Delaware
Police, state warn: 73 suspected drug overdoses, 2 deaths in 1 week in Sussex County
Beebe ER Dr. Paul Cowan discusses overdose surge May 1, 2024
Several Beebe Healthcare officials spoke at a press conference at Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing.
Over the past week in Sussex County, there have been 73 suspected drug overdoses, two people are dead and the National Guard has been enlisted to find out why.
Delaware State Police and the Department of Health and Social Services are continuing to warn the public as a surge of particularly severe overdoses happens across the state’s southernmost county.
“Exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances, and avoid illegal drugs altogether,” the agencies said in a news release Thursday. “Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or addiction support services.”
The 73 suspected overdoses occurred between Friday, April 26 and Friday, May 2, with toxicology tests pending to confirm two suspected overdose deaths, the release said. The majority of overdoses have occurred in the Georgetown, Millsboro, and Milford areas, according to the release.
To determine the drugs’ composition, police enlisted the Delaware National Guard Wednesday to test samples from overdose victims. Initial samples showed packages containing the following:
- Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” a veterinary sedative
- Bromazolam, an unlicensed benzodiazepam
- Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid
- Quinine, commonly used to treat malaria
- Caffeine
The substances involved were packaged in small, white, wax-covered paper bags, police said, typically associated with heroin.
Background: Delawareans asked to ‘exercise extreme caution’ after string of overdoses
Beebe Healthcare in Lewes held a news conference Wednesday to address the more than 30 overdoses the hospital has seen since April 25. One of those patients died and more than 11 required mechanical ventilation and intubation, Beebe Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Officer Dr. Paul Sierzenski said. Many patients also required a significant amount of naloxone to revive.
All involved agencies have warned the recent overdoses have been much more medically severe than usual. There are no patterns related to age, sex or race, Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Director Joanna Champney said at the Beebe news conference.
Support for those struggling with substance abuse and a list of Narcan training events are available at helpisherede.com.
In Sussex, patients can talk with clinicians about substance abuse regardless of their insurance status at the Thurman Adams State Service Center at 546 S. Bedford St. in Georgetown.
More: Fatal overdoses in Delaware appear to be going down, but new troubling trends are emerging
Assistance for those struggling with substance abuse is also available through the following avenues:
- 911: In cases of overdose or medical emergencies, dial or text 911.
- 988: For immediate crisis support, dial 988.
- Delaware 211: Dial 211 or visit delaware211.org for free, confidential assistance in multiple languages.
- Delaware Hope Line: Call 833-9-HOPEDE (833-946-7333) for 24/7 access to resources, support, and crisis assistance.
- Treatment Connection: Find nearby treatment providers at TreatmentConnection.com.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.
Delaware
Joe Biden turns his Delaware home into 'personal ATM', earns $4.2mn from $350K property: Report
United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are believed to have treated their various real estate holdings in Delaware as their personal ATM for years by using them for various mortgages and refinancing them for not less than 35 times, according to a report.
The couple, whose reported net worth is $10 million, have allegedly borrowed $6 million against their properties for many years.
The dealings over their homes in Delaware are likely to have started in the late 1970s just after Joe and Jill got married.
According to a report published in the Daily Mail, the mortgage or credit deals were negotiated by the couple after approximately every 17 months. Such frequent refinancing has left the finance experts puzzled.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense unless they were desperate for cash,” said a finance expert, while speaking to Daily Mail.
The revelations made in the report have further added mystery to the financial past of his family as the president faces scrutiny over financial transactions.
Biden’s murky financial transactions
The current residence of Bidens is a mansion which was purchased in 1996 and has an outstanding $541,000 mortgage after nearly three decades, as per records.
“Why would anyone view their home as an ATM?” LA realtor Tony Mariotti said while speaking to the Daily Mail.
“Over time, mortgage fees really add up. Paying off a mortgage… is like a forced savings account that bears modest interest,” Mariotti added.
As per the records, in 1996 the current four-acre spread was purchased by Bidens for $350,000 and they have since leveraged it with 20 different home credit agreements as well as mortgages totalling $4.23 million.
Watch: US: Biden & Trump prep for key Presidential debate
Bidens’ other major property is a summer home in Rehoboth Beach which was purchased in 2017 for $2.74 million. It was a cash purchase and had no mortgages attached to it.
However, financial records of Bidens show that they have significant debt and have a mortgage on the Wilmington home as well as an equity loan on the same property.
The family’s total liabilities fall between $350,000 and $850,000. Their estimated assets fall between $1 million and $2.6 million.
According to the records, the Bidens have sanctioned 13 home loans and two credit agreements between 1978 and 1994 which totals $1.72 million.
(With inputs from agencies)
Delaware
Wilmington’s Cool Spring Park introduces new amphitheater, outdoor classroom
In 2019, Alison Quimby, manager of sustainability and environmental compliance for the city of Wilmington, proposed an outdoor classroom to help support families and community members living in the urban areas where green spaces may be limited.
However, it faced setbacks at the time due to the pandemic.
“I just had this thought in my mind, definitely like a daydream, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be beautiful to give [this to] the citizens of Wilmington who are inside of buildings a lot?’” she said. “[We want to] give them a space to be outside where they can feel comfortable, where they can learn. It’s not just for environmental stuff.”
Collaborators including Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the city of Wilmington, Healthy Communities Delaware and local schools came together Tuesday morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the park’s new addition.
Education and community were central to this project, influencing its location at Cool Spring Park due to the park’s proximity to nearby schools. During construction, involving the community was essential, with students at William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School contributing by planting native plants and attracting pollinators.
“We went through three different schools. But this was the one that we definitely landed on, and it’s perfection. The goal is to do this again and again. This is an experience that William C. Lewis and Padua and Ursuline or any community can come and enjoy,” she added. “With the help of the school William C. Lewis, they were able to come out, get their fingers dirty and do some planting, and they found worms and they were so excited.”
Delaware
Where to find free beaches in New Jersey and Delaware
PHILADELPHIA – Summer fun is even better when it’s free, and beachgoers looking to beat the heat have several options in both New Jersey and Delaware.
Temperatures have sizzled parts of the Delaware Valley ever since summer began earlier this month, including a record-setting heat wave.
Crowds have packed shore towns in New Jersey and Delaware where the sea breeze helps make unbearable summer temps more tolerable.
Everyone has their favorite shore town, but anyone looking to save a couple bucks can still enjoy a day at the beach with these free options.
Atlantic City: Best known for its gambling and vibrant nightlife, Atlantic City also offers a massive free beach for summertime fun. Downtown Beach, Crystal Beach, and Delaware Avenue Beach are a few of the options available to visitors. A.C. also boasts a more than 5-mile stretch of boardwalk that has access to restaurants, casinos and novelty shops.
Bay Front: Considered part of the more well-known Seaside Heights, Bay Front offers beachgoers “an alternative to the oceanfront activities.” Bay Front, found just north of Route 37, not only offers a free patrolled beach, but visitors can also enjoy fishing, crabbing and boating.
Beesley’s Point: Located on the banks of Great Egg Harbor, Beesley’s Point gives beachgoers a quieter escape and is said to be “an ideal spot for launching a kayak to explore the calm waters.”
Jennifer Lane Bay Beach: Another bay side location for beachgoers who prefer a more laid back shore experience, Jennifer Lane Beach is found on the Manahawkin Bay. Jennifer Lane Bay also features nearby parks for volleyball, walking, biking, and fishing.
Strathmere: Neatly tucked between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, Strathmere beach offers “a low-key, off-the-beaten-path beach experience.”
The Wildwoods: One of the most popular South Jersey beaches is also one of the state’s largest free beaches! With over 5 miles of beaches, Wildwood offers visitors plenty of room to find a spot to enjoy the sun and surf.
William Morrow Beach: VisitNJ.com called William Morrow Beach “the perfect spot to spend a sunny summer day” due to its plentiful sandy beaches and amenities like free parking, outdoor showers and a playground. A small notch of Somers Point, William Morrow Beach stretches between Higbee and New Jersey avenues.
Dewey Beach: There’s a lot packed into the small Delaware shore town, including a free beach! The one-mile-long town is just three blocks, but offers shops, restaurants and a lively nightlife scene.
Rehoboth Beach: One of Delaware’s premier vacation spots also boasts free sandy beaches! Rehoboth Beach also features a fun boardwalk and plenty of shops and restaurants to round out your day at the beach.
If we missed a free beach in New Jersey or Delaware, let us know at WTXF_web@FOX.com!
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