Southern Delaware Tourism recently announced the winners of its 10th annual Southern Delaware Photography Contest.

Contest organizers are grateful to professional photographers Pam Aquilani and Tony Pratt, who served as judges again this year.

The grand prize winner was Mark Stelmack of Frankford for “Egrets at Assawoman Wildlife Area, Frankford.”

For her shot of a kayaker on Trap Pond in Laurel, Beth Baker of Greenwood won the Southern Delaware Freestyle category.

Julie Evans’ image of a pup playing on Fenwick Island beach topped the Southern Delaware Dog Days category.

For his “Scene from the Senior League Softball World Series” image, Joe Maciey of Dagsboro won the Southern Delaware Events category.

“This contest was established to celebrate Southern Delaware and to keep our destination top of mind for visitors and potential visitors year-round,” said Scott Thomas, SDT executive director. “We received entries from all over the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. The entries clearly demonstrate the variety and richness of experiences available in Sussex County, and the incredible enjoyment people get from visiting and living here.”

“Each year, the Southern Delaware Tourism photo contest sees more entrants, which makes it both more competitive and more difficult for the judges to narrow down the choices to one winner in each category and a grand prize winner,” said Aqualini.

“There were many great contenders for each of the categories, so judging was, while enjoyable to review all the great photos, hard to choose only one,” said Pratt.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — You may have seen these concrete barriers in the middle of NW Delaware Avenue, or noticed some of the cross streets from Colorado Avenue have been changed to one way.

It’s part of the city’s plan to help protect cyclists in the Old Bend neighborhood. Delaware is part of the Bend Bikeway Project.

It’s something the city has been working on for a long time, to encourage the residents of those neighbors to bike or walk. However, the city has struggled with drivers speeding down these streets, making them unsafe for bikers and pedistraints

Now they’re trying out these diverters, which change the traffic flow. Ariel Méndez, Bend city Counciler explained the changes, saying, “These are on the Greenway network, which is, a network of streets that is intended to prioritize people walking and biking and wheeling. And, this is something that other cities have seen that really promote safety. And we’re going to give them a try here. ”

The reactions of the people living on Delaware have been mixed. Tony Roberts, who lives right next to one of the blocked intersections said “I’m not crazy about them, but, I’m willing to sit here and see what they do to the traffic.” Roberts and his wife have had to change how they drive to and from their home due to the new diverters.

Lloyd McMullem, has lived on Delaware for decades. She said she missed the opportunity for public comment, but wasn’t opposed to them entirely. “I think in the end, it might be a good thing.” she said, adding ” because we had felt like maybe we need a roundabout because people were so fast in the street. So if it solves the dilemma, then I’m all for it. ”

Many residents interviewed by KTVZ for this story expressed an interest in the possibility of a mini-round about, instead of diverters, to minimize the change in the flow of traffic.

There’s also been a little initiate confusion that comes with any traffic pattern change. Some drivers are trying to enter the new one-way intersections from the wrong directions, or making three point turns in the middle of the street to change directions.

The city of Bend is collecting data and feedback on this project.

They want people to visit the Bend Bikeway Project website, read their plans and send comments which could influence future projects.

• While all three chains focus on private-label products and smaller stores, they have distinct business models.
• Aldi and Lidl compete primarily on low prices, while Trader Joe’s focuses on unique and trendy items.

For Delaware shoppers, the question is no longer whether another discount grocer is coming, but which one will arrive next.

Announcements of new Aldi, Lidl or Trader Joe’s locations often generate a wave of anticipation, fueled by social media chatter from residents eager for more grocery options. Although each chain has built a loyal following that far exceeds its store count, they are frequently lumped together as interchangeable discount grocers. That shorthand, however, overlooks what sets them apart.

All three brands target cost-conscious shoppers, but they do so in distinct ways that shape how customers experience each store.

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At a glance, Aldi, Lidl and Trader Joe’s share a similar operating model. Their stores are smaller than traditional supermarkets, selections are tightly curated and shelves are dominated by private label products. This model keeps overhead low and streamlines the shopping trip, appealing to Delaware shoppers navigating higher food costs.

Beyond that shared format, however, the similarities begin to fade.

The differences in the aisles

Founded in Germany, Aldi runs a tightly controlled model built around efficiency and low price, with a focus squarely on essentials. A typical store carries roughly 1,500 to 1,800 items, most sold under Aldi’s own labels. Fresh produce arrives daily, and weekly “ALDI Finds” rotate in limited time offerings that range from specialty foods to home goods and seasonal surprises such as gardening tools.

Lidl, also based in Germany, takes a broader approach. Stores carry closer to 2,000 items and include more national brands, though private labels still make up roughly 80% of the selection. The retailer emphasizes locally and regionally sourced products while offering a wider international range.

Shelves regularly feature imported specialties from across Europe, giving shoppers more variety while maintaining a strong focus on low prices.

Trader Joe’s, by contrast, aims for a distinctly different experience. Its shelves also rely heavily on private-label products, but the offerings emphasize trend, globally inspired items, frequent seasonal releases and a steady flow of new products. That sense of novelty gives Trader Joe’s the feel of a specialty market and encourages repeat visits, driven more by buzz than by direct price competition.

A price fight led by Aldi and Lidl

Price is the clearest point of separation.

Aldi is the most stripped down of the three, built around rock bottom pricing. Its no frills model extends to store operations, including shopping carts that require a 25-cent deposit, refunded when the cart is returned, helping the chain keep costs low.

Lidl can edge out Aldi on certain categories, but the differences are usually small.

In the broader Philadelphia region – which includes northern Delaware – Aldi’s prices run about 35% below traditional supermarkets, with Lidl close behind at roughly 26% less, according to consumer review website Checkbook. The analysis also found Aldi’s per-unit prices can beat warehouse clubs like BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club.

Trader Joe’s does not compete on the same terms. While often cheaper than conventional grocers, it doesn’t aim to be the lowest-priced option. Instead, it competes on product differentiation and brand identity.

Different bets on loyalty

The chains also diverge in how they build repeat business.

Lidl invests in digital engagement, offering app-based discounts and rewards tied to spending. Aldi skips loyalty programs altogether, sticking to low pricing for all and weekly ads in place of personalized deals.

Trader Joe’s again avoids both strategies, focusing on consistency, brand personality and word of mouth to keep customers coming back.

Delaware’s discount grocery store chains

Aldi has the strongest foothold in Delaware, with multiple locations and continued expansion. Lidl’s presence remains limited but growing, while Trader Joe’s maintains a smaller footprint in the northern part of the state but draws outsized demand.

Here’s are store locations:

Aldi

• 4130 Concord Pike, Talleyville
• 2205 Farrand Drive, Stanton
• 323 W. Main St., Christiana
• 1002 Bunker Hill Road, Middletown
• 1382 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna
• 10 N. Dupont Highway, Dover
• 696 N. Dupont Blvd., Milford
• 19563 Coastal Highway, Suite 1, Rehoboth Beach
• 26684 Centerview Drive, Millsboro

Lidl

• 1616 Pulaski Highway, Bear
• 359 Auto Park Drive, Middletown

Trader Joe’s

• 5605 Concord Pike, Brandywine Hundred
• 2500 Fashion Center Blvd., Christiana

Anitra Johnson covers issues impacting housing, groceries, health care, economics and the environment. A Delaware native, she also reports on local events and initiatives aimed at improving quality of life. She can be reached at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.