UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele @ 8 a.m. 12.03.12:  Delaware State Police are investigating a home invasion that occurred at an Apollo Lane home near Milton Sunday night.

Police say around 6:30 p.m., three masked men, one armed with a handgun, forced their way into the home in the Cave Colony Development. 

One of the suspects pointed an unknown type handgun at a 33-year-old male resident and fired a single round, grazing him across the top of his head.  The suspects then tied the hands of the victims, including a 35-year-old woman and a 14-year-old teen and demanded cash and jewelry.  The victims complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of money; NO jewelry was taken. 

The three suspects then fled the home on foot.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 12.03.12:  Delaware State Police are investigating a Sunday night home invasion in Milton.

Police say the incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on  West Apollo Lane in the Cave Colony Development when three masked men barged into a home and tied up a man, a woman and teen.

Police say the suspects fled with cash.

Troopers are still looking for the suspects.

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ORIGINAL STORY:  State Police are on the scene of a home invasion incident in the Cave Colony community near Milton.

The incident occurred around 6:40 on West Apollo Lane.  Police tell WGMD the suspects ran off.  Trooper 2, State and Milton Police were on the scene.

UPDATED STORY 12.03.12:  Arson fires continue in Accomack County. There have now been 24 fires deliberately set since November 13.

Virginia State Police say the latest fire occurred just before 2 o’clock Sunday morning when firemen responded to a portable catering trailer on fire on Boston Road. There have been NO injuries connected to the fires.

Virginia State Police, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal continue to work overtime to find the arsonist who is setting the abandoned buildings on fire in Accomack County.

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UPDATED STORY 11.30.12:  The number of arson’s in Accomack County has increased to 21.

The latest fire happened Wednesday night at an abandoned house on Racetrack Road in Melfa.

Virginia State Police, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal continue to work overtime to find the arsonist who is setting abandoned buildings on fire in the County.

There have been 21 fires since November 13.

No injuries have resulted from the fires. And a $5,000 reward is being offered to help catch the arsonist.

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UPDATED STORY 11.27.12:  Virginia State Police, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal are now working overtime to find an arsonist who is setting abandoned buildings on fire in the County.

There have been 20 fires since November 13. No injuries have resulted from the fires. And a $5,000 reward is being offered to help catch the arsonist.

Accomack County residents say they are worried about when the arsonist may strike again; many residents say they are patrolling their neighborhoods to protect their properties.

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ORIGINAL STORY:  Virginia State Police, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal continue to look for an arsonist who is setting abandoned buildings on fire in the County.

Another fire was reported overnight Wednesday into Thursday at an abandoned barn; it was the 18th blaze since November 13.

No injuries have resulted from the fires. And a $5,000 reward is being offered to help catch the arsonist.

UPDATED STORY @ 10:50 a.m. by Kelli Steele 12.03.12:  For the second time in two months, a case review for former 19th District State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser has been continued again.

Bodenweiser’s Attorney Joe Hurley says he needs more time to prepare his clients’ case.

The case review, scheduled for this morning, has now been continued until January 22.

Bodenweiser is facing 113 felony sex charges against a child.

Bodenweiser’s victim is now a 35-year-old Florida resident; he alleges that when he was between the ages of 10 and 13, Bodenweiser raped him on numerous occasions; Bodenweiser has already pleaded NOT guilty to the charges.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 12.03.12:  Former 19th District State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser is scheduled to appear in Sussex County Superior Court today for a case review hearing; the case review was originally scheduled for November 19, but was continued until today.

Bodenweiser is facing 113 felony sex charges against a child.

Bodenweiser’s victim is now a 35-year-old Florida resident; he alleges that when he was between the ages of 10 and 13, Bodenweiser raped him on numerous occasions; Bodenweiser has already pleaded NOT guilty to the charges.

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UPDATED STORY @ 9:30 a.m. by Kelli Steele 11.19.12: A case review hearing scheduled for today for former 19th District State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser in Sussex County Superior Court, has been continued until December 3 at 9 a.m.

Bodenweiser is currently facing 113 felony sex charges against a child.

Bodenweiser’s victim is now a 35-year-old Florida resident; he alleges that when he was between the ages of 10 and 13, Bodenweiser raped him on numerous occasions; Bodenweiser has already pleaded NOT guilty to the charges. But over the weekend according to the Wilmington News Journal, Bodenweiser issued a statement saying he absolutely and forcefully denies the allegations.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 11.19.12: Former 19th District State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser is scheduled to appear in Sussex County Superior Court today for a case review hearing. He’s currently facing 113 felony sex charges against a child.

Bodenweiser’s victim is now a 35-year-oldFloridaresident; he alleges that when he was between the ages of 10 and 13, Bodenweiser raped him on numerous occasions; Bodenweiser has already pleaded NOT guilty to the charges.

But over the weekend according to the Wilmington News Journal, Bodenweiser issued a statement saying he absolutely and forcefully denies the allegations.

The newspaper says Bodenweiser’s Attorney Joe Hurley said his client is speaking out now to avoid the perception he agrees with what the attorney called a disturbingly false accusation.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 11.15.12:  Former 19th District State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser wants to go to church. There’s ONLY one problem with that; he’s currently on house arrest facing 113 felony sex charges against a child.

Bodenweiser’s victim is now a 35-year-old Florida resident; he alleges that when he was between the ages of 10 and 13, Bodenweiser raped him on numerous occasions; Bodenweiser has pleaded NOT guilty to the charges.

Before he was arrested and charged last month, Bodenweiser was a member of the Sussex County Bible Church in Harbeson. Superior Court Judge Scott Bradley has denied Bodenweiser’s request to attend church because part of the condition of his home confinement is that he have no contact with anyone under 18.

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UPDATED:  3PM-10-23-12 - WGMD has learned that former 19th District State Senate candidate Eric Bodenweiser has made bail.  He was being held at SCI in Georgetown on 113 felony sex offenses dealing with the sexual abuse of a child.  Yesterday, Judge E. Scott Bradley ordered that if Bodenweiser did make bail he would be monitored by a GPS device and he would be subject to court-ordered pre-trial supervision by Probation and Parole.  Bodenweiser turned himself in to police yesterday.

Senate candidate Eric Bodenweiser has been indicted on 113 felony counts.  He is charged by the Attorney General’s office with 39 counts of first degree unlawful sexual intercourse and 74 charges of 2nd degree unlawful sexual contact.

The State Police began their investigation several weeks ago after they were tipped that Bodenweiser sexually abused the boy starting when he was 10 and ending when he was 13 between October of 1987 and August of 1990.

Bodenweiser turned himself in to police at the County Courthouse and was arraigned and committed to SCI in default of $250,000 secured bail.  If he does post bail, Judge E. Scott Bradley has ordered that Bodenweiser be monitored by a GPS device and that he be subject to pre-trial supervision by Probation and Parole.

Callers to the Jim Rash Show Monday…

Bodenweiser withdrew from the 19th District State Senate race last week after suspending his campaign on the 12th.

UPDATED STORY 12.3.12:  A case review hearing for a Milton pediatrician and his wife scheduled for this morning in Superior Court in Georgetown was continued until February 6 so defense attorney’s can have more time to prepare their clients’ cases.

Dr. Melvin Morse is accused of waterboarding his 11-year-old stepdaughter while his wife Pauline stood by and did nothing to stop the abuse.

A trial date of February 11 has been set for the couple. 

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UPDATED STORY 11.20.12:  The wife of Milton Pediatrician Dr. Melvin Morse, who is accused of waterboarding his 11-year-old stepdaughter, has had her case review continued until December 3 in Superior Court in Georgetown.

Pauline and Melvin were arrested in August and charged with conspiracy and five felony counts of endangerment; the conspiracy charge involving Pauline Morse was dropped by prosecutors.

Dr. Morse pleaded NOT guilty two weeks ago during his arraignment; he’s also due in court December 3 for a case review.

The child meantime alleges that Morse dragged her across a gravel driveway by her ankle this past July and held her face under a running faucet at least four times since 2009, causing the water to go up her nose and all over her face while her mother stood by and did nothing to stop the abuse.

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UPDATED STORY 11.08.12: A Milton pediatrician accused of waterboarding his 11-year-old stepdaughter pleaded NOT guilty Wednesday during an arraignment in Superior Court in Georgetown. A trial date has NOT been set.

Dr. Melvin Morse faces charges of child endangerment and assault.

Dr. Morse and his wife Pauline were arrested in August and charged with conspiracy and five felony counts of endangerment; the conspiracy charge involving Pauline Morse was dropped by prosecutors.

The child alleges that Morse dragged her across a gravel driveway by her ankle this past July and held her face under a running faucet at least four times since 2009, causing the water to go up her nose and all over her face while her mother stood by and did nothing to stop the abuse.

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UPDATED STORY 08.16.12: The case against a Milton pediatrician and his wife, both arrested last week on felony reckless endangering of a child, is now headed to Sussex County Superior Court.

Dr. Melvin Morse and his wife Pauline waived a preliminary hearing today in the Sussex Court of Common Pleas in Georgetown.

Dr. Morse’s Attorney Joe Hurley says his client will plead NOT guilty in Superior Court.

Judge Rosemary Beauregard presided over today’s hearing.

The Morse’s arrived at the Courthouse separately; Dr. Morse with Attorney Hurley and Pauline Morse with Public Defender Dean Johnson.

Dr. Melvin Morse and his wife Pauline are currently free on bail following their arrests last week. DFS authorities last week interviewed the child following an incident in July in which a neighbor saw Dr. Morse drag the child across a gravel driveway by her ankle.

The girl told police Morse held her face under a running faucet at least four times since 2009, causing the water to go up her nose and all over her face while her mother stood by and did nothing to stop the abuse.

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UPDATED STORY 08.16.12:  The attorney for the Milton doctor accused of “waterboarding” his 11-year-old step-daughter, says his client  will likely waive his right to a preliminary hearing today in the Sussex Court of Common Pleas in Georgetown.

Dr. Melvin Morse and his wife Pauline are currently free on bail following their arrests last week.

DFS authorities last week interviewed the child following an incident in July in which a neighbor saw Dr. Morse drag the child across a gravel driveway by her ankle. The girl told police Morse held her face under a running faucet at least four times since 2009, causing the water to go up her nose and all over her face while her mother stood by and did nothing to stop the abuse.

Morse’s Attorney Joe Hurley says he’s not yet sure what his client’s defense will be.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 08.15.12:  Court documents obtained by various media outlets and news organizations now show that a Milton pediatrician who achieved national recognition for his research into near-death experiences involving children may have been experimenting on his 11-year-old stepdaughter by waterboarding her. However, Dr. Melvin Morse’s Attorney Joe Hurley says the waterboarding claim is still ONLY speculation at this point.

The allegations of waterboarding came after Morse was arrested last month after a neighbor saw him grab the child by her ankle and drag her across a gravel driveway; he was arrested, charged with misdemeanor endangerment and assault and released on $750 bail.

Dr. Morse and his wife Pauline were re-arrested last week after DFS authorities interviewed the child and she told them that Morse disciplined her by holding her face under a running faucet at least four times since 2009 and her mother stood by and watched and did nothing to stop the abuse.

Morse is due in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing on felony child endangerment and conspiracy charges.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 08.13.12: The Milton pediatrician arrested last week on charges that he “allegedly” waterboarded his 11-year-old daughter will be in a Sussex County courtroom Thursday for a preliminary hearing.

Melvin Morse and his wife Pauline are charged with reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a child and felony conspiracy after allegations of repeated violent actions against the 11-year-old.

Meantime, WGMD News has learned that Morse has has hired well-known Defense Attorney Joe Hurley to represent him. Hurley says the waterboarding claim against his client has been exaggerated and says the 11-year-old has a history of running away and making false abuse claims against other family members.

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UPDATED STORY by ML 08.09.12 – The medical license for Dr. Melvin Morse has been suspended. 

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock signed the emergency suspension Thursday along with Dr. Stephen Cooper – the President of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline.

The emergency suspension shows that Secretary Bullock and Dr. Cooper consider Morse presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health if he is permitted to continue to practice medicine.

Morse is charged with reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a child and felony conspiracy after allegations of repeated violent actions against his own child.

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NEWS RELEASE:  State Suspends Medical License of Milton Pediatrician Melvin Morse

(DOVER, Del.) – An emergency suspension order for the medical license of Dr. Melvin L. Morse was signed today by Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock and the President of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline (BMLD), Dr. Stephen G. Cooper. The action was taken based on the serious criminal charges pending against Dr. Morse, including repeated violent actions against his own child, repeated incidents of endangering his two minor daughters, and the fact that he is currently a practicing pediatrician. The formal complaint and motion to suspend Morse’s license on an emergency basis was submitted to the Secretary of State’s office yesterday and served to Morse.

“Our duty is to protect the public from potential harm, and we believe that the allegations against Dr. Morse are sufficient to immediately suspend his medical license,” said Secretary Bullock. “A pediatrician who is alleged to have committed crimes against children, whether the victims are patients or not, should not have contact with patients until there is a full evaluation of his case.”

In ordering the emergency suspension, Secretary Bullock and Dr. Cooper assert that Morse presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health if permitted to continue to practice medicine.

“This emergency suspension will remain in effect pending a hearing by the Board,” said Dr. Cooper. “As physicians, we are entrusted with the care of our patients, and it is the Board’s job and my responsibility as its president to ensure that we do what is necessary to protect the public from possible harm by a physician who has been accused of serious crimes such as these.”

Among the criminal charges against Morse are reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a child, and felony conspiracy which are crimes substantially related to the practice of medicine pursuant to Board Regulation. The Division of Professional Regulation’s investigators have been working with law enforcement and the Division of Family Services regarding the allegations against Morse.

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UPDATED STORY by Kelli Steele 08.09.12:  The Nancy Grace Show will tonight cover a story that broke here in Sussex County this week involving yet another pediatrician.

58-year-old Melvin Morse of Georgetown and his 40-year-old wife, Pauline are each charged with four counts of first-degree reckless endangering, 2nd degree conspiracy and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child for “waterboarding” their 11-year-old daughter on at least four separate occasions starting in May 2009.

Police say the arrests stemmed from an investigation that got under way after detectives were notified about a domestic assault incident that occurred on July 12, in which Dr. Melvin Morse grabbed his daughter by the ankle and began dragging her across a gravel driveway at their home; police say Morse then took the child inside and began spanking her.

Morse was arrested on July 16 and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of third-degree assault in connection with the alleged incident; he was later released after posting $750 secured bail.

This week, the 11-year-old was brought to the Child Advocacy Center where she was interviewed and confirmed the abuse by her father; the child also said her mother witnessed the torture and did nothing to stop it.

WGMD News Director Kelli Steele will be a guest on Nancy Grace tonight at 8 p.m. on HLN to discuss this case.

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ORIGINAL STORY:  A father is in jail and a mother is free on bond after both were arrested for child endangerment in Georgetown.

Delaware State Police say on July 12, 58-year-old Melvin Morse grabbed his 11-year-old daughter, dragged her across their gravel driveway by the ankle, and then spanked her. He was arrested and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of third-degree assault. He was released after posting $750 bail.

On Monday, the daughter told detectives at the Child Advocacy Center that over a two-year period starting in May 2009, Morse had disciplined her by holding her head under a running faucet. The girl said this happened at least 4 times, and her mother, Pauline Morse, never stopped it.

Melvin and Pauline were arrested at their home yesterday, and charged them with reckless endangering, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree conspiracy. Melvin is being held at the Sussex Correctional Institute on $14,500 bond. Pauline is free after posting $14,500 bond.

DSP News Release:  Couple Arrested for Endangering Their Children, Georgetown

Location:  20000 block of Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Georgetown, DE

Date of Occurrence:   Between May 2009 – May 2011

Victims:

• 11 year old female
• 5 year old female

Defendants, Charges, and Bond Information:

• Melvin L. Morse, 58, Georgetown, DE (Photo Attached)
• Reckless Endangering 1^st (4 counts) – Felony
• Conspiracy 2^nd – Felony
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts) – Misdemeanor

Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $14,500.00 secured bond.

• Pauline L. Morse, 40, Georgetown, DE (Photo Attached)
• Reckless Endangering 1^st (4 counts) – Felony
• Conspiracy 2^nd – Felony
• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts) – Misdemeanor

Arraigned at JP3 and released on $14,500.00 unsecured bond.

Resume:

Georgetown, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Georgetown couple in connection with endangering their children.

The investigation began after detectives were informed of a domestic assault incident that occurred on July 12, 2012 where Melvin Morse grabbed his 11 year old daughter by the ankle and began dragging her across a gravel driveway at the residence where they live.  Morse then brought her inside the home and began spanking her.  Morse was arrested on July 16^th for two counts of Endangering the Welfare and one count of Assault 3^rd for this incident.  He was later released after posting $750.00 secured bail.

On August 6, 2012, the 11 year old female was brought to the Child Advocacy Center where she was interviewed and informed detectives that over the course of a two year period, beginning in May 2009, she was disciplined by her father by what he called “waterboarding.”  This act was performed on her by her father holding her face under a running facet causing the water to go up her nose and all over her face.  This form of punishment was used on her no less than four different occasions.  The victim’s mother, Pauline Morse, witnessed a few of these incidents and failed to stop Melvin from performing the act.

Melvin Morse and Pauline Morse were arrested at their residence on August 7^th and brought back to Troop 4 where they were processed for the above listed charges.  They were both arraigned at JP3 and Melvin was committed to SCI on $14,500.00 secured bail.  He was issued a no contact order with either of the children and Pauline.  Pauline was released on $14,500.00 unsecured bail and is to have no contact with either of the children or Melvin.  The children are currently in the care of Division of Family Services.

Delaware State Police have issued a Gold Alert for a missing Lewes man.

Police say 27-year-old Travis Lewis was last seen at his home on Pinetown Roadjust before 9 o’clock Sunday night.

Lewis’ medical condition is such that there is a real concern for his safety. 

Their rep confirmed to Fox News that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their first child

“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby,” the rep said in a statement. “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.”

The rep also confirmed a bit of scary news, saying Princess Kate had been admitted to the hospital.

“The Duchess was admitted this aftern on to King Edward VII Hospital in Central London with Hyperemesis Gravidarum,” the rep said. “As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter.”

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is very acute morning sickness, which requires supplementary hydration and nutrients.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/12/03/kate-middleton-expecting-first-child-in-hospital-for-pregnancy-related/#ixzz2E0WNM5P8

Police say they were called to a home on Reed Street for reports of a disorderly group.

Police say 30-year-old DeWayne Mumford and 38-year-old Coffy Mumford threatened to kill the victim and fight the victim. 

O’Malley has been chairman for two terms; the group will select a new chairman this week. 

Police say the incident occurred just after 5 p.m. as Jamisa Johnson was driving a Hyundai Elantra westbound on Naamans Road just east of Concord Pike in the far left lane.  As she was preparing to turn left into the left turn lane for Concord Pike, a pedestrian, later identified as Kevin Truehart, was crossing from the south side of the road to the north. 

Johnson struck Truehart who was taken to Christiana Hospital in critical condition; Johnson was not hurt in the crash.

Police say two men assaulted the student as she was walking to her car in the parking lot. They took her cell phone and purse and then fled.

The victim suffered injuries to her face and was taken to Christiana Hospital for treatment. 

Medicare beneficiaries will need to make their benefit elections for 2013 Medicare coverage by Friday.

In 2013, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, additional benefits for the 150,000 Medicare enrollees in Delaware include lower prescription drug costs through a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs in the coverage gap – or “doughnut hole.”

Lt. Gov. Matt Denn and Safety, Homeland Security Secretary Lew Schiliro, Attorney General Beau Biden and DSP Superintendent Colonel Robert Couple will join Gov. Markell at the ceremony to remember State Troopers killed in the line of duty.

The service is set for 9:30 at St. Polycarp’s Church.

The meeting is set for 10 a.m. at the White House. 

Police say the suspect entered the Dominos Pizza Shop just before 1 a.m. and confronted two employees, implying he had a weapon. He then demanded money from the registers as well as the safe.  A 33-year-old male employee and a 21-year-old female employee complied with the suspect’s demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash to him. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction.

There were no injuries.

Police say an African American man entered the store just after 10 p.m.; he was armed with a handgun.

Police say the suspect confronted a 58-year-old female employee and a 20-year-old male employee, pointed the handgun at them and demanded money; the victims complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. 

The suspect fled.

Police say the suspect is 5’8” to 5’ 10 “ tall, weighs 150 to 160 pounds and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black plants, a black knit hat and gloves.

More than 5,000 people lined the parade route.

The WGMD float was very well received with lots of cheering and applause as we cruised the route waving and offering holiday pleasantries.

WGMD was the only media represented in the parade.

WGMD’s next Christmas Parade appearance is Tuesday in Rehoboth Beach, followed by Milton, Georgetown and Selbyville.

The national average price for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline dropped 3 cents to $3.40 Friday, 12 cents less expensive than one month ago and 10 cents more expensive that one year ago. 

Friday’s price was once again the highest on record for the calendar day and continued the streak of daily record prices that began on August 20. 

The price at the pump this Thanksgiving was the highest ever for the holiday — 11 cents higher than the previous record set last year.

DelDOT is reminding political parties, elected officials and other candidates that state law requires all election signs located in the right of way be removed by Thursday, December 6. 

Now that the fall election is over, and before the weather gets colder, DelDOT encourages all candidates and political parties to spend this week ensuring all roadside signs are removed, before the deadline.

Starting December 7, each sign in the state-owned right of way is subject to removal and candidates can be fined $25 per sign.  There is an additional $15 fee to have the sign returned.

The deadline is part of the state’s exemption for roadside election signs, which allows signs to be placed in certain areas of the state-owned right of way 30 days before and 30 days after an election.

No other signs are permitted at any time.

Selander joined the administration its first day in January 2009. In addition to serving as the Governor’s advisor and spokesperson, Selander managed the Communications, Constituent Relations and Scheduling teams within the Governor’s office.

Selander’s last day on the job will be December 12.

In fact this afternoon at 2 p.m., is the Salisbury Christmas Parade.

Monday night, Caroling on the Circle in Georgetown takes place start at 6:30. Also Monday night at 7, is the Snow Hill Christmas Parade and on Tuesday, December 4, the Christmas Parade steps off in Rehoboth Beachat 6:30 p.m.