Delaware

Delaware Ag Airport Sets Eyes on Growing GA Future

Published

3 months ago

September 2, 2024

Delaware Ag Airport Sets Eyes on Growing GA Future

Chorman Airport (D74) in Farmington, Delaware, is a privately owned, public-use airport that is the home base for a third-generation aerial application business.

The airport, which has been around since the 1950s, was purchased in 1991 by Allen Chorman. His plan from the outset was to use the airfield as base of operations for Chorman Spraying, formerly known as Allen Chorman & Son.

“When I was 12 years old, my dad and I rode over here on a Sunday. I remember like it happened right now,” Jeff Chorman said. “He was like, ‘Maybe we could rent the airport from John [Mervine],’ who was a real big name in Delaware at the time. My dad ended up buying the airport from John and since then we’ve built the airport up and widened the runway from 37 feet wide to 51 feet wide.”

From mid-March to mid-November, this 3,585-foot-long paved runway is abuzz with activity from sunup to sundown. Chorman Spraying employs nine pilots and has a fleet of aircraft that consists of Air Tractors, Ag Cats, Thrushes, and Bell Jet Rangers.

An aerial view of Chorman Airport (D74) in Farmington, Delaware. [Courtesy: Jeff Chorman]

“We are probably one of the largest agricultural operators on the East Coast, as far as agricultural work, and cover the eastern shore of Delaware and Maryland,” Chorman said. “We have gone from running two airplanes to running seven all the time. And we have gone from radial engines to turbines, although [we] still spray mosquitoes with Twin Beeches and are thinking about getting into the drone world.”

The operation is an integral partner to farmers within roughly a 50 nm radius of D74. Typical crops in the region that the company tends to are wheat, barley, pumpkins, watermelons, cantaloupes, peas, sweet corn, and other vegetables, in addition to a strong emphasis in the fall on cover crop seeding.

Aerial services are provided from 10 main airfields and five satellite airfields, from Chestertown to Snow Hill. But most ag aviation flights originate from Chorman Airport, which is a competitive advantage for the operation.

“Having your own airport [as an ag operator] is almost a must. It’s all about control,” Chorman said. “Even though it’s a public airport, we still control the people who are here. [By having our own airport] we control the activity during the busy times and also the overall ramp operations and security here.”

Efficiency and safety on the field is balanced with national security precautions in the area. Chorman reported that there is frequently a presidential TFR active near the airport, due to President Joe Biden’s home in Rehoboth Beach being only 26 nm away.

“Right now, if you look at Delaware in ForeFlight, the whole state is yellow,” he said. “I was the first one in agricultural aviation history last year to get permission to conduct ag operations inside the TFR’s inner ring during Biden’s 10-day visit last year. The Secret Service understands [the need for our operation to continue helping farmers] and has been great to work with.”

Chorman’s longtime interest in military aviation led him to acquire a handful of vintage aircraft. His Stearman biplane, T-6, and T-28 can be seen by airport visitors this fall during a highly anticipated fly-in event at Chorman Airport.

“We are planning our second annual fly-in for October 26, weather and TFR permitting,” he said. “We will have a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs. Last year we had 65 airplanes fly in, and you couldn’t have ordered better weather. We are hoping for a good turnout again this year”

The airport welcomes transient traffic, although fuel is only available to based aircraft. There are roughly four dozen aircraft presently kept on the field.

Chorman is encouraged about the future of the airfield and that it will continue being a central asset in the operation of his business and an attractive option for local pilots to base their aircraft.

“In 2018, we repaved the runway because it was in very bad shape with no base underneath at all. We didn’t have any state or federal funding for that project,” Chorman said. “The airport will continue to grow as the need develops. I can see two more hangars here with eight units each for rental airplane storage, as well as an [automated weather observing system] AWOS. I would also like to have a GPS approach here, since we are strictly VFR now with pilot-controlled lighting. We are just starting to work on getting that done and the Delaware Aviation Council is helping.”

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Delaware

Delaware County Sheriff's Office investigating murder-suicide involving mother and two children

Published

1 hour ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Delaware County Sheriff's Office investigating murder-suicide involving mother and two children

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office reported they found an abandoned vehicle with a deceased woman and two children inside on the morning of Nov 23.

The Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle was found near Highway 85 and East 340 Road.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Office

They said a preliminary investigation identified the woman as Alisia Pena of Tulsa and two children belonging to her. Both children are under the age of ten.

The Sheriff’s Office said it believes the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide on the part of the mother, but the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

2 News is working to learn more and will update this story as we learn more.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —

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Delaware

Here are 9 holiday light shows to catch this season in the Delaware, Philadelphia region

Published

9 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

Here are 9 holiday light shows to catch this season in the Delaware, Philadelphia region

From walks to drive-thrus, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a holiday light show this season.

Various shows and events are taking place throughout Delaware and across the Philadelphia region this year.

Here are nine holiday light shows to check out:

Longwood Gardens

Spectators of the holiday light show at Longwood Gardens are in for a special treat this year as “A Longwood Christmas” kicks off amid the opening of “Longwood Reimagined.”

The expansion features new spaces like the West Conservatory, which will offer new areas to deck out for the holidays.

Longwood Gardens, located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, launched its holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 22, and it will run daily through Jan. 12. To make a reservation, visit the sprawling garden’s website.

Address: 1001 Longwood Road, near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Website: longwoodgardens.org

Yuletide at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library

Holidays at the Winterthur Museum on Route 52 features twinkling lights adorning the woodlands, a large-scale gingerbread house and an 18-room dollhouse, according to the museum’s website.

The holiday display will be open to the public starting Saturday, Nov. 23, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 5.

You can purchase tickets online or by calling the museum at 800-448-3883.

Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware

Website: winterthur.org/

Holidays at Hagley

Get a glimpse of Hagley Museum and Library around the holidays with a holiday home and garden tour.

The site features a gingerbread house contest, Santa day, holiday night tours and more.

The holiday experience at Hagley runs from Sunday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Purchase tickets online to schedule your holiday tour.

Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, Delaware

Website: hagley.org/

Drone show at the Riverfront

The Wilmington Riverfront during the evening hours of Friday, Dec. 6, will host a drone holiday light show.

The free holiday light show will take place on the Riverwalk. For more information about the event, visit the Riverfront’s website.

Address: Michael S Purzycki Riverwalk in Wilmington, Delaware

Website: riverfrontwilm.com/event/drone-light-show

Shady Brook Farm

If you are willing to take a drive for a holiday light display, look no further than Yardley, Pennsylvania’s Shady Brook Farm.

You can drive through the holiday show yourself or take a wagon ride through. The holiday festivities begin Saturday, Nov. 23 and run through Jan. 5, 2025. Ticket prices are per vehicle and vary depending on the day of your visit.

The farm also features Santa’s Village with gifts, treats, firepits and a Candy Cane Lane walk-through.

Address: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania

Website: shadybrookfarm.com

Gift of Lights Dover

The Dover Motor Speedway will once again host its drive-thru holiday light show this year.

Tickets are priced per carload at $35 per car and $60 per bus or limo.

Address: 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, Delaware

Website: giftoflights.ticketspice.com/gift-of-lights-dover

The Brandywine Railroad

Since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad has displayed model trains, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys as part of its annual holiday display.

The display also features interactive options like “push buttons and foot pedals” so visitors can engage with the train setup.

The holiday display began on Saturday, Nov. 16, and runs through Jan. 5. For more information visit the Brandywine Museum of Arts’ website.

Address: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Website: brandywine.org/museum

Holiday Lights Express

Take a festive ride on 100-year-old heated coaches through the Red Clay Valley to see homes decorated for the holidays.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad hosts one-hour evening train rides during the month of December. To purchase train tickets, visit the venue’s website.

For a visit from Santa Claus, be sure to reserve train tickets for the Santa Claus Express.

Address: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner, Delaware

Website: wwrr.com/ride/events/holiday-lights

NOËL at Nemours Estate

Experience the holidays at the Nemours Estate by touring the 77-room mansion, chauffer’s garage and gardens adorned in twinkling lights.

The estate also will feature live music performances throughout the season.

The festivities at the Nemours Estate began Tuesday, Nov. 19 and will extend through Sunday, Dec. 29. Purchase tickets on the estate’s website and reserve your visit.

Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Rockland, Delaware

Website: nemoursestate.org

Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.

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Delaware

Dolgeville vs Delaware Academy

Published

17 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Press Room

N. Scott Trimble

High School football 2024 Class D playoffs: Dolgeville vs. Delaware Academy

Dolgeville battles Delaware Academy at Cicero-North Syracuse Friday, November 22, 2024 for the Class D playoffs. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com)Get Photo

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