Delaware
Deaf pastor leads effort to serve and bring people together in Kenton and Hartly
Community programs and worship services at Kenton and Hartly churches
Pastor Rick Kelly is leading efforts at Kenton and Hartly churches to bring the communities together and help people in need.
Rick Kelly said he might not know the pain or loneliness you’re experiencing, but he’s willing to listen and help because he knows about facing challenges, hardships and feelings of being overlooked and left out.
The pastor at the United Methodist churches in Kenton and Hartly was born almost completely deaf, describing himself as a deaf person with residual hearing, like trying to hear a radio station you can’t tune in clearly.
Now, he’s helping to lead an effort to bring people together in the rural Kent County communities.
During his childhood, he sometimes attended schools for the deaf and he learned sign language.
“I learned to talk fairly well, but that made some people ask if I was really deaf,” Kelly said.
He communicated with some lip reading, closely observing how people reacted and a lot of smiling and nodding, even if he didn’t hear everything that was said.
He just released a book, “Call Me Rick: Grace in the Middle,” about growing up as a deaf person and his struggles and achievements in becoming a teacher, coach and pastor. He also details the hardships and happiness he and his wife have gone through raising a family.
He said his experiences help him relate with people who have been belittled, ignored, patronized and treated unfairly; people with an addiction or in prison and people society labels as different or strange.
In his book, Kelly writes, “Standing with someone in their pain does not mean you agree with every choice they’ve made. It means you refuse to abandon them in the middle of their story. It means you recognize that the image of God in them is not erased by their struggle. It means you choose to believe that grace is stronger than your fear of being misunderstood.”
As part of the effort to help residents get acquainted and to serve and support each other, the Kenton and Hartly churches are teaming up on programs and events.
Kelly said the idea is to “bring people from all walks of life together,” providing “lifelines for people who might otherwise feel forgotten.”
Sunday worship services are at 9 a.m. in Kenton and at 11 a.m. in Hartly, but Kelly said the congregations also want to “meet people where they are.”
The churches host monthly “outreach” events for the community such as an Easter parade and egg hunt, vacation Bible school and a Bluegrass music program.
The next outreach programs are:
- “Trunk or Treat” on Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when church volunteers offer kids the chance to trick-or-treat from car to car in the parking lot at Kenton United Methodist Church, 74 W. Commerce St. (Route 42), west of Route 300.
- Veterans “Cruz In” on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, where people are invited to show off their vehicles at a car show while veterans can receive help and information on services that are available, also at the Kenton church parking lot.
Opportunities to help and to get help at community service programs
Serving others is one way to feel more involved in the community, Kelly said.
The congregations invite people to events that help children’s hospitals and animal rescue organizations. They’ve delivered protein bars to paramedic and ambulance stations so the workers have something quick to eat during an emergency. They’ve collected backpacks and school supplies for students in need.
At the Kenton church, one of the leaders of the outreach efforts is Kathy Steele.
“Our goal is hopefully that by reaching out to the community, people will want to come to our church and join what we’re doing,” Steele said. “But the main thing is doing our part to help the community and give back.”
She said Pastor Kelly has rallied the congregations in Kenton and Hartly to be more involved in the community.
“He’s really emphasized the outreach programs,” Steele said. “He has a passion for the church and has such beautiful prayers. The text prayer chain is a good example. He always has a wonderful prayer and asks if there’s anything the church can do for you.”
Former Kenton Mayor Jessica Penawell has attended the Kenton United Methodist Church off and on for about five years, but she officially joined as a member this year.
“I remember my first day, I was greeted by everyone and everyone was so welcoming,” Penawell said.
She recognizes the importance of the outreach programs that Pastor Kelly is promoting.
“We’re hoping they bring the community together,” Penawell said. “I think it’s great that the church is doing more things with the town.”
Among the highlights this year were the Easter parade and egg hunt attended by about 400 people and the “Butterpot Awakening” revival Aug. 11-15 attended by about 40 people each night at the Kenton Town Hall in the former Kenton School building.
Food pantries at Kenton and Hartly United Methodist churches
Probably the best examples of programs offering continual support are the food pantries at the Kenton and Hartly churches, offering groceries – and prayer if requested – to people in need.
At Hartly United Methodist Church, the program serves about 20 families each month, usually more during the holidays, said food pantry co-chair Joy Ford.
During the pandemic, the program moved outdoors with drive-up service that worked so well, the congregation decided to continue it.
Along with donations from church members, the program receives food from a variety of businesses and community organizations.
While people of all ages stop by for food, Ford said many are older residents.
“We have grandparents raising grandchildren,” Ford said. “There’s a burden on these folks. Sometimes they’re in poor health. They’re very grateful, very appreciative of our food pantry.”
She’s helped with the food pantry since 2009 and has served as co-chair since 2016.
“We are supposed to be Jesus’ hands and feet,” Ford said. “I want to help others, and this is my opportunity to do that. I always had a desire to do missions in another country, but we’ve got folks who need us right here.”
Along with monthly food assistance, the Hartly food pantry also “adopts” families with children at Christmas, providing clothes and toys along with a gift for the parents.
For information about the food pantries or other church programs, email PastorRickKelly22@gmail.com or see the website www.KentonUMC.org or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/hartlyumc.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
DNREC opened the new Delaware Environmental Laboratory near Smyrna today with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for a state-of-the-art facility that features scientific analysis of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, water quality testing and early detection in Delaware of human and animal diseases. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson led the cutting. Celebrants, left to right, were: DNREC Deputy Secretary Dayna Cobb, former DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, Sec. Patterson, Delaware Environmental Lab Director Ashley Kunder, former DNREC Secretary Christophe Tulou, former DNREC Secretary David Small, State Senator Stephanie Hansen, US EPA Region 3 Deputy Administrator Catherine Libertz, State Sen. Kyra Hoffner, Kate Rohrer representing US Senator Chris Coons, and John Gentile, representing Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester. /Delaware DNREC photo
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Delaware Environmental Laboratory has opened near Smyrna, providing a state-of-the-art facility to test water quality, chemical contaminants including per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and conduct molecular and microbiology. DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson was joined today for a ceremonial ribbon cutting by representatives of the state’s congressional delegation, state legislators, former DNREC cabinet secretaries and organizations that depend on the environmental lab for scientific analysis.
The new lab replaces a facility that has operated since 1983 in a converted 19th-century cannery that serves as DNREC’s headquarters building in Dover. The spacious new lab building will house up to 24 scientific, technical and support staff. With its strategic location adjacent the state Department of Health and Social Services Public Health lab, the Delaware Environmental Laboratory will perform testing in support of environmental and public health programs focused on detection of human and animal diseases, as well as environmental emergency response, education and training. The new facility is the third environmental lab in the state’s history.
Construction of the Delaware Environmental Laboratory was supported by a combined $29.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act – funded by President Joe Biden and Congress – and state funds.
“DNREC’s lab has done amazing work in the last 40 years but did so in spaces that looked like a middle school science classroom, so it definitely needed an upgrade,” DNREC Secretary Patterson said. “The new modern, environmental lab will provide optimum conditions for the skilled and dedicated staff DNREC depends on to help protect the health and safety of Delawareans and our environment, with greater capabilities for addressing environmental and public health challenges of today and into the future.”
Beyond the lab’s expanded capabilities for analytical testing and applying scientific expertise, the proximity between the new DNREC laboratory and the Division of Public Health lab will enable the state to benefit from support between technical experts, materials and supplies when critical situations arise, such as preventing disease outbreaks on coastal beaches or helping mitigate accidental industrial releases of toxic substances or the impacts of pollutants – with both labs focused on underserved or at-risk communities throughout the state.
DNREC expects the new facility to encourage continuing innovation from the various specialized sections of the lab in meeting global environmental and public health challenges of the times, with PFAS and other contaminants of emerging concern among the priorities. The new Delaware Environmental Laboratory continues to increase DNREC’s analytical testing capability. The lab has established new testing capabilities for PFAS, emerging contaminants and other specialized testing, such as environmental DNA. Beyond meeting DNREC’s analysis needs, the Delaware Environmental Lab also serves organizations such as the Center for the Inland Bays, the Delaware River Basin Commission, the U.S. Geological Survey, Delaware Geological Survey and the University of Delaware.
“The opening of our new environmental laboratory represents a significant investment by the state,” said Delaware Environmental Laboratory Director Ashley Kunder. “This strengthens our ability to provide high-quality scientific data that state agencies and policymakers rely upon to make informed decisions and protect our natural resources. Most importantly, this laboratory reflects our commitment to the citizens of Delaware. This new facility supports our talented group of scientists and technical professionals, thus strengthens our ability to deliver timely, accurate, and defensible data. We are excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to meeting our mission of protecting public health and the environment.”
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
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Claiming lottery in Delaware
18 states have laws that allow national lottery prize jackpot winners to remain anonymous, but is Delaware among them?
The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Wednesday, June 17, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 17 drawing
03-26-49-53-61, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2
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Winning Play 3 numbers from June 17 drawing
Day: 2-1-0
Night: 8-6-5
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Day: 6-3-6-4
Night: 9-8-0-9
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Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from June 17 drawing
05-07-13-15-19-29
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Winning Lotto America numbers from June 17 drawing
11-16-18-33-51, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 05
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 5 numbers from June 17 drawing
Day: 4-0-1-1-1
Night: 9-5-9-2-5
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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
- Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
- Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
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Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.
Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?
Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.
How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?
Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.
When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
- Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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- Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.
DELAWARE – Governor Matt Meyer signed a new bill that removes the hunting restrictions on Sundays and expands the allowed ammunition.
“For most Delawareans, hunting is a weekend activity,” Rep. Spiegelman said. “Speaking on behalf of the Sportsmen’s Caucus, we all felt that removing the antiquated ban would give more working Delawareans greater access to recreational opportunities and more opportunities to enjoy these experiences with their children.”
The new law will allow hunters to pursue all game animals and game birds during hunting seasons. The law was supported by Delaware Sportsmen’s Caucus (DSC), and received wide bipartisan support, with a 19-0 win in the Senate and a 38-1 win in the House.
Sunday hunting in Delaware was originally banned due to historically observed “blue laws”, which restricts certain activities on Sundays such as specific retail items and alcohol sales. Although the other aspects were repealed decades ago, the hunting regulations continued into the 21st century. It wasn’t until 2016 when Delaware allowed deer hunting on five allotted Sundays, then expanded to include game birds in 2024.
The bill also includes looser restrictions surrounding ammunition usage within deer hunting, expanding the allowed rifles ammunition size.
“We heard from a lot of hunters who wanted to use rounds like the .400 Legend,” Rep. Spiegelman said. “This law expands the allowable caliber size to include this and other popular deer hunting rounds.”
The new law is effective immediately.
For more information on hunting regulations, visit Delaware’s Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
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