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Removing dams to restore fish passage, creating rain gardens to reduce flooding and stormwater runoff and building trails to improve access to the outdoors — these are just some of the projects funded by the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund each year.

On Monday, environmental agencies celebrated seven years of conservation work funded by the federal grants.

The program funds habitat restoration and conservation initiatives throughout the Delaware River watershed. This year, 45 projects received over $17 million in funding — the largest amount spent in the fund’s history.

“The health of the environment is so intricately tied to the health of people and our mental health, our physical health, the economy, and just the opportunity to get out in nature and the awe of nature and the beauty of nature,” said Wendi Weber, regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “It’s so critically important that we continue the work out on the ground, and preserve and conserve these special places, not only for us, but the future generations.”

The program, launched in 2018 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, was made possible by the 2016 passage of the congressional Delaware River Basin Conservation Act.

Since 2018, the fund has awarded more than $72 million to more than 200 projects that aim to restore habitat and wetlands, and improve water quality.

MEDIA, Pa. – After months of waiting, wondering, and begging anyone to come forward with any information about this case, the family of a murdered man says they are relieved State Police finally made an arrest.

Constance Newton, the victim’s mother, said, “I feel good. I cried earlier, but I feel good.” She continued, “It’s been two months but it seems like it’s been two years.”

Clinton Martin’s mother says it’s the news her family has been praying for…Word that State Police arrested 32-year-old Marquice Pierce of Chester for the murder of their beloved Clinton.

Clinita Martin, the victim’s sister, remarked, “His soul is finally resting like it’s not never gonna bring him back but it just gives me joy.”

“It’s been extremely hard because we miss him, we miss him being around talking because you know it was like a piece of my heart that was gone,” said the mother.

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State Police say after an extensive investigation, they arrested Pierce at 1:00 p.m. Monday in connection with Martin’s murder on September 13th.

 Officials are releasing very few details about motive or what led up to his arrest, but we do know he’s facing a slew of charges, including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of third-degree murder.

“I just want to understand why, like if he can just explain to everybody like why?” said a family member.

Police say Martin was shot in the neck sometime before 10 that night, driving on the I-95 ramp to 476 North, just before Exit 1 to MacDade Boulevard, then he crashed into a concrete barrier and guardrail, hitting 33-year-old Joshua Walz who also died at the scene.

“You know I miss him every day but I just feel like he’s at peace now we got justice,” said a family member.

No word yet on when Marquice Pierce will be back in court, but Clinton Martin’s family says they will be there.

It’s Christmas morning, and you realize you forgot to pick up the carton of egg nog or a gift card for your cousin Belle.

Before you start driving from block to block looking for an open store, here’s a look at places closed for Christmas.

Christmas dinner: These Delaware restaurants are open on Christmas Day

When is Christmas?

Christmas is Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Which grocery stores are open on Christmas?

These grocery stores open at their regular times, but close earlier on the holiday.

• Acme: Acme stores are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Giant: Most locations will be open on Christmas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Walgreens: Hours haven’t been revealed, but the company announced stores will be open on Christmas Day
• CVS: Most CVS locations will be open on Christmas Day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• 7-Eleven: Will have regular hours on Christmas Day
• Wawa: Wawa will have regular hours on Christmas Day.
• Royal Farms: Royal Farms will have regular hours on Christmas Day.

Which stores are closed on Christmas?

• Sprouts
• Wegman’s
• ShopRite
• Food Lion
• Target
• Walmart
• Aldi
• Lidl
• Dollar Tree
• Family Dollar
• Sam’s Club
• Trader Joe’s
• Whole Foods
• Kohl’s
• Lowe’s
• Home Depot
• IKEA
• Costco