Delaware
‘Clanker’ balls to the rescue again: DelDOT installs orange balls to protect bridge
Today marks the first day of March Madness.
As basketballs are bouncing all across America, one road in Delaware has some new orange balls hanging from the sky to keep drivers and infrastructure safe.
The Chapel Street Railroad Bridge in Newark is only 12 feet tall and since 2005 there have been 60 reported incidents where trucks have gotten stuck under the bridge.
Every bridge strike could mean a major disruption on the busy rails that run through town.
“Clanker” balls were installed on the north side of the bridge and the south side balls will go up soon.
The clankers are a series of bright orange and heavy-duty plastic balls that hang at the clearance height down the street before the bridge.
The bridge will also get the same treatment as nearby Casho Mill Road with clankers, sensors, lights and a lot of warning signs.
Casho Mill Road was Delaware’s most frequently hit bridge but crashes have gone down significantly since the balls were installed in 2022.
DelDOT says their clankers at Milford and Delaware Park have worked well but it’s not perfect.
There have been instances where people driving trucks will hit the balls, slow down, look to see what happened but then continue to drive under the bridge anyway.
One popular theory among some is that a few of the strikes are by University of Delaware students who are moving in or out and they are not used to driving rental box trucks.
The clanker balls have been so successful in Delaware that other states have asked DelDOT about their creative solution.
Another set of clankers is scheduled to go up at Low Rail Bridge in Newport.
Delaware
Lavender & Lambs Festival Returns to Brittingham Farms June 27 – Milford LIVE! – Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties
The Delaware Lavender & Lambs Festival returns to Brittingham Farms on June 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring farm activities, local vendors and seasonal attractions set among blooming lavender fields. (Photo courtesy of Brittingham Farms.)
The Delaware Lavender & Lambs Festival will return to Brittingham Farms on Saturday, June 27, offering a full day of farm-based activities, local vendors, and seasonal attractions set among blooming lavender fields.
Now in its fourth year, the event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the farm, located at 22518 Phillips Hill Road in Millsboro.
Organizers say the festival highlights both the peak bloom of lavender and the farm’s heritage sheep, with activities designed to showcase agricultural traditions and local craftsmanship.
Attendees will be able to take part in u-pick lavender, wagon tours of the farm, colonial-style wool spinning demonstrations, and country line dancing. The event will also feature more than 50 vendors, including local artisans, boutiques, and specialty food producers.
Food and drink options are expected to include food trucks, lavender-themed treats, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.
Tickets are available for $12 in advance for attendees ages 10 and older, with day-of admission priced higher. Organizers note that a limited number of early ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary u-pick lavender bundle.
Additional information about tickets and event details is available through Brittingham Farms.
Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate. She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.
Delaware
Over 1,000 pets will be looking for homes at mega adoption event in Delaware
Looking for a new furry friend? Over 1,000 pets will be waiting to meet you at Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Mega Adoption Event in Delaware.
The event will take place Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware in Newark.
Organizers said dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens from BVSPCA and participating partner organizations will be available throughout the event for $35 in adoption fees.
All pets available at the two-day event will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations.
The event is supported by Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit organization whose goal is to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill. No-kill is defined by a 90% save rate for animals entering a shelter.
“Our Megas are such inspiring events, providing a lifeline to so many pets who have lost everything. Seeing these dogs and cats chosen by families eager to give them a new life full of love is what it’s all about,” BVSPCA CEO Adam Lamb said in a news release. “As the largest adoption event in the country, our goal with the size and format is to save even more lives by reaching folks who might not otherwise consider coming to a shelter to adopt.”
“We’re proud to support Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Mega Adoption Event and the incredible impact it has on pets and the community,” said Aurora Velazquez, East Regional Director, Best Friends Animal Society. “Events like this bring people together around the shared goal of helping more dogs and cats find loving homes.”
Organizers said a limited number of early-access fast passes will be available for purchase. If you are a fast pass holder, you will receive entry one hour before general admission on Saturday, June 20.
If you are considering adopting a new pet, please bring a leash and collar for dog adoptions, a carrier for cat adoptions, a valid ID, and the adoption fee.
This event will celebrate the BVSPCA’s 22nd Mega Adoption. Over the years, more than 22,000 pets have been adopted into loving homes.
More details and volunteer opportunities are available at megaadopt.com.
Delaware
Was Taylor Swift in Dewey Beach, Delaware, this weekend? What we know
Dewey Beach restaurants and bars on gloomy Memorial Day weekend
As they say at The Starboard, “When it rains, we pour.”
No, Taylor Swift was not in Dewey Beach this weekend.
However, there was a little truth to the rumors that pervaded social media.
Travis and Jason Kelce were invited to a wedding in Dewey this weekend, Starboard owner Steve “Monty” Montgomery said.
“The groom played football with them at Cincinnati and is close with those boys,” Montgomery said.
The Starboard is one of Dewey’s most iconic bars and restaurants and has offshoots across town, such as Starboard RAW and Starboard Sauced.
Montgomery said he did close Starboard RAW for the wedding party May 29, but the professional football-playing brothers and Travis Kelce’s ultra-famous fiancée, Taylor Swift, did not end up attending the wedding.
Reach Shannon Marvel McNaught at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.
-
Lifestyle14 minutes agoThis is what you want to read this summer : It’s Been a Minute
-
Technology24 minutes agoPebblebee’s Halo can help track lost items and keep you safe, and it’s on sale for $50
-
World29 minutes agoHidden tunnel discovered in Tijuana may have supported cross-border trafficking operations
-
Politics36 minutes agoJared Kushner’s overseas luxury resort project faces anti-corruption investigation amid violent protests
-
Health39 minutes agoVeterans face surprising threat after cancer diagnosis, study reveals
-
Sports44 minutes agoRick Adelman, architect of some of the NBA’s best offenses and Hall of Famer, dead at 79
-
Technology51 minutes agoYour Microsoft text codes are going away
-
Business54 minutes agoCompany wants to revive Primm, the gambling spot turned ghost town. Owners say: Not so fast
