Delaware

Delaware investigates where 100 tires washed ashore came from

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2024

Delaware investigates where 100 tires washed ashore came from

It’s not unusual for old tires — or even remnants of war — to degrade and wash ashore during storms, said Art Trembanis, a professor of oceanography and geology at the University of Delaware.

However, the abundance of tires recently discovered on Delaware’s beaches is alarming, he said.

“Sadly, I think what we’re seeing play out is the sins of the fathers are being brought on to our beaches — although, all well-intentioned at the time,” Trembanis said. “It’s a matter of trying to think of how far ahead is one really trying to consider our stewardship of the environment. I think we need to have a much longer viewpoint of that as we assess these kinds of programs.”

Delaware environmental officials are investing whether more than 100 tires washed ashore came from old artificial reefs (Courtesy of Crystal Stokowski)

These man-made marine habitats can become marine debris during storms, and impact the environment, if not designed with sturdy materials.

“Smaller little tires are relatively light, so they’re going to tend to want to stay up on the surface, and then they’re going to get moved around by these waves and currents, and they’re going to take out everything in their path — and that means further disturbance to seabed environments,” Trembanis said.

Loose tires could also become a hazard for people swimming in the water, he added.

Small vehicle tires are no longer used for artificial reefs. Instead, agencies use industrial-sized tires that are weighed down with concrete, he said.

Other kinds of materials can prove just as hazardous. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, subway cars used as a part of an artificial reef site off the Delaware coast were smashed.

Artificial reefs have evolved over time, however, and agencies are beginning to use more environmentally-friendly materials, such as natural rock and concrete, Trembanis said.

DNREC said many of the tires it has collected have strap-like markings, suggesting they may have been tied with metal cable — a method Delaware never used, according to the agency. In Delaware, stacked tires filled with concrete were dropped onto the ocean floor as structures, DNREC said.

The last time the state’s reefs were surveyed, tires were in place and covered in coral, the agency said. However, DNREC is working to get updated imagery of its artificial reefs.

The agency also plans to get new SONAR scans of any debris fields in locations with tire reefs to help confirm the sources of the tires that washed ashore.

Although the source of the tires is still being investigated, illegal dumping is not suspected, DNREC said.

Trembanis advises residents and beachgoers to avoid touching the tires if they see them, because there may be wire, glass or other hazardous materials inside them. Instead, they should report the sighting to DNREC, he said.

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Delaware

This Delaware holiday attraction is one of the 10 best in the country.

Published

32 minutes ago

December 4, 2024

Press Room

This Delaware holiday attraction is one of the 10 best in the country.

Are you looking for a festive train ride? According to a new list, Delaware has one of the best.

Familyvacationist.com released a list of 10 Christmas train rides for the holiday. And Wilmington & Western Railroad made the list.

Santa Claus Express, Prices Corner

For a twist, consider a train ride with Santa this season instead of waiting in line to tell him your wishes.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Prices Corner is back this year with the Santa Claus Express, a 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland powered by either a historic first-generation diesel locomotive or an antique steam locomotive.

During the ride, the jolly old elf will greet passengers and hand out chocolate treats to little ones. Bring your camera so you can snap some photos with Santa.

The Santa Claus Express operates on the following dates at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.:

Friday, Nov. 29; diesel-powered.

Saturday, Nov. 30; diesel-powered.

Sunday, Dec. 1; diesel-powered.

Saturday, Dec. 7; diesel-powered.

Sunday, Dec. 8; diesel-powered.

Saturday, Dec. 14; steam-powered.

Sunday, Dec. 15; steam-powered.

Saturday, Dec. 21; steam-powered.

Sunday, Dec. 22; steam-powered.

Monday, Dec. 23; diesel-powered.

Reservations are required, and seating will be assigned. Coach seating is $27 for adults, $26 for seniors ages 60 and up and $25 for children ages 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 ride for free.

Information about large group options and private cars can be found on the event page at wwrr.com/ride/events/santa/.

Greenbank Station: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner; www.wwrr.com.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Delaware New Year’s Eve parties: Many fun ways to ring in 2025

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2024

Press Room

Delaware New Year’s Eve parties: Many fun ways to ring in 2025

It’s not too early to start planning how you want to celebrate the last day of 2024 in Delaware.

Here are a variety of different ways you can ring in the New Year in the First State.

New Years Furry Ball, Newark

A unique subculture exists of people who enjoy wearing furry costumes, and they’re affectionately known as “furries.” The New Years Furry Ball is an annual experience that’s been dedicated to this costumed crowd since 2005. This two-day event will be held in a hotel and features a dealers den, dancing and more. The game room opens on New Year’s Eve

Early sign-ups are available until Saturday, Dec. 14. Standard admission to this year’s ball includes a buffet dinner. The ball starts Monday, Dec. 30 until Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Embassy Suites By Hilton Newark Wilmington South (654 S. College Ave., Newark) at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30; and from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Standard admission starts at $50 (early registration) or $55 at the door. Minor registration for ages 13-17 is $45 (early registration) or $50 door. Free for ages 12 or younger (must be accompanied by parents/guardian). Visit newyearsfurryball.com.

Noon Year’s Eve, Wilmington

Brandywine Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve has a reputation of being cooler than most celebrations. Due to popular demand, there will be two time slots available for this event: 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. The first ball drop is at 11 a.m. (guests can arrive at 10 a.m.) and the second is at 1 p.m. (guests can arrive at noon).

Please make sure your kids dress appropriately, because this cool event is held outdoors. Instead of champagne, sparkling apple cider will be served. Since this event might sell out, online registration is highly recommended.

Brandywine Zoo (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to noon or noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $5 for non-members; free for members and children aged 2 or younger. Visit brandywinezoo.org or (302) 571-7747.

STOMPing into the New Year, Greenville

Kids will ring in the New Year with live birds. Seriously, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science likes to keep its celebrations interesting. This party is for all ages and features a live bird presentation from Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections, plus a special science-themed ball drop that will leave your little ones “STOMPing into the New Year.”

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (4840 Kennett Pike, Greenville) from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 31. Admission is $3 to $17. Visit delmns.org or call (302) 658-9111.

Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve party, Wilmington

Adult fans of “The Great Gatsby,” people who are 21 or older, will step into the New Year while dressed in their favorite threads from the Roaring Twenties, for a special party that’s also a fundraiser for Safe Haven Healing (SHH).

The party will include dance music, cigar roller, fireworks at 9 p.m. (weather permitting), surprise live entertainment, Whiskey treasure hunt (seek clues and find treasure), hors d’oeuvres and light snack stations, unlimited complimentary Gatsby-themed drinks, dessert station, ball drop Prosecco toast, open bar from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and a prohibition pull to benefit Safe Haven Healing.

All net proceeds from this party will benefit Safe Haven Healing, an organization that’s a hub for survivors of trauma tied to sexual assault, rape, and domestic violence, according to SHH’s website.

Riverfront Events (760 Justison St., Wilmington) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Early bird tickets (until midnight on Black Friday) are $149 per person. General tickets are $199 per person. Visit facebook.com/WilmingtonWhiskeyClub.

Rusty Rudder New Year’s Eve party, Dewey Beach

Life’s a beach and folks are going to ride this wave one final time this year in a NYE bash with musical acts on two stages. The lineup features Love Seed Mama Jump, Gab Cinque Band, Stealing Savanah, Triple Rail Turn, Hector, and Hugh.

There will be an open bar/cocktail hors d’oeuvres, plus fireworks.

Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $115. Visit rustyrudder.com or call (302) 227-3888.

Bellefonte Cafe: New Years Eve Masquerade Ball, Wilmington

You can mask your identity and step into the New Year in style at Bellefonte Cafe’s inaugural Masquerade Ball. Enjoy the complimentary spread of hors d’oeuvres, drink specials and groove the night away on the dance floor. Guests will have a champagne toast at midnight to ring in the New Year. The upstairs dining room will be available for dining with reservations available at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Bellefonte Cafe (804 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington) from 8 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $100. Visit facebook.com/thebellefontecafe or call (302) 761-9175.

Jeff’s Tap Room, Bridgeville

The band Sticky Situation will play the final show of the year At Jeff’s Tap Room. The event also includes free party favors, free champagne toast, and free breakfast.

Jeff’s Tap Room (416 Market St., Bridgeville) at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit jeffstaproomandgrill.com or call (302) 337-8602.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort: New Year’s Party

The 21-and-over crowd will dance the night away with party band To The Max. This NYE celebration will heat up in the Fire & Ice Lounge. Tickets include party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The dress code is upscale fashionable.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $25-$35. Visit casinos.ballys.com/dover or call (800) 711-5882.

Gus’s Crab Shack, Port Penn

The band LeadFoot will mash the pedal toward a fun time as guests buckle up for 2025.

Gus’s Crab Shack (29 W. Market St., Port Penn) from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Cover charge is $5. Visit gusgotcrabs.com, facebook.com/GusCrabs or to RSVP call (302) 598-2685.

Roll into 2025 at Mid County Lanes, Middletown

There are three major ways that bowling fans can celebrate the New Year at Mid County Lanes.

NYE Kickoff is $169.99 (per lane is up to six guests) and includes three hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (noon to 3 p.m.), bowling shoes, one large pizza and a pitcher of soda, and unlimited attractions: laser tag, Frog Hopper and bumper cars.

Family Fun Party is $199.99 (per lane up to six people) and includes three hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (4-7 p.m.), bowling shoes, pizza, salad, wings and fries buffet, and an arcade card.

Final Countdown Party is $299.99 (per lane – up to six people) and features four hours of unlimited cosmic bowling (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.), bowling shoes, full dinner and dessert buffet, unlimited fountain drinks, an arcade card, unlimited attractions: laser tag, frog hopper and bumper cars, New Year’s party favors, champagne toast, giveaways and countdown to midnight.

Mid County Lanes (875 N. Broad St., Middletown) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. NYE Kickoff is from noon to 3 p.m. and tickets are $169.99. Family Fun Party is from 4 to 7 p.m. and tickets are $199.99. Final Countdown Party is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and tickets are $299.99. Visit midcountylanes.com or call (302) 378-0677.

Newark Senior Center: NYE Celebration

Come dressed to impress at this BYOB celebration that features entertainment by DJ “Bradly” Brad. There will be a toast to the New Year and the catered main course includes mushroom burgundy London broil and tri-colored Tortellini Alfredo. There will be a photo booth for guests, 50/50 and raffles. Visitors are encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

Newark Senior Center (200 White Chapel Drive, Newark) from 6to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $35. Visit newarkseniorcenter.com. For more info, email Maura at maura@newarkseniorcenter.com or call Maura at (302) 737-2336 ext. 101.

The Wheelhouse: NYE Party, Lewes

There’s a $30 all-you-can-eat buffet with your name on it at The Wheelhouse’s NYE party.

Live music will be performed by The Jimmies upstairs, and there will be no cover charge for that show. Folks will also enjoy a midnight champagne toast. Appetizers: salad, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie board and sticky meatballs. Accompaniments: mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and veggies. Main course: Mediterranean veggie pasta, chicken Marsala. Carving station: smoked salmon platter, steamship round and Porchetta. Homemade soup: seafood bisque. Endless desserts: assorted dessert bar and chocolate fountain.

The Wheelhouse (7 Anglers Road, Lewes) from 6 to 9 p.m. (in downstairs bar room) and 8 p.m. to midnight (in Harbor View Room) on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Visit facebook.com/wheelhousede or call (302) 291-2163.

White Panda New Year’s Eve bash, Dewey Beach

A forecast of heavy EDM vibes is set to rain down buckets of joy over Dewey Beach, thanks to the mashup master White Panda. This event, which is for ages 21 or older, is likely to sell out, so you might want to get tickets early.

White Panda is a mysteriously masked DJ who played Firefly Music Festival multiple times, and he’s known for delivering wild remixes. Knappy will open the show.

Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $42. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272.

Flying Ivories: New Year’s Eve extravaganza, Milton

Back to close out Milton Theater for another straight year, The Flying Ivories will deliver three hours of New Years excitement. Flying Ivories features two dueling pianists that dish up an all-request, rock ‘n’ roll sing-along. The Flying Ivories’ songbook covers everything from Metallica to Arethra Franklin.

Milton Theatre (110 Union St., Milton) from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $31.50 to $40. Visit miltontheatre.com or (302) 684-3038.

Docklands Riverfront New Year’s Eve party, Wilmington

It’s a one-stop shop to ring in 2025 at Docklands Riverfront. This event is for ages 21 or older. Ticket options include general admission, preferred dining room seating and VIP preferred lounge seating.

General Admission highlights include open bar, dinner buffet, valet, photo booth, Champagne toast, party favors, coat check and full access to both live bands. But GA doesn’t include guaranteed seating.

Preferred Dining Room includes all of the amenities of the GA package, while adding the opportunity to reserve your own space.

VIP Preferred Lounge Seating reserves you a space in a lounge under the tent. Lounges will have access to a private bar and buffet, plus seating for the duration of the night.

Docklands Riverfront (110 S. West St., Wilmington) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. Tickets are $125 to $175 (plus fee). Visit facebook.com/DocklandsRiverfront or docklandsriverfront.com or (302) 658-6626.

Irish Eyes NYE bash, Lewes

Ring in the New Year downstate with DJ Surf and shake off your stress from 2024, before starting anew.

Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant (213 Anglers Road, Lewes) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. No cover charge. Visit irisheyespub.com or (302) 645-6888).

Tonic Seafood & Steak: New Year’s Eve, Wilmington

You can move to the sounds of Bruce Anthony and Lyric Drive while enjoying a la carte dining. There will be a midnight champagne toast.

Tonic Seafood & Steak (111 W. 11th St., Wilmington) from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. No cover charge. Visit tonicsns.com, facebook.com/tonicsns or call (302) 777-2040.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

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