Good morning, Dover.

The Delaware Division of Small Business announced that four downtown programs, including Downtown Dover Partnership, earned reaccreditation from Main Street America while 11 others received continued affiliate status.

Certificates were presented on June 5 at the Milford Police Department’s Community Room—supporting efforts to revitalize local downtown areas.

On May 22, a Bear resident won a $365,992 table game jackpot while playing K Blackjacks Matching Suits Progressive at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.

The progressive side bet, which rewards matching suited aces and kings in blackjack, marked one of the largest payouts the casino has seen recently.

Delaware State Police arrested 20 year old Daniel Johnson of Dover on June 3 in connection with a May 31 home invasion robbery in Camden Wyoming and detained 48 year old George Carey of Hartly—while they search for 28 year old Matthew Doby of Hartly.

Delaware lawmakers introduced HB 210 on Thursday to raise fines for commercial polluters from $10,000 to $40,000 per day and to increase funds for affected communities from 25% to 40%—with projects within two miles of violation sites prioritized—while the bill awaits review in the House Natural Resources Committee.

The General Assembly introduced House Bill 215 to raise Delaware's tobacco taxes and update licensing fees in an effort to reduce youth tobacco use and help cover rising healthcare costs.

The new cigarette tax will increase from $2.10 to $3.60 per pack and the changes will go into effect on September 1 while licensing updates begin on January 1 (a floor tax applies to existing inventory on August 31).

Camden police chief Marcus Whitney paused the department’s ICE partnership on April 29 to address community pushback and avoid prompting a proposed state bill that would ban such collaborations—he said the pause was temporary and left open the option to resume the program if circumstances change.

Army and Navy are celebrating 250 years this month and the Marines will honor their 250th birthday in November—marking key anniversaries of our military legacy.

The Delaware Senate is set to consider House Bill 1—an effort to add a secretary of veterans affairs to help veterans secure federal benefits and support local business growth.

On June 2, a public Webex meeting discussed Dover’s search for a solicitor and raised concerns that one candidate’s firm, Brockstedt Mandalas Federico (which represents clients in litigation with the city), may have a conflict of interest.

Some City Council members questioned the ethics (citing potential issues with land deals) while others, including the mayor, supported the hiring.

Dover Women’s Connection Breakfast

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Maple Dale Country Club — $22.00 cash or check — Connect with women over breakfast, great food, and inspiring talks.

Dover Con 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Dover Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate pop culture with vendors, cosplay, gaming, and more at this family-friendly festival.

Summer Concert Series on The Green

6-9 p.m. — The Green — Free entry — Enjoy great live music and local food truck delights every Thursday evening this summer.