Delaware

Delaware fireworks bill would toughen penalties for violations

Published

10 months ago

June 8, 2025

Delaware fireworks bill would toughen penalties for violations

A bill making its way through the Delaware General Assembly seeks to toughen the state’s longstanding ban on most consumer fireworks by imposing steeper penalties, regulating sales and funding public education.

Sponsored by Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton and Sen. Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, House Bill 63 aims to clarify existing laws, deter illegal use and give the State Fire Marshal more authority to enforce regulations and prevent fire-related incidents.

If passed, the legislation would be the most significant update to the state’s fireworks laws in years. Violators of the law would be fined up to $1,000. Retailers who continue to operate without a permit could be fined up to $10,000.

Fireworks laws ignored or misunderstood

Delaware prohibits most consumer fireworks, including aerial mortars and bottle rockets. Only sparklers and ground-based fountains are permitted under specific circumstances. These items may be sold between June 4 and July 4, and again from December 1 to January 1. Use of these products is restricted to July 4, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the third day of Diwali.

Despite annual reminders, officials say many residents remain unaware of the rules, leading to widespread noncompliance and safety concerns.

Under the proposed amendments, anyone caught violating the fireworks ban could face escalating fines of up to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 or more for subsequent violations. Revenue from permit fees would fund public education and support enforcement efforts.

Fireworks bill targets misleading advertising

Lawmakers also hope to curb confusion caused by aggressive marketing from out-of-state retailers, who promote banned aerial fireworks to Delaware residents through ads on TV, radio and billboards.

If enacted, HB 63 would increase fines for illegal fireworks use and create a permitting system for retailers. Under the new system, sellers would need to register with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which would oversee compliance and ensure only permitted fireworks are sold.

Retailers operating without required permits would face a fine of $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second and $10,000 for each additional violation.

Fireworks bill aims to expand public outreach on safety concerns

The legislation also addresses safety concerns related to legally allowed fireworks. According to the State Fire Marshal, sparklers and other ground-based fireworks have caused multiple fires, often due to improper disposal.

Fire officials have warned that smoldering debris can ignite fires hours after fireworks are discharged, especially in trash bins or on rooftops where they may go unnoticed until they spread. This risk increases significantly during dry conditions.

The bill includes provisions to expand public outreach efforts, particularly around safe handling and disposal.

Fireworks legislation faces time crunch, hurdles

The bill has cleared a House committee and is headed to the House floor, where it awaits a full vote. If it passes there, it will move to the Senate. However, both chambers are in recess until Tuesday, June 10, for ongoing Joint Finance Committee hearings.

With the legislative session set to end on June 30, time is running short. Because the bill imposes a new license fee, it will require a three-fifths majority in both chambers to pass.

You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

1 dead, 1 injured after grain tank accident at Delaware farm

Published

9 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

1 dead, 1 injured after grain tank accident at Delaware farm

article

DELAWARE – A man is dead and another is recovering after an agricultural accident at a farm in Sussex County.

What we know:

Delaware State Police say the incident happened Friday around 4:50 p.m. at Evans Farms on Redden Road in Bridgeville.

Fire crews and police responded to reports of two men trapped inside a grain tank.

When crews arrived, they confirmed both men were trapped and began rescue operations, calling in additional resources from Delaware and Maryland.

After a lengthy effort, a 20-year-old man from Bridgeville was rescued and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 66-year-old man from Bridgeville was later located inside the tank and pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released.

The backstory:

Investigators say the two men entered the grain tank to loosen an auger that had become clogged with corn.

While inside, corn from a higher level shifted and slid down, trapping both men.

What we don’t know:

It is unclear how long the men were trapped before crews arrived.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the incident.

What’s next:

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit is continuing to investigate.

The Source: This article was written using information from Delaware State Police.

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Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 10, 2026

Published

21 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 10, 2026

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Friday, April 10, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 10 drawing

03-18-36-42-49, Mega Ball: 06

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from April 10 drawing

Day: 2-4-8

Night: 0-1-3

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from April 10 drawing

Day: 6-6-3-8

Night: 7-3-1-5

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from April 10 drawing

04-10-17-19-25-26

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from April 10 drawing

Day: 4-2-6-7-5

Night: 1-9-3-1-4

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

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.
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

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.
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
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.

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Delaware

Lower Slower Delaware Festival returning to Frankford vineyard April 12 – Milford LIVE! – Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Lower Slower Delaware Festival returning to Frankford vineyard April 12 – Milford LIVE! – Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

The third annual Lower Slower Delaware Festival will take place April 12 at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, featuring live music, food and family-friendly activities. (Photo courtesy of Salted Vines.)

A local vineyard in Frankford will host the third annual Lower Slower Delaware Festival on April 12, offering a full day of live music, food and family-friendly activities.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery and is open to the public at no cost.

Organizers say the festival is designed to highlight local culture in Sussex County, featuring live entertainment, regional food vendors and small businesses.

Live music is scheduled throughout the day, beginning with Whiskey Graves at 11 a.m., followed by an afternoon performance from String Theory at 3 p.m.

Several food vendors are expected to participate, including Carl’s Gourmet Hots & Sandwiches, Fast Italian, Luv Thai, Taco Reho and Tipsy Flamingo.

In addition to food and music, local vendors will be set up throughout the property offering handmade goods and other items.

Seating will be available on-site, though attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Outside alcohol is not permitted on the property in accordance with Delaware law.

The event is one of several spring gatherings taking place across Sussex County as the coastal region heads into the busy summer season.

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.

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