SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. — From severe weather to new policies and political announcements, Delaware had a busy start to July. Here’s a look back at the week’s top stories.
On Monday, the National Weather Service confirmed that a weak tornado touched down near Frankford. Classified as an EF-0, the tornado caused minor damage but did not result in any reported injuries. Officials noted that even low-rated tornadoes can uproot trees or damage sheds and outbuildings.
The tornado moved east-southeast through a heavily forested area between Omar Road and Shockley Town Road before dissipating.
Tuesday marked the start of a new month and a significant change for restaurants and customers. Delaware’s statewide ban on single-use plastics at restaurants went into effect, prohibiting plastic to-go boxes and stirrers. Diners who prefer plastic straws over paper alternatives must now specifically request them. State environmental leaders say the measure aims to reduce pollution in waterways and along beaches.
Political developments followed midweek as the Sussex County Republican Party named Nikki Miller their candidate for the August 5th special election in District 20. The seat became vacant after Stell Parker Selby resigned.
Democrat Alonna Berry vs. Republican Nikki Miller
By Thursday, Democrats announced their nominee: Alonna Berry, founder of the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence and a former policy and budget adviser under Gov. John Carney. A date for the special election has not yet been set.
People in Dover took Independence Day back to 1776.
The week ended with patriotic celebrations across Delmarva on Friday. In Dover, the constitution was read aloud. At the beaches, locals lined streets for Fourth of July parades in towns from Lewes to Bethany Beach. Marching bands, floats and classic cars brought out thousands of people who live there to mark the holiday.