in a more-structured environment so that they are able to successfully transition back to the regular education setting. Her class size ranged from three to 15 students with great varieties of personalities, skills and achievement levels.

In previous years, she taught all core academic subjects, earning several awards.

Ms. Tunstill resides in Dover. Her family includes her nephews and nieces who are enjoying successful careers in education and public relations.

Ms. Tunstill says she loves her job and is grateful for the great people she has met on this journey. She wants to be remembered as a person who tries her best at all times. She thanks God for her ability to be flexible and tries to help others day by day.

Dover Police Department Master Cpl. Keith Hester was honored as the 2013 recipient of the coveted Enrique Camarena Award for the Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia district, for his work with Dover-area youth. Next month, Cpl. Hester will assist Builders Without Borders to construct four 15,000-square foot buildings in Rwanda, Africa to be used for schools. (Dover Police Department photo)

DOVER — While Dover police officer Keith Hester has worked to encourage the city’s youth to find a positive path in life for the past 20 years, he always felt as if there was something more out there that he could do.

When Master Cpl. Hester learned what the nonprofit group, Builders Without Borders, has accomplished in other countries, he knew that was the place for him.

So he went out and raised $2,705 on a GoFundMe internet page and is now preparing to head to Rwanda, Africa, to serve as a volunteer builder July 21-31.

Mr. Hester said it will be his first time out of the country, other than a trip to the Bahamas, and will be a different type of challenge.

“I’ve been working with kids for so long,” said Mr. Hester, a 28-year veteran of the Dover Police Department. “I think this endeavor is going to get me out there in a different light in a sense.

“(By leading) the Police Athletic League, some people know who I am, but I think this is just going to take it to the next level to show my commitment. It is international.”

For 10 days, Mr. Hester will volunteer and assist Builders Without Borders, which has partnered with Africa New Life Ministries to build four 15,000-square foot buildings in Rwanda, Africa.

The buildings will be used for school and administration facilities. The school’s plan is to enroll more than 600 students.

Mr. Hester has helped out with Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity in the past and also has done some out-of-pocket projects helping the needy.

“Of course, there will be some questions as to why doesn’t he do something like that here in America?,” Mr. Hester said. “I think today there needs to be a better understanding on how important education is.

“From what I have learned, the children in Africa, it’s almost like they have to pay for their education to have a better life.”

Mr. Hester added that a lot of the local youths who he has encountered during his career often take the things they have, like education and other opportunities, for granted.

He does not expect to see the same kinds of attitudes in Rwanda, one of the smallest countries on the African mainland.

“I just want to see it for myself and be able to come back and pass what I’ve learned from this endeavor to the kids that I serve every day,” Mr. Hester said.

He said the construction project in Africa will not only provide children with a privileged education, it’s also geared to educate local volunteers to be self-sufficient and self-sustained to meet the needs of their community.

Dover Police Chief Marvin Mailey isn’t surprised by anything that Cpl. Hester does when it comes to assisting other people.

“Keith’s always been a very giving person,” Chief Mailey said. “He loves kids, he loves helping kids and assisting them in their lives, so I think it’s outstanding. Keith’s just a great guy.”

Chief Mailey said that for Mr. Hester to use some of his vacation time and spend it away from his family to give back is going above and beyond the call.

“That’s missionary work,” he said. “That goes well beyond police work and Keith is just that kind of person. He’s an outstanding individual.”

Cpl. Hester has served as a resource officer at Central Middle School for the past 11 years and took over leadership of Dover’s Police Athletic League early last year.

Master Cpl. Keith Hester, of the Dover Police Department, gives instructions to kids involved with the Police Athletic League at William Henry Middle School in Dover. (Delaware State News/Mike Finney)

He said his upcoming trip is just another step for him in his life’s pursuits and he thanks everyone who has supported him in raising funds for his trip to Africa.

“It’s not just an individual thing,” Mr. Hester said. “I have had sponsors and I’ve got friends and well-wishers. I like to represent not only the Dover Police Department, but all the men and women in blue who go out here every day to make a difference, especially in kids’ lives.”

“I can’t wait. It’s like I’m paying it forward, but now to an international level.”

While he will be in a foreign land and away from his family, he said he truly appreciates their support.

“They know this has been my life,” Mr. Hester said. “This is what I signed on to do and giving back is the kind of thing that I truly care about.”

At a recent hearing on Capitol Hill on the Endangered Species Act, it was clear that some legislators in the room were either not familiar with the story of Noah’s Ark or didn’t see its wisdom.

The authors and signers of the Endangered Species Act created legislation that serves as a modern day ark to threatened and endangered plants and animals. This act was meant as a comprehensive national safety net — an ark of salvation for God’s creatures that are in peril.

God called Noah to save all the species. God instructed Noah to build a vessel large enough to hold all the creatures of the earth, two by two. We don’t hear anything in the Noah’s Ark story of others trying to take the ark apart board by board. Or keep particular species off the ark. And Noah himself did not determine which species should join him on the ark.

Yet, today, we have Members of Congress trying to take apart the Endangered Species Act — rider by rider and species by species. In the last two years, Congress tried almost 150 times to attack the Endangered Species Act with bills, amendments and riders that would have weakened or destroyed this critical piece of legislation.

Rev. Robert P. Hall

The Endangered Species Act protects all God’s creatures, ensuring that they will not become extinct. The Endangered Species Act has been successful in protecting species and has prevented the extinction of more than 99 percent of the plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered.

The act has also been successful at pulling species from the brink of extinction with 29 species making significant recoveries so that they could be delisted. Bald eagles, humpback whales and American alligators are but a few of the species saved and recovered under this act. The once-imperiled Delmarva fox squirrel has recovered because of the act’s support and no longer needs its protective provisions.

And yet, even in the face of this success, we hear rumblings of trying to “modernize” this important piece of legislation. Modernization that by one Congressman’s boastful account would repeal it altogether or weaken it by insisting that states, already cash-strapped and without a comprehensive species view, take the lead, or by taking away the authority of scientists to determine if a species should be protected by the act.

It’s clear that any new legislation enacted in the current political climate would inevitably do great damage to this effective law.

Some lawmakers in Washington say that allowing states more control would be beneficial. Yet, I ask, beneficial to whom? A comprehensive, national approach to fighting extinction is needed, not a state-by-state approach.

The Endangered Species Act was not intended to be a bunch of life rafts haphazardly tied together, which is what advocates for state-controlled efforts are urging. It was instead designed, similarly to the ark that Noah built, to address the comprehensive and dire challenge of preventing species extinction. States already have significant involvement in the process that determines which species are listed as threatened or endangered and how to recover them.

And there are numerous examples of states that have worked cooperatively with the federal government to ensure that species don’t need to be listed. But states do not necessarily have the legal basis, funding, or, in some cases, incentive to do what science says is needed to save a species.

God calls us as Christians to be stewards of creation and instructs us to be caretakers of God’s creatures — fish, winged creatures, plants, and those that walk the earth. Even as Noah cared for God’s creatures by building an ark, we too are required to preserve and protect God’s amazing creation.

The Endangered Species Act is an effective model of conserving endangered species in the United States. Passed in 1973 and signed into law by President Nixon, it recognizes that providing for living creatures requires the protection of their homes and habitats.

Instead of changing the Endangered Species Act, Congress should provide appropriate funding to preserve species. Noah was asked to build an ark, a seemingly impossible job. But, Noah had the resources and commitment to complete the task and deliver all of the creatures aboard the ark to safe passage. Congress should mirror this action and provide the federal agencies with the resources and commitment to successfully protect species.

In Delaware, we are fortunate to have the leader we do in Sen. Carper, who is the leading Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. As strong supporters of the Endangered Species Act, we are counting on him to not allow it to be “modernized” or changed. For when one of God’s creatures is lost, it is gone forever.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Rev. Robert P. Hall is the executive director of the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families.

GEORGETOWN — The City of Lewes met state open government requirements when advertising meetings to discuss the location of a proposed dog park, a Court of Chancery Vice Chancellor ruled on Thursday.

Lewes resident Gerald A. Lechliter (referred to as Col. Lechliter in the order for his service in the U.S. Army) claimed that the subject matter of an October 2014 meeting regarding a future dog park was not properly disclosed in a notice beforehand, and alleged violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

City Council received a favorable judgment, however, from Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III.

“Anyone intensely interested in any aspect of the Dog Park, including its location, was on notice that a subject close to his heart was under consideration,” the Vice Chancellor wrote in an 11-page decision.

“The City was considering a sublease of its open space for a dog park, and location is an indispensable element of a lease. The level of detail proposed by Col. Lechliter — presumably including that a change in the location of the Dog Park within the Open Space was under consideration—is inconsistent not only with the practical purpose

of the act, but with the specific provision at issue …”

Sam Glasscock

According to the order, Col. Lechliter has brought three actions to court contesting the transition of a previous industrial park area to be held by the State of Delaware as Open Space.

“Many issues were raised and decided or mooted in these litigations,” Vice Chancellor Glasscock wrote.

Also referenced was a city council meeting held on Jan. 11, 2016 that discussed possibly amending a sublease that would increase the size of the dog park.

In documents, Vice Chancellor Glasscock maintained, “(The) 2012 meeting approved a proposed location for the Dog Park off Park Road near the mosquito ditch.

(The) sublease approved by the Council at the 2014 Meeting was for land off Park Road near the cul-de-sac,” closer to Col. Lechliter’s residence.

In closing, the Court touched on Col. Lechliter’s military service for the country and pointed to his new role in life.

“He has spent the last several years on public service of another kind; attempting to force state and local government to comply with the law in the use of the Open Space …” Vice Chancellor Glasscock maintained.

“This concludes the third legal action in which he has undertaken that role.”

The military life and Bible were tied together as well.

“I have available to me the United States Army’s Field Service Regulations as they existed at the beginning of the First World War: They provide guidance on withdrawal from the field, noting that ‘[n]o other situation in combat demands so high an order of skill . . . as does withdrawal from action.’ ” Vice Chancellor Glasscock opined.

“And yet, Ecclesiastes tells us, there is a meet time for every thing to take place. I hope that the parties, all residents of the same small and pleasant city, can in the future relate as neighbors rather than litigants.”