GEORGETOWN, Del. — From marijuana zoning fights to turtle release and a heatwave reprieve, here’s your day-by-day look at this week’s top stories across Sussex County and the lower Eastern Shore.
Monday: Marijuana bill would override local zoning
State lawmakers introduced a bill that would set statewide rules for cannabis retailers and ease local zoning restrictions. Marijuana advocates say that strict regulations in Sussex County have made it nearly impossible to open legal stores, even though marijuana is legal in Delaware.
The bill aims to standardize the process and reduce the power of local land-use boards to block applications. Some lawmakers, including Republican Rep. Bryan Shupe, say it’s government overreach.
“This is about the majority party taking power away from local governments,” Shupe said.
Tuesday: Democrat calls out party over empty seat
Democratic Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton publicly criticized her party’s leadership, claiming they are okay with Rep. Stell Parker Selby's longterm absence because they are afraid of losing the seat to a Republican. Republican Nikki Miller only lost to Parker Selby by 245 votes in November.
"I don't want to be associated with that kind of behavior. I think it's completely unacceptable," Wilson-Anton told CoastTV News. "I like that we have a majority down here, but that's not the reason I got elected, to keep a majority. I got elected to represent my district and to do right by my district. And people who live in her district deserve the same."
Parker Selby has missed every vote this year.
Wednesday: Seniors find relief from extreme heat
As temperatures soared midweek, many seniors in Georgetown sought shelter at the CHEER Center, which serves as a designated cooling location. It’s one of several centers across Sussex County helping older adults stay safe during dangerous summer heat.
Local officials urged people to check in on elderly neighbors and to use public cooling sites if needed.
Thursday: Rehabilitated turtles return to the ocean
Two turtles injured in boat strikes were released back into the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City. Icky and Mothman spent six months recovering and were healthy enough to be returned to the water Thursday.
The release was coordinated by the National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue team. Both turtles were fitted with trackers so researchers can continue monitoring them.
Friday: Road project begins at Minos Conaway intersection
DelDOT broke ground on a major improvement project at the Minos Conaway intersection near Lewes. The project will include new roundabouts, service roads and traffic flow updates aimed at reducing crashes and congestion.
Construction will ramp up over the summer with lane shifts and detours expected.