I am writing to say thank you to Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan for the “largest tax cut in the history of the world,” sarcasm turned to full. Let me explain.

My wife and I are retired state of Delaware employees and she works part time for the state. We are not rich but we live comfortably and are able to pay our bills.

In 2017, we filed our taxes and received about $2,500 back in state and federal taxes. In 2018, after implementation of the “largest tax cut in the history of the world” we had to pay $2,000 in state and federal taxes and we made less in 2018 than we did in 2017.

I know that my tax withholding was adjusted under the new tax plan but could that have been just to fool us poor naive citizens that we were getting an actual tax cut only to stick it to us at tax time?

I will remember all those Republicans that said we need this tax cut for corporations and billionaires and that money would trickle down to us. Well I feel something trickling down on me but it isn’t more money in my bank account. So again, thank you Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan.

Edward Hallock
Frederica

I took a walk today. My walk started like it always does as I journeyed downtown to the Milford Riverfront and then along the river to Goat Island. I’ve made this a regular ritual for me in the last few years. I enjoy the solitude, the changing seasons, and the friendly people I see along my route.

Today, my mind started to wander and imagine — the wheels were a turning. I found my three-mile walk-about became an eight-mile journey, thinking about my time in Milford, and how so much has changed in my 35 years living here. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow up in such a dynamic and caring community.

Jim Purcell

So much has been accomplished, especially in the last 15 years with the redevelopment of the downtown area and riverfront. My family and I enjoy living within walking distance to the downtown area, and appreciate the art, culture and entertainment it has brought to the community. I frequent many of the businesses, activities and programs that take place in the downtown area.

As my walk continued from its normal three-mile route to a circuitous eight-mile romp along the streets and avenues of Milford, I began to think about the future, and amazing potential Milford has to grow while maintaining its true small-town heritage.

I walked by the Milford Memorial Hospital, which just recently moved to the new Sussex Campus along Route 1 in Southeast Milford and saw the empty parking lot and I began to think what’s next. I know that we have a new owner of the property, and there appears to be good plans in place to revitalize, repurpose and make the property a continued viable asset to the community, but my mind also thought it needs to be done with focus and purpose.

My walk brought me to another property, which has been shuttered and vacant way too long. The Milford Middle School has been closed nearly nine years now and continues to erode before our eyes. I have been encouraged by the community meetings, and talk about the future of the property. It was decided in 2018 by a citizens committee that this location will again house a school of some sort, which I think is a sound idea.

Throughout my journey along the streets I also saw vacant homes, homes in disrepair and many business locations that stand vacant. I saw open space opportunities, which could become housing, parks and even business locations.

As new development spurs up around the new hospital campus and along Route 1 and Route 113, we also need to refocus and recommit our attention to our downtown area and neighborhoods around the downtown. South Milford — including the old hospital, the middle school and adjacent Simpson Tract land need to be redeveloped and developed in a way that will keep Milford connected. Also, along the south end of town are annexation opportunities along Marshall Street South Walnut all the way down to Lincoln.

In many ways the redevelopment of properties, improvements to current housing stock and the development of new properties needs a collaborative approach involving the city of Milford, Milford School District, our corporate community and property owners. What Milford needs is an organization whose sole purpose is to steward, finance and manage the redevelopment and future development of Milford’s social, business and cultural future.

Similar to other organizations like the Wilmington Redevelopment Corporation, we need a focused public and private partnership to see this important work through. By forming a corporation or semi-public authority we can bring innovation, finances and opportunities together in and impactful and efficient way. This organization created by and supported by the city, school district, business and local leaders can forge ahead projects to bring economic opportunity, housing, social and cultural development to a community which needs this focus.

The organization can develop grant and loan programs for property and business owners. They could negotiate and support business relocation to the community. This group can attract arts, culture and entertainment to our downtown area. The organization would support its work through public and private investment as well as grants and corporate investment opportunities. An executive director and limited staff can work closely with a diverse board to create a strategic plan for redevelopment projects and future development opportunities.

We have come too far to rest on our laurels or become dormant. We need to awaken to the enormous potential facing our greater community. Only together, with shared sacrifice and collaboration can we move forward. We can’t afford to say that’s a city issue, or a district issue or business issue. We must move forward together and we must be innovative in our approach. Let’s imagine, let’s awaken, let’s have vision.

Jim Purcell, a resident of Milford, is a former candidate for the 18th Senatorial District seat.

SMYRNA — Twelve Delaware high school students will participate in the state finals Tuesday at 7 p.m. for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest at Smyrna Opera House.

The winner of this competition will represent Delaware and advance to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. on April 29–May 1, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.

This program is sponsored by the Delaware Division of the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation.

Smyrna Opera House is 7 W. South St.

Delaware State finalists are

Emma Elliott, Dover High School;

Chelsea Anokye-Agyei, Hodgson Vo-Tech High School;

Sarah Stevenson, Milford Senior High School;

Nadia Sheikh, MOT Charter High School;

Daniel Patrick Johnson, Mount Sophia Academy;

Megan Chen, Newark Charter High School;

Ashton Driver, Red Lion Christian Academy;

Anne Rosenthal, Sanford School;

Brandon Greenlee, Sussex Central High School;

Samuel McGarvey, Tall Oaks Classical School;

Catherine Enslen, Ursuline Academy

Mariela Rivero, Wilmington Christian School.

Speakers will be Paul Weagraff, director, Delaware Division of the Arts and J. Mack Wathen, Chair, Delaware State Arts Council.

Mistress of ceremonies is Donna DeKuyper, Singer, Actress and Co-Owner, Hotel Blue, Lewes.

Judges are:

Dr. Ethan Joella, English and Social Sciences Faculty, University of Delaware, Georgetown, Director, Ethan Joella Communications

Susan Kehoe, Managing Partner, Browseabout Books, Rehoboth Beach,

The Rev. John G. Moore, Director, Philanthropy and Engagement, United Way of Delaware

Chet’la Sebree, 2019 Individual Artist Fellow – Poetry

Dr. David Teague, Professor of English, Associate in Arts Program, University of Delaware

Dr. Jesse Zuba, Assistant Professor of English, Delaware State University

Christian Wills, Former Poetry Out Loud Contestant will serve as the Prompter

Heather Morrissey, Delaware State Arts Council Member will serve as Accuracy Judge

JW2, made up of James Witherite (organ) and Jonathan W. Whitney (drums), will entertain.

Admission is free.

heryl Little, right, executive director of the Americans for Immigrant Justice organization, presents the Holly Skolnick Human Rights Award to Delaware State University student Indira Islas. (Submitted photo)

DOVER — The Americans for Immigrant Justice (AIJ) has presented DSU junior Indira Islas with its Holly Skolnick Human Rights Award for her inspiring story as a Dreamer and her advocacy for immigrants.

The organization flew her to Miami, Florida., where it held its 23rd annual AIJ Awards Dinner.

In a letter to the honoree, AIJ Executive Director Cheryl Little said that Ms. Islas is an “ideal recipient for this award,” noting that she has “given voice to immigrants at this critical time, when they are being driven even further into the shadows, and your family’s powerful story is an inspiration to us all. It has shined a light on the plight of Dreamers and other hardworking immigrants whose value to this country is immeasurable.”

In receiving the award, Ms. Islas joins a list of past recipients who include honorees lawyer and author Jeffrey Toobin, actresses Anne Hathaway and Rosie Perez, immigration activist Jose Antonio Vargas, broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien, and others.

A biological sciences major, Ms. Islas was part of the first group of Dreamers that enrolled at DSU in 2016 as part of the then-newly established Opportunity Scholarship — created by TheDream.US specifically for undocumented immigrant students largely barred from enrollment in state institutions of higher education in their home states.

During her first year at DSU, Ms. Islas and her family’s story was highlighted along with other DSU Dreamers in a New York Times feature article. By her second year, Ms. Islas and other DSU Dreamers — the name adopted for undocumented students or otherwise known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) — began traveling to Washington to lobby Congress members concerning the plight of their status.

Ms. Islas said that the ongoing negative development in the current White House Administration’s immigration policy was a significant point of stress for Dreamers at DSU, but it also prompted them to take action by lobbying on Capitol Hill.

“I’m the kind of person who just can’t sit around and not do anything about something that affects me, my family and other people,” she said. “It is definitely stressful, but the fact that we have each other here in the Dreamer community is very encouraging.”

Ms. Islas and other Dreamers have been lobbying in Washington, D.C. through periodic trips there since the present administration rescinded the DACA Policy in 2017. She believes their efforts are making a difference.

“This past summer, I was lobbying for a petition for the House to bring down a vote on DACA legislation, and all we needed was to get the last few Democrats to sign onto the legislation,” she said. “The last Democrat we talked to two hours later signed onto the legislation.”

Through it all, Ms. Islas — like many of the DSU Dreamers — has maintained a high academic performance status. A native of Mexico who grew up in Gainesville, Ga., she aspires to be doctor.

She said the notification that she was being recognized by the AIJ was a big surprise.

“It’s simply a great honor,” Ms. Islas said. “It is definitely encouraging and motivates me to keep going and not give up just because there is an obstacle in the way.”

Delaware State pulled away in the second half to post a 70-60 win over Coppin State and snap a three-game losing streak in MEAC men’s basketball on Monday night.

The Hornets (2-11 MEAC, 5-21 overall) only led by two at intermission before out-scoring the Eagles (6-8 MEAC, 7-22 overall) by a 42-34 margin after intermission.

Three players finished in double figures for DelState: Kevin Larkin (16 points), Jonathan Mitchell (15) and D’Marco Baucum (11). Larkin also pulled down 18 rebounds as the Hornets finished with a 46-35 edge on the boards.

The DSU road victory avenged a four-point loss to Coppin State earlier in the season.

The Hornets trailed by seven points earlier before going up by as many as 11 with 8:13 remaining.

WOMEN, Coppin State 85, Delaware State 59: The Eagles (3-11 MEAC, 3-23 overall) out-scored the Hornets by 12 points in the first quarter and by 10 points in the fourth before picking up just their third win of the season.

NaJai Pollard was limited to just nine points while playing only 26 minutes after getting in foul trouble. The DSU senior did have 10 rebounds.

Lanayjha Ashe netted a team-high 20 points for the Hornets (3-10 MEAC, 5-19 overall) while Yasmin Batch added 11.

DelState led for only 3:01 of the contest.

College track & field

Wesley shines in Boston: The Wesley College men’s and women’s track & field teams geared up for nationals at the weekend-long Boston University Last Chance Meet.

On the men’s side, Wesley had six top-10 finishes. Kai Cole picked up three top-10 finishes while Thomas Kalieta Jr. collected two top-10 finishes.

Cole placed second in the 60-meter dash (6.79 seconds). Cole and Kalieta placed 5-6 in the 200-meter dash. Cole finished in 21.40 seconds while Kalieta crossed the line in 21.43 seconds.

Both Cole and Kalieta obliterated the previous school record in the 200 meters of 21.54 seconds held by Anthony Simpson in 2016. Cole and Kalieta now rank first and second in the nation in the 200-meter dash. Both of their times were the fastest ran in Division III indoor track in over two years.

On the women’s side, Evelina Sloboh finished second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.61 seconds.

Downstaters among UD winners: Delaware posted 18 top-three finishes, including eight victories and one school record at this weekend’s Armory Last Chance Meet in New York City.

Seniors Carly Pettipaw (500m), Caesar Rodney High’s Jeanette Bendolph (800m) and Ashley Bailey (pole vault), along with freshman Danielle Rochester (60m), sophomore Susanna Weir (1000m), junior Stephanie Bazan (5000m), sophomore Myrissa McFolling-Young (shot put) from Smyrna and the 4×200 relay team all came away with wins at the meet.

College golf

Hens third in tourney: The Delaware women’s golf team is tied for third place while Thitaree Sakulbunpanich is tied for 10th following Monday’s second round of the Kiawah Island Spring Classic.

After the Blue Hens carded a 289 score on Sunday, Delaware followed with a 296 score on Monday to end the day tied for third place out of 49 teams. North Florida leads the field at 577, Coastal Carolina is second at 581, and the Blue Hens and College of Charleston are tied for third at 585.

Sakulbunpanich fired a 73 on the par 72, 5,941-yard Oak Point Golf Club course, and is tied for 10th place with a one over par 72-73-145. She posted three birdies on Monday while adding 13 pars.

Delmarva’s Josh Vonhoff (15) is the Royals’ tallest player at about 6-foot-6. Delaware State News/Marc Clery

Nobody, outside of their opponents, knows much about Delmarva Christian boys’ basketball.

So most people believe the Royals will simply exit quietly in the DIAA state tournament.

And that’s just fine with Delmarva coach Micah Twedell.

“They realize they’re underdogs,” the second-year coach said about his players. “I told them, ‘Look, nobody expects you to do anything, so you’re playing with house money at this point.’”

The 20th-seeded Royals (19-2) will get their chance to earn some attention tonight when they play at No. 13 Tower Hill (14-6) in the opening round of the boys’ state tournament. The matchup is one of eight first-round games, all starting at 7 p.m.

Kandice Schlabach and her Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball teammates will host Ursuline in the first round of the DIAA state tournament on Wednesday night. Delaware State News/Ben Heck

But the basketball excitement doesn’t end there for Delmarva Christian, the 15-year-old high school of over 200 students in Georgetown.

On Wednesday night, the Royals’ girls’ basketball squad will host mighty Ursuline — the 17-time state champion — in the first round of that state tournament. While schools having teams in both tourneys isn’t that uncommon — there are 10 this year — it’s believed to be only the second time it’s happened for Delmarva Christian.

“There’s a pretty big buzz around school,” said athletic director Jim Berger. “When the brackets were announced, I think everybody around campus was pretty excited.”

“The exciting thing is, we’re going to play tomorrow night,” Twedell said on Monday. “And win or lose, we’ll be able to cheer on our girls on Wednesday,”

Most small schools are close-knit. Berger said 79 percent of the student body played at least one sport last school year while over 40 percent played three.

Delmarva Christian’s boys faced Dover last season. Delaware State News/Marc Clery

For the Royals’ boys, this is their first time in the state tournament since 2009.

Of course the nice thing about being an underdog is that it’s pretty easy just to focus on that one game. Twedell said none of his players should get caught looking ahead.

“To be honest, our guys aren’t thinking ‘Who’s after Tower Hill?’” he said. “We’re thinking about Tower Hill. We’re literally taking things one game at a time.”

Making the state tournament is a little more of a regular occurrence for Delmarva’s girls, who have a first-year head coach in Jedidiah Roach. This will be the Royals’ fifth-straight trip to the tourney — although they are 0-4 in that span.

Certainly, getting the chance to host a program like No. 17 Ursuline (7-11) is an unusual opportunity for No. 16 Delmarva (16-5). While the Raiders are having an off season, they did just win three state crowns in a row (2015-17).

The Royals and junior Mara Agapito have posted a record of 16-5 this winter. Delaware State News/Ben Heck

“I think they know they’re up for a challenge,” Berger said about the Royals. “But I think they’re excited just for the opportunity.

“This is a great platform for us,” he added. “We’ve got hard-working kids. I like to tell people, we have the best of both worlds. We’re in a small conference where we compete very well. But then we also have the opportunities, when the season’s go right, to play on a bigger stage like the DIAA state tournament. Our kids love this time of the year.”

Whatever happens this week, both Royals’ squads have already won Eastern Shore Christian Interscholastic Athletic Conference titles.

Still, the state tournament is an opportunity for Delmarva Christian’s basketball teams to get noticed by a wider audience.

Twedell points out that the Royals did play both St. Georges and Dover last season.

“So at least most of my guys have played against some really tough teams,” he said. “I’m hoping they know what to expect and know what they need to bring to the table.

“We’re excited to be there and we realize we’re playing a very good team. … I told the guys, you guys have no pressure on you. Nobody expects you to win so you’ve got to come in there with a lot of energy.”

Notes

• The three Henlopen Conference schools with teams in both the boys’ and girls’ state tournaments are Lake Forest, Sussex Tech and Woodbridge.

• Lake Forest’s boys’ first-round matchup with Christiana is a rematch of last year’s first round. The Spartans won that contest, 74-53, but their two leading scorers from that game, Isaiah Morris and Thomas Hoskins, both graduated.

The Vikings’ Jah-Keish Demby who netted a game-high 24 points a year ago, on the other hand, is still only a sophomore.

• Opening-round opponents Woodbridge and Mt. Pleasant shouldn’t have to do much scouting. The two squads just played on Thursday, with the Green Knights winning 64-48.

• First-round foes Milford and Sussex Tech may both be members of the Henlopen Conference. But they haven’t played in boys’ basketball since 2013 when both were members of the Henlopen North.

Of course, with Milford going back into the North next school year, tonight’s meeting will just be the first of a renewed rivalry.

• Of the 24 teams in the girls’ bracket, 11 are from private schools. Only eight of the 24 teams from the boys’ side are from non-public schools.

DOVER — If you’ve noticed more rodents in your home this winter, it’s no coincidence.

They’ve been driven indoors statewide because of excessively cold regional temperatures, says a new report by the National Pest Management Association.

“After experiencing its eighth coldest November on record, rodent populations in cities like Wilmington were likely driven indoors early to escape the cold, and expected snowfall through the end of February will keep them there until warmer temperatures return in the spring,” said Brittany Campbell, an NPMA entomologist.

An inordinate amount of rain in the run-up to the winter will also have lingering affects in the spring as well, noted Ms. Campbell.

“Periods of cold temperatures and snow followed by warmer temperatures could create stagnant pools of water around the home, with excess moisture creating an ideal habitat for a number of pests to multiply including cockroaches and ants,” she said.

Ahead of spring would be a good time to for Delawareans to give their homes a quick once over with a focus on finding pest issues.

“Throughout the entire state, residents should take time to assess the structure of their home to ensure it hasn’t been compromised due to extreme winter weather, like cracks in the foundation, clogged gutters, etc.,” said Ms. Campbell. “With Wilmington also experiencing its wettest November ever on record, moisture buildup throughout the winter could potentially leave homes vulnerable to termite infestations come spring. If an infestation is suspected, be sure to contact a licensed pest control professional to help assess and treat the situation.”

NPMA’s bi-annual “Vector Sectors” winter report lists the top ten U.S. cities with the greatest risk for increased pressure from vector pests — organisms that can transmit disease to humans — including rodents and cockroaches.

Specifically, house mice and deer mice are capable of spreading salmonella and hantavirus, respectively. Norway rats and roof rats can spread salmonella, plague, typhus, jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus

and trichinosis, the report says. Cockroaches reportedly are capable of spreading at least 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella as well as six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other types of human pathogens.

“They are also known to trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children, making awareness and prevention vital to protecting public health,” the report reads.

Though no cities in Delaware made the top ten list, but both Baltimore and Washington D.C. were in the top ten carrying the same caution about sustained freezing temperatures driving rodents indoors.

Other cities that topped the report for myriad reasons — usually related to climate conditions — were Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Tampa.

The NPMA also provides a list of common-sense prevention measures:

•Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly

•Clean up food spills and vacuum regularly to eliminate attractive food sources

•Fix leaking pipes, clogged drains to avoid moisture problems,

•Seal potential pest entry points such as cracks, gaps or areas where plumbing pipes and utility lines enter the home

•Contact a pest control professional if an infestation is suspected

BOWERS — About 200 power outages remained around 9:45 a.m. Monday as gusting winds affected service throughout Kent and Sussex counties.

The Delaware Electric Cooperative expected to be responding to scattered outages throughout the day, spokesman Jeremy Tucker said, and 10 separate locations had issues by mid-morning.

About 1,000 DEC members lost power at some point, including 500 in the Long Neck area. Power was cut to a large tree falling on lines, but restored by around 7 a.m.,

The National Weather Service predicted upcoming relief from the gusts:

“Winds diminish (Monday night), generally to 15-20 mph with 20-30 mph gusts through midnight or so, then winds diminish to 5-10 mph in outlying areas, and to 10-15 mph near the coasts.

“Winds may become light in some spots well after midnight and towards daybreak Tuesday.”

Outages continued in the Cheswold, Harrington and Camden areas, with power restored in Bowers, according to Mr. Tucker.

Saturated ground due to recent rain caused many trees to be easier uprooted. The trees needed to be removed, lines rebuilt and poles secured before power could be safely restored.

The wide ranging outages – only a few in some spots – challenged the 40 linemen to respond quickly to the scattered areas.

“Weather drives a lot of what we do and it takes time to clear an area for safety and then work on the power source itself,” Mr. Tucker said.

Prompted by weather forecasts Sunday, DEC had crews on standby to address issues.

“We were prepared,” Mr. Tucker said. “It’s a 24 hour a day business, so we can be called at any time to respond.”

While Mr. Tucker described DEC’s in-house power map as “really sophisticated” and able to detect outages immediately, he still encouraged members to call 855-332-9090. Also, the cooperative posted a map of expected wind gust totals on its Facebook page, along with notifications on the DEC app.

DOVER — The city of Dover’s Public Works Streets Division — which oversees street maintenance through much of the city — recently made a sweeping decision that will affect Dover’s streets each calendar year.

Sharon J. Duca, director of the Public Works Department, said that street sweeping operations within the city will be suspended from Jan. 1 until March 31 each year due to freezing temperatures that could cause damage to the street sweepers.

The stoppage will affect both daytime and nighttime operations.

“We had recently gotten a new street sweeper and when we were going through the operations with manufacturer, they told us that it is recommended not to run street-sweeping operations in certain temperatures,” Ms. Duca said. “You’ve got to take care of equipment.

“While it is important that the city of Dover maintains this important operational service, the city must sustain the life and operational capabilities of its street sweepers by adhering to the vehicle manufacturer’s operating guidelines.”

The city recently purchased a new street sweeper for $230,000 to work alongside another street sweeper owned by the city that is around eight- to 10-years-old.

The city also announced the Dover Police Department will not be enforcing parking restrictions downtown during the postponement of street sweeping from Jan. 1 thru March 31.

In areas where signs are posted regarding no parking for street sweeping, the signs will be covered up and no tickets will be issued.

The city plans on installing replacement signs in the future.

As for any debris that might build up on the streets during the first quarter of the year, Ms. Duca said the Public Works Department will keep an eye out for it.

“That’s something where we will try to keep an eye on it,” she said. “If there’s a critical situation, a lot of debris on the street, we could go out and clean it up when we got a warmer day, which we always seem to get every now and then in the winter. We would try to address any problems during the daytime.”

A city of Dover social media post, asking patience from residents, stated, “It is our intention to continue to provide a level of service that is productive, proactive and presentable. As we work to provide our residents and visitors alike with quality service, we ask for your patience and understanding during this transition. Please join us in supporting these street sweeping changes as we continue to work hard for you.”

DOVER — The family of a Dover resident, who was the elderly primary caregiver of 44 mostly small dogs, found themselves in urgent need of assistance after the dog’s caregiver passed away earlier last week.

The relatives contacted the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) for help with the dogs and the OAW collaborated with the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) in removing the dogs from a home in Dover on Friday.

One of the 44 displaced dogs.

“We are glad that someone reached out to us for assistance, so that we could remove the dogs from an unfortunate situation and work with the Brandywine Valley SPCA to get them into loving homes,” said Christina Motoyoshi, director of the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare.

The dogs consist of mostly small breeds, including Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers. They range in age from young adults to seniors.

The BVSPCA took 30 of the dogs to their Animal Rescue Center (ARC) in Georgetown and the remaining 14 to their New Castle Campus. The dogs received initial exams by BVSPCA staff at the property and subsequently received full veterinary evaluations by the BVSPCA medical team.

The dogs, which were in good condition at intake, are being spayed and neutered Monday and today.

A total of 36 of the dogs will be placed up for adoption and eight will be returned to relatives following their spay/neuter surgeries.

The BVSPCA expects the first dogs to become available for adoption today at the New Castle and Georgetown campuses, then some on Wednesday at the West Chester Campus. Any dogs needing time to adjust or significant medical care will remain in the BVSPCA care as needed

“We appreciate the next of kin taking a proactive role to ensure the safety and well-being of these dogs,” said Adam Lamb, CEO of the Brandywine Valley SPCA. “Having the infrastructure that we do across the state of Delaware made us uniquely qualified to respond to that request for help.”

GEORGETOWN — Dogs and cats from across America and around the globe are receiving care and rehabilitation at Brandywine Valley SPCA’s new Animal Rescue Center/Eastern Shore Pet Resort campus.

On Saturday, BVSPCA welcomed the public for an open house/ribbon cutting and tours of its 11,500 square-foot facility — the former Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary — that the SPCA purchased at public auction in June 2018.

The campus is located on 13 acres on Shingle Point Road east of Georgetown. Save Haven closed its doors in December 2013.

“We are so excited,” said BVSCPA marketing director Linda Torelli.

“It has been a journey,” said Walt Fenstermacher, BVSPCA’s Delaware director. “We just moved into Sussex County into our Georgetown facility in 2017, and with the purchase of the old Safe Haven facility we knew that the community had invested a lot of their feelings and dollars into the work that was originally going to be performed at Safe Haven.

“We wanted to see that kind of revitalized. We always had a dream to have a rescue and rehab facility, and with something so close here in Delaware, a building that can be repurposed and brought back to life. That is what we wanted to do.”

The rescue center and pet resort, which generates revenue to support the rescue/rehab component, officially opened in January, although rescue work began last fall.

During renovation, more than 500 animals were saved, including hurricane victims and animals at risk of euthanasia at other shelters.

“We really just opened last month for full operations, but we started in September using the rescue center facility,” said Ms. Torelli. “As soon as Hurricane Florence hit, we felt like we were far enough along to put the building into action. We took almost 300 animals in between Hurricanes Florence and Michael.”

“By the end of the year we had helped another 200 animals through a combination of local cases and animals at risk in other shelters.

“We helped out a shelter in Arizona, a lot of small dogs that were at risk of euthanasia,” said Ms. Torelli. “We weren’t even done (renovating) and saved 500 animals, so we’re really proud of that.”

The ARC, which occupies approximately two thirds of the campus, helps animals needing additional support to reach adoption status.

“The work that is being done is specialty work. Animals stay with us longer than they would in our standard shelters. These animals need behavior modification and socialization, some of them,” said Mr. Fenstermacher.

“The longer stay also means more dollars to support those pets, and that’s when we decided what better way to support the life-saving work than to offer a public service that is needed in the area through Eastern Shore Pet Resort.”

“Most of the animals that are brought into the Animal Rescue Center, once they are available for adoption though rehabilitation, they will be able to find homes in our Georgetown, New Castle and also West Chester facilities,” said Mr. Fenstermacher.

The BVSPCA Georgetown shelter/animal health center is located at 22918 DuPont Boulevard in Georgetown.

The ARC’s behavior program includes animals from a recent cruelty case and a Korean dog meat farm shut down by Humane Society International, as well as at-risk dogs rescued from another shelter being prepared for adoption.

“We have a partnership with the Humane Society International,” said Ms. Torelli. “They are doing work in South Korea to close down the dog meat farms. These are all dog meat farm survivors. In their case people were never good …”

“One of the amazing things about this work is that they not only remove to dogs from the dog meat farms, they help the farmers change over to plant-based crops. It’s a sustainable change,” said Ms. Torelli. “These particular dogs, the farmer is now growing medicinal herbs in Korea.”

Among the rescues at the Georgetown rescue center are five of 16 German Shepherds that were living in livestock pens in rural Georgia.

“These particular animals don’t know people. So, it’s not that the people are bad, they don’t know them at all,” Ms. Torelli said.

“Every morning they get hand-fed by people. Dogs like this are a big flight risk if we were going to put them in a home. It’s getting them used to people, living indoors.

“There is a whole behavioral structure to help them. We took in 16. Some of them were actually pretty comfortable with people. Those went into homes. We had some go into foster homes. These (five) are the less social.”

Closer to home, the rescue center on Feb. 22 took in 44 dogs from a home in Dover, Ms. Torelli said. (See story above.)

“An elderly homeowner passed away. She had 44 dogs in her care. They are all in pretty good condition. But her family called the Office of Animal Welfare for help with the dogs,” said Ms. Torelli. “So, Office of Animal Welfare is our partner; we have the contract with OAW for all of the lost and stray dogs and all of the cruelty cases.

“In this case it was just a family that needed assistance. We took in the 44 dogs, got them all checked out medically. They are in pretty good shape.”

“The family is actually going to take back eight and keep them. We’re going to rehome the rest, the other 36. Some are at our New Castle campus but most of them are here,” said Ms. Torelli, adding the dogs will be spayed or neutered and once cleared be placed for adoption.

The rescue center features specific areas, including an isolation wing, and a full surgical area for spay/neuter and significant medical cases. “We do have our own vets on staff,” Ms. Torelli said.

A recovery mat is used following surgery. “When animals come out of surgery, they tend to be really cold from the anesthesia. That is a heat mat; we call it the ‘beach,’” Ms. Torelli said.

The complex features an indoor playgroup area and outdoor playgroup areas, one with the doggie day care/resort and another with numerous fenced-in areas. This includes separate areas for large dogs and small dogs.

Meanwhile, Eastern Shore Pet Resort provides pampered pets with a luxury getaway for daycare and boarding.

Resort features include indoor and outdoor playgrounds, room service and customizable treats, bubble baths, in-suite television and one-on-one cuddle time.

“The amenities that we have here are those that you would want in your own home,” Mr. Fenstermacher said. “It’s definitely a bit different than the norm as pet boarding goes.”

Webcams, available in the VIP package, are in all 13 luxury suites and the doggie daycare areas, allowing owners halfway around the globe to check on their pets.

“So, 24/7 people can keep an eye on their pet. And they’ll know how everything is going,” said Ms. Torelli.

In addition, each suite has a television that can be tuned to animal and dog channels/programs as well as diffusers with “scents shown scientifically to help calm dogs down,” Ms. Torelli said.

“We basically customize each program for the family. If their dog likes other dogs, their dog will go to doggie daycare. If their dog doesn’t like other dogs, their dog will get leash-walked every day. We have customizable treats,” said Ms. Torelli. “We want it to be a pet resort, not just kennels and boarding. We want to have a place for people who really want to make sure their pets get a home away from home, so they get their own vacation.”

Among the canines on hand at the open house were four adorable mixed breed puppies rescued from Alabama. They were to be featured at an adoption event in New Castle County the day after BVSPCA’s open house event.

“We basically have four different kinds of animals that come in,” Ms. Torelli said. “Some will come in and go out pretty quickly, like the puppies. These particular animals came up from Alabama where they were at risk of euthanasia. In the south and those rural areas, of course spay-neuter isn’t as prevalent. Puppies are at risk of being euthanized. So, what we try to do is give people who really want a puppy a chance to adopt rather than buy from a breeder. It’s all about relocating animals to where they have a higher chance of being adopted.”

The rescue center is normally not open to the general public.

Ms. Torelli estimated several hundred people attended the Feb. 23 ribbon cutting. Pet owners were also invited to bring dog-friendly dogs to visit the indoor and outdoor playgroups.

“We offered something new for the community, and from the turnout on Saturday we can tell that everybody is really excited,” said Mr. Fenstermacher.

BVSPCA secured the property last June with a winning bid of $880,000 ($800,000 base, 10 percent auctioneer fee). An additional $500,000 was estimated for fit-out work, which included repairs and renovations to the building and property, and $250,000 in equipment and furniture.

Donor generosity helped to make that all possible. Revenue from the pet resort will help to sustain operations and rescue work.

“We’ve got real generous donors and that is really how we got this facility,” Ms. Torelli said. “But having diversity and our revenue with the pet resort is huge.

“For us to have the pet resort … that is a huge step to make sure we continue to take on really hard work. For ongoing operations one of the ways we are funding it is through the pet resort. Some shelters, they don’t have the resources to do that.”

The pet resort side of the campus is manned by BVSPCA staff. There are three staff members dedicated to the rescue center.

“And we have volunteers,” said Ms. Torelli. “We can always use more volunteers.”

Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals.

Information

For more information, visit the BVSPCA’s animal health center/shelter, 22918 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown or call 856-6361 or 516-1004.

WILMINGTON – A Delaware State Police trooper suffered non-life threatening injuries when dragged by a vehicle while directing traffic Monday afternoon, authorities said.

According to DSP spokesman Master Cpl. Michael Austin, the incident began at approximately 1:48 p.m. as the trooper, an 18-year veteran assigned to Troop 6, was out of his vehicle, manually directing traffic at the intersection of Kirkwood Highway and Farrand Drive due to the lights malfunctioning.

Soon after beginning the traffic detail, the trooper encountered a dark colored SUV, and had an interaction with the driver as the vehicle was stopped. During this interaction the vehicle drove off, dragging the trooper approximately one tenth of a mile, before he was separated from the vehicle, coming to rest in a grass median on Farrand Drive at the entrance to Kirkwood Gardens. The vehicle then fled the scene without stopping.

The trooper was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police asked anyone with information to Detective H. Carroll of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at 365-8467. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Police: 2 charged after drugs sent through US mail

DOVER — Two were arrested on drug charges following the detection of MDMA received through mail at the Dover Post Office, authorities said Monday.

According to spokesman Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Dover PD and Homeland Security investigated, along with Customs and Border Patrol and United States Postal Inspections. Michael Palmer Jr., 31, and Sheldon Claud, 38, were arrested without incident in the post office parking lot after receiving a package.

Police said that in addition to the 201.2 grams of MDMA, the following items were located: 45.2 grams of powder cocaine; 27.6 grams of crack cocaine; 532.6 grams of marijuana; 196 doses of LSD; approximately 1,239 bags of heroin (8.673 grams); 52 vials of THC oil (approx. 38.084 grams); loaded 9mm handgun; $6,904 in drug proceeds.

Possession charges included firearm during commission of a felony, heroin, crack cocaine, MDMA, with intent to deliver heroin, MDMA and crack cocaine, LSD (two counts), marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearm by person prohibited, along with second-degree conspiracy.

Both men were committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown, Mr. Palmer on a $702,200 cash bond, Claud on $691,200.

Suspect identified in burglary of US Gas

DOVER — A suspect is sought after US Gas was burglarized between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Dover Police spokesman Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman said.

The incident at 461 N. DuPont Highway was recorded on surveillance footage and determined that Kerry Pinkard, 56, allegedly broke a window to the business and stole an undisclosed amount of cash prior to fleeing, police said.

Third-degree burglary and other related charges are pending, police said.

Police asked anyone with information to call 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to an arrest.

Burglaries reported at Mod Pizza, Kirkland’s

DOVER — Two burglaries in the same shopping center last week are under investigation, ,Dover Police said.

According to spokesman Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman, between 9:50 p.m. Thursday and 8:04 a.m. Friday, an unknown suspect used a rock to break a window next to the front door of Mod Pizza. An undisclosed amount of cash from the registers was stolen.

At approximately 3:05 a,n,, police said, an unknown black male suspect used a rock to break a lower glass window next to the front door of Kirkland’s. Once inside the business, the suspect rummaged through the registers and through back offices before fleeing. It does not appear the suspect stole anything from Kirkland’s, police said.

Police asked anyone with information to call 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to an arrest.

DOVER – Hazing allegations are being investigated after four Delaware State University students and another person were injured Saturday in a two-vehicle crash on Del. 1 near the Del. 9 overpass near Smyrna, the school confirmed.

DSU President Dr. Wilma Mishoe and Executive President Dr. Tony Allen released a statement to the University community Monday night regarding the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and issued it publicly late Tuesday morning.

“Throughout the day we have continued to receive additional information concerning the accident our students were involved in on Saturday.

“We have decided to conduct a thorough investigation into what we now know are allegations of hazing and improper conduct in the membership intake processes of at least one Greek-letter organization on campus. While completing this investigation, we have placed a hold on all activities for this organization in particular, and are also issuing an unequivocal statement to the entire campus community:

“ ‘We are wholly committed to creating a campus that is welcoming to all students and supporting them in their academic and student life throughout their college years. Any action to the contrary will not be tolerated. To be clear, the University does not condone hazing or abusive conduct in any fashion, at any time.

“We are equally committed to thorough fact-finding, cooperation with all legal authorities, and an appropriate response to all of the affected parties.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured students, their families and the entire campus community. We appreciate your continued support during this difficult time.’ ”

DSU spokesman Carlos Holmes said all Kappa Alpha Psi “activities have been put on hold pending completion of an investigation.”

DSU Police and the Office of Student Affairs are investigating the matter. The nature of the possible hazing was not disclosed.

“We’re not commenting on specific allegations,” Mr. Holmes said. “We will conduct a through investigation and once completed the findings will be evaluated and lead us to what actions we may have to take.”

National organization responds

Kappa Alpha Psi’s national headquarters released a statement early Tuesday afternoon:

“On (Saturday) four candidates for membership in the Delaware State University Chapter the Pi Eta of Kappa Alpha Psi were involved in an automobile accident where all candidates were taken to the hospital with two listed in serious condition and others listed as stable.

“Kappa Alpha Psi has suspended operations of the chapter pending investigation and will fully cooperate with the Delaware State Police throughout the investigation. Kappa Alpha Psi will work closely with the university on the fraternity’s course of action.”

According to Kappa Alpha Psi Executive Director John F. Burrell, “We want to express our concern and offer thoughts and prayers for all involved.

“We are so grateful for the first responders and law enforcement officers as they provided important care and protections during the accident.”

In 2013, DSU determined that 16 members of school band groups participated in minor hazing incidents and faced possible dismissal from the organizations.

While DSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Alton Thompson described at the time the actions as late-night and early-morning pranks with no injuries resulting, they did violate a strict adherence to student code of conduct that has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing.

“The actions involved things like some students getting coffee and drinks for others at all hours of the night, answering cell phones early in the morning, taunting, name calling, situps, pushups, running, things of that nature,” Dr. Thompson said.

The crash detailed

Delaware State Police responded to media questions about the incident with a statement as well:

“The investigation is active and ongoing and there are no further details to release at this time.
“The Delaware State Police have not released any information as to whether or not any of the injured subjects were affiliated with Delaware State University and have no information nor comment about any suspected hazing.”

According to the DSP the driver of a 2007 Chevrolet Impala and a passenger were transported to Christiana Hospital in critical condition, and two passengers were in stable condition. A lone occupant of a 2019 Toyota Tacoma was taken to Christiana Hospital in stable condition.

Police reported the accident took place late in the afternoon. Del. 1 northbound was closed for about four hours as an investigation ensued and the scene was cleared.

In announcing the crash last weekend, DSP said the Chevrolet veered into the center grass median, then began to spin counter-clockwise into the northbound lanes and into a vehicle driven by a Pennsylvania man.

The Toyota’s front end struck the Chevrolet’s passenger side, moving it northbound for a shot distance before both vehicles came to a rest in the middle of the highway, authorities said.

According to the New Castle County Paramedics Facebook page, the Kent County 911 center dispatched fire and EMS units at 4:50 p.m. The first responder within a minute was an off-duty NCC Paramedic Sergeant just beginning his work commute.

The paramedic reportedly found for people trapped in a vehicle, two who could not be accessed due to extensive damage.

Police asked anyone with information to call Cpl. J. Lane of the Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 698-8457. Information can be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

WASHINGTON — A House committee voted Tuesday to subpoena Trump administration officials over family separations at the southern border, the first issued in the new Congress as Democrats have promised to hold the administration aggressively to count.

The decision by the Oversight Committee will compel the heads of Justice, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to deliver documents to lawmakers.

The committee’s chairman, Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, has pledged to press the administration for documents and testimony on a wide swath of issues, but family separation was among his first priorities.

“I believe this is a true national emergency,” Cummings said. “When our own government rips children from the arms of their mothers and fathers with no plans to reunite them – that is government-sponsored child abuse.”

Cummings said committee members have been seeking the documents for seven months.

The Oversight Committee is seeking details on the children separated, location and facilities where they were held, details on their parents, information on efforts to restore children to their parents and whether parents were deported.

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the committee’s ranking Republican, sent Cummings a letter arguing that the subpoenas would not be necessary, and that the administration had produced hundreds of pages of documents in response to earlier requests for information.

“We should not rush to compel documents from the departments, especially when they have sought to comply with your request voluntarily,” Jordan wrote.

Other Republicans said the committee should go through the paperwork they have on hand before deciding whether the agencies haven’t complied with the request, and ask for data related to separations under the Obama administration. But two voted to issue the subpoenas.

Cummings said the documents already submitted to the committee were vastly incomplete.

“The information we got was not one name, not one number,” Cummings said. “Zilch.”

The House Judiciary Committee authorized a subpoena to compel then-acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to testify if necessary, but it was never served.

If any officials don’t comply with new subpoenas, the committee and eventually the full House could vote to hold the department in contempt, setting up a potentially lengthy court battle

More than 2,700 children were separated from their parents at the border last year under a zero-tolerance immigration policy by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions that criminally prosecuted anyone caught crossing the border illegally.

Because children can’t be placed with their parents in jail, they were separated. Watchdog reports have found the administration was not prepared to manage the aftermath of the separations, and had no way to track the families and did not have a way to reunite them until a federal judge stepped in.

An internal watchdog report recently found that thousands more children than previously thought may have been separated before the zero-tolerance policy officially began. Immigration officials are allowed to separate children if there is a concern for the child’s well-being, if a parent has a criminal charge or if there are serious health risks.

HANOI, Vietnam — After long journeys to Vietnam, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are in place for their second summit to address perhaps the world’s biggest security challenge: Kim’s pursuit of a nuclear program that stands on the verge of realistically threatening targets around the planet.

Although many experts are skeptical Kim will give up the nuclear weapons he likely sees as his best guarantee of continued rule, there was a palpable, carnival-like excitement among many in Hanoi as the final preparations were made for the meeting. There were also huge traffic jams in the already congested streets.

The two leaders are to meet over two days, first at dinner on Wednesday followed by meetings on Thursday.

Trump arrived late Tuesday in Air Force One after a flight that included refueling stops in England and Qatar. He shook hands with dignitaries on a red carpet that was flanked by members of the Vietnamese armed forces dressed in crisp white uniforms. The route to his hotel was decorated with American, North Korean and Vietnamese flags, and adults and children peered out upper floor windows holding up cellphones to capture Trump’s arrival.

“Tremendous crowds, and so much love!” the U.S. president tweeted.

Kim’s journey to the summit, though shorter, was even more protracted. To get to Hanoi, he took a nearly 70-hour train ride through southern China and then traveled from a Vietnamese border town in his limousine. Hours ahead of his border crossing at Dong Dang, footage from Japanese TV network TBS showed Kim taking a pre-dawn smoke break at a train station in China, a woman who appeared to be his sister, Kim Yo Jong, holding a crystal ashtray at the ready.

In Hanoi, soldiers, police and international journalists thronged the streets outside his hotel and hundreds of eager citizens stood behind barricades hoping to see the North Korean leader. As flags from the three countries fluttered in a chilly drizzle, dozens of cameras flashed and some citizens screamed and used their mobile phones to capture Kim’s rock-star-like arrival.

“I like him,” local resident Van Dang Luu, who works at a nearby bank, said of Kim. “He is very young and he is very interesting. And he is very powerful,” she said. “Trump is not young, but I think he is very powerful.”

Kim ventured out of his locked-down hotel and spent Tuesday traveling around the Vietnamese capital in his armored limousine. With a squad of bodyguards in tow, he visited sections of Hanoi, including his nation’s embassy where a loud cheer went up as he entered the compound.

The leaders first met last June in Singapore, a summit that was long on historic pageantry but short on any enforceable agreements for North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal.

North Korea has spent decades, at great economic sacrifice, building its nuclear program, and there is widespread skepticism among experts that it will give away that program cheaply.

Trump laid out ultimate goals for both the U.S. and Kim in an appearance before the nation’s governors Monday before leaving Washington: “We want denuclearization, and I think he’ll have a country that will set a lot of records for speed in terms of an economy.”

Trump has praised Pyongyang for ceasing missile tests, and he has appeared to ease up on demanding a timeline for disarmament. Kim is seeking relief from crushing U.S. sanctions.

Even as he tamped down expectations that he’ll achieve big strides toward denuclearization, Trump was still eager to claim an attention-grabbing victory to offset the political turmoil he faces at home.

That eagerness for a victory, however, has spawned worries across world capitals about what Trump might be willing to give up in the name of a win. There seems less mystery about his North Korean counterpart. Survival of the Kim regime is always the primary concern.

Trump was the driving force behind this week’s summit, aiming to re-create the global spectacle of his first meeting with Kim last year.

Four main goals emerged from the first Trump-Kim summit: establishing new relations between the nations, building a new peace on the entire Korean Peninsula, completing denuclearization of the peninsula and recovering U.S. POW/MIA remains from the Korean War.

While some remains have been returned to the United States, little has been achieved on the other points. Korean and American negotiators have not settled on either the parameters of denuclearization or a timetable for the removal of both Korean weapons and American sanctions.

“I’m not in a rush. I don’t want to rush anybody, I just don’t want testing. As long as there’s no testing, we’re happy,” Trump told the governors on Sunday.

As host, Vietnam is eager to show off its huge economic and development improvements since the destruction of the Vietnam War, but the country also tolerates no dissent and is able to provide the kind of firm hand not allowed by more democratic potential hosts.

Stephanie Seeman of Dover took this photo at Woodland Beach on Dec. 31.

Readers reacted to a recent commentary by state Rep. Lyndon Yearick headlined “Legalizing recreational marijuana creates consequences for our youth.”

• Good points, but have we learned anything from Colorado? There is no comparison made between before and after cannabis was legalized. If so, were the benchmarks the same then as now? How does this compare to alcohol? Back in my day, we were taught the dangers of alcohol. — Dave Johnson

• It hasn’t been legal there long enough to really have a good sense of long-term changes in youth usage, but so far it does not seem to have had an impact on rates. I get why the author and others have concerns, but at least so far they don’t seem to be justified by the numbers. — Andrew Martin

• Legalize it! Make it the same restriction as alcohol and tobacco for minors. — Jackie Fisher

• Kids already use it a lot. Better that we fully legalize it so kids don’t risk fentanyl-laced weed from dealers who get it from bad sources. — Erin Chronister

• Great opinion. Lots of valid data. I have two questions for him. 1) Do you drink — even socially or at home privately? 2) In your opinion, which is worse, recreational smoking pot or recreational drinking? Let’s talk from that point because I don’t think the data is worse for alcohol than pot. — Joe Bernard

• Keeping children from using substances that harm them is a parental issue. Decriminalize and legalize cannabis. — Jim Ippolito

• My children go to school in Rep Yearick’s district. They attend Allen Frear Elementary and Postlethwait Middle School, which are ranked some of the best in Delaware. Within a rock’s throw distance to both schools is a gas station which sells two extremely lethal substances, alcohol and cigarettes. Not to mention the bar/restaurant across the street which has a line out the door for happy hour. Need I remind anyone thousands of children and teens die each year from both alcohol and tobacco, which the same cannot be said about cannabis. Guess why selling these things so close to two public schools is OK? The We Card program. It works folks. Sorry, this argument holds no ground. — Kim Petters

• Let’s not use “The Children” as an excuse to prohibit and criminalize adult use of a natural plant far less dangerous than perfectly legal alcohol because nobody condones child use, and this is about allowing adults only to choose marijuana.

It’s our responsibility as parents by to educate our children on drug use. It’s not the government’s job to force Draconian marijuana laws upon every adult citizen under the guise of protecting “The Children”.

What message are we sending our children when it is easier for them to obtain marijuana now with it being illegal than it is for them to buy alcohol?

It doesn’t take the intellect of a genius to understand that stores card kids for I.D. Thugs and gang members do not. They also push the real hard drugs on children. Stores do not. Marijuana legalization will make it harder for children to obtain it. — Brian Kelly

This is your public forum.We welcome your opinions, which can be emailed to newsroom@newszap.com or posted online under the stories at www.DelawareStateNews.net.

I am nearly speechless, totally appalled. I am 71. I was a political science major in college and have followed/studied politics ever since. Now I have considerable expertise in criminal justice.

Never in my life have I seen a more troubling, more totally screwed up, more deeply tragic, more ill-conceived and wildly out of control mess in government than the current Trump handling of child immigrants! I am almost at a loss for words.

Due to the fragmentation of the immigration system – we have Trump himself, the DOJ, the State Department, ICE, Homeland Security, Fox News spreading tons of false information, Health and Human Services, the Congress, the Border Patrol, and others, involved now with the Trump policy of ripping children from their parents — it’s a total disaster.

Their parents’ only crime was to seek opportunity in the land of opportunity. Even those with claims of asylum are blocked by Border Patrol agents.

Because so many of the professionals [those with experience and knowledge pertinent to the issues] in most of those agencies have quit or been fired, and a bunch of unqualified “yes men and women” have been appointed by Trump to head those agencies, It is a national disgrace of a three ring circus!!

It is abundantly clear that thousands of infants, toddlers and young innocent children are “God only knows where,” in prisons called “home” and nobody has a plan to reunite the families. Indeed, the process has been so sloppy that many may never be reunited.

Ken Abraham
Dover

Frank Daniels’ letter (“To each his own”) addressed to Bill Clemens struck me with its consistent level of fallacious posturing. There was a wild flailing at imaginary shadows flickering across the tedium of his erroneous assumptions. Parts of it had about the same amount of legitimacy as a Trump stump speech. By the way, Frank, nowhere did I find that Mr Clemens “attacked (you) on a personal level.”

Moving on to a brief clarification of your favorite reactionary bugaboo, the word socialism. Simply put, socialism generally puts the well-being of society ahead of the greedy appetites of the few. Goals include providing a reasonable percentage of one’s earnings to support a basic quality of life, a free and secure society, and an equitable income for all.

Another universal principal of socialism is found in a healthy skepticism of unregulated, privileged workings of economic markets. These freewheeling, ethically immune systems are geared, normally at the expense of employees and the general population, toward the continuing increase of wealth for private corporate management, share holders, and the attendant governance that supports the exploitative system.

It is clear that under-regulated economic systems are highly susceptible to greed and abuse of power, resulting in the “trickle up” effect — the river of affluence flowing up to the affluent, the opposite of Reagan’s erroneous “trickle down” theory of wealth distribution.

American “Socialism” means different things to different people. Often right wingers consciously confuse socialism with Soviet-style communism or some ill defined system of unlimited welfare and anarchy.

The GOP routinely uses this designed confusion as a bogus pejorative talking point aimed at Democrats and Progressives, frequently during election campaigns. Many of these same people do serious damage to the foundations of the nation by concocting conspiracy deceptions that repeatedly target political and cultural opponents. When that happens, it’s called treachery. When that happens within conspiracies with a hostile foreign power, it’s called treason.

The U.S. is not a socialist country. Our citizens are nearly unanimous in rejecting Marxism, anarchism, ISIS and mostly dismiss neo-Nazism despite the efforts of the co-Conspirator-in-Chief. America probably comes closest to the social democracies of Europe but without many of their considerably stronger safety net of public benefits, such as high quality universal health care, free education, and income equity. Of course taxes are higher but the net gains are also significantly greater.

As a pluralistic capitalist democracy, we have adapted many successful programs that are paid for by citizen (and immigrant) taxation and services. They are also beneficial and very popular, but only partially defrays the human cost and suffering to millions trapped in the basement of under regulated capitalism. You say “no one gave (you) anything?” Really, nothing from Uncle Sam? Not ever? No tax rebate? Not even Social Security?

In my own life I have relied on work income. I have also benefited from the GI Bill, wide-ranging VA medical care, and a SS check once a month. That too was earned, Frank. And there was blood, sweat and even a few tears after the fact. So maybe no one in this conversation was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Except one. That would be Spooner 1, who currently lives rent free in the White House.

Just a few questions, Frank.

I’m glad to hear you “support helping others…” But it sounds as if your support doesn’t go much beyond a vague declaration of support for supporting something. Kind of like telling the widow after the funeral that “our hearts and minds are with you.”

Exactly where have you found “unlimited support to those who are able to work but will not or do not,” or that someone is “tak(ing) away an individual’s drive to succeed?” Who are these slackers, Frank? And where are they? Were they hiding in that vast caravan invasion packed with drug lords and other felons sweeping across our southern border?

And how have Progressives “denigrated the word equality?” Equality under the law doesn’t mean “pushing for everyone to be the same.“ On the contrary, equality ensures that all of us can be free to be ourselves. Equality means respecting the law, ethically and evenly, no matter who it concerns or where it leads. You can’t find that on Fox News or in the White House.

Will Gillespie is a resident of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania.

Thirteen-seeded Tower Hill posted a 70-46 victory over No. 20 Delmarva Christian in the opening round of the DIAA boys’ basketball state tournament on Tuesday night.

The victory sends the Hillers (15-6) to Camden on Thursday for a 7 p.m. second-round matchup with fourth-seeded Caesar Rodney (15-5).

The Royals, who were making the program’s first state tourney appearance since 2009, finish with a record of 19-3 after having a six-game winning streak snapped.

William Penn 58, Delmar 38: The 11th-seeded Colonials picked up a first-round victory over the No. 22 Wildcats.

William Penn (14-7) will play at sixth-seeded Glasgow in Thursday’s second round.

Delmar, which had a six-game winning streak stopped, ends up with a record of 14-7.

College basketball

Cameron earns AEC’s top honor: Wesley College junior guard Brian Cameron was named the Atlantic East Conference Player of the Year in men’s basketball.

Cameron and senior guard Evan Anderson were both selected to the All-Atlantic East teams as the first-year league handed out its year-end awards.

Cameron was also named the Capital Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2016-17 and first-team All-CAC in 2017-18.

Named to the All-Atlantic East first team. Cameron ranks fourth in NCAA Division in scoring, averaging 26.6 points per game. In 27 games, he had the best three-point field goal percentage (.444) and free-throw percentage (.845).

Cameron also tied for sixth in the league in rebounding (6.8) and assists per game (2.9). He set Wesley single-season records in points (718) and free throws made (147) while netting 20-plus points in 23 of Wesley’s 27 games.

Cameron was tabbed as the Atlantic East Player of the Week five times, was selected on the D3hoops.com Team of the Week four times and was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III South Player of the Month for December.

The Delaware Military grad is Wesley’s fourth conference player of the year since joining a league in 1998-99. The other players honored were David Langan (2013-14), Paul Reynolds (2012-13) and Rashawn Johnson (2008-09).

Anderson made the all-AEC second team after leading the conference in three-point field goals per game (3.3) and ranking third in the league in scoring with 18.5 points per game. He also was third in the conference in three-point field goal percentage (.418), fourth in free-throw percentage (.810) and 10th in field goal percentage (.409).

Anderson is Wesley’s single-season three-point field goals record holder with 89.

College lacrosse

MEN, Delaware 14, St. Josephs 6: The Blue Hens are off to the program’s first 4-0 start since 2008 after registering the victory.

Tye Kurtz set UD record for points in a game by a freshman, finishing with five goals and three assists. Junior Charlie Kitchen tied a career-high with six points with four goals and two assists, while senior co-captain Joe Eisele had a career-high five points on three goals and two assists.

Defensively, sophomore Zach Strassner collected three caused turnovers and seven groundballs, both career-highs. Junior Matt DeLuca had double-digit saves again with 12 and the Blue Hens limited their third straight opponent to six or fewer goals.

Delaware currently leads the country by allowing just 5.50 goals per game.

WOMEN, Delaware 11, La Salle 8: Delaware (2-2) broke a tie score with just under 10 minutes remaining on the game clock and finished the contest by outscoring the Explorers, 5-1.

Sarah Bedard tied a career-high with five points on four goals while Sydney Rausa added three goals and an assist for her second straight game with a hat trick.

Delaware also got two goals apiece from Caroline Farley and Christine Long.

Delaware has won five straight and is 6-2 all-time against La Salle.