Delaware
Thousands of chicks left in USPS truck for days sparks rescue mission by Delaware shelter
The postal service did not immediately respond to requests for comment but said on its website that the agency transports thousands of chicks each year.
A central Delaware animal shelter has spent the past two weeks rehabilitating and finding homes for over 8,000 chicks that were stranded in a U.S. Postal Service truck for 3 ½ days.
The birds were shipped from a south-central Pennsylvania hatchery.
The First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden shared the news on social media, documenting the shelter’s attempts to care for them and place them in homes.
The postal service did not immediately respond to requests for comment on May 20, but previously said on its website that the agency transports thousands of chicks “seamlessly every year.”
While the animal shelter initially estimated that there were between 3,000 and 5,000 quail, geese, and chicks left in the postal service truck with no food, water, or temperature control, there turned out to be over 10,000 of the birds.
“First State Animal Center took delivery directly from the postal service,” the shelter wrote, later adding that it worked with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to sort and care for the animals.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture shared news of the dilemma on May 9 and said about 4,000 birds were dead upon arrival.
Where are the surviving chicks?
Shelter employees said there was an “amazing” number of survivors. Workers cared for the birds around the clock with heat, food, water, and survival care, the shelter said.
The shelter asked for donations to pay for the birds’ care. Adoptions began on May 13. USA TODAY has reached out to the shelter to obtain more information on the adoptions.
Three days after the shelter took the birds in, they shared that nearly half of the birds were in stable but cautious condition, then on May 13, the birds were available for adoption in batches ranging from 5 to 100.
The Delaware Department of Agriculture said the shipment was headed to multiple states in the U.S. but became “misdirected” and ended up in Delaware.
‘Don’t know how they ended up where they did’: Questions remain over incident
According to the department, the Freedom Ranger Hatchery in south-central Pennsylvania is certified with the National Poultry Improvement Plan, which was created to decrease the spread of diseases in the poultry industry.
USA TODAY reached out to the Freedom Ranger Hatchery and they released the following statement: “This shipment was part of a routine shipment that never reached it’s intended destination due to USPS error. This loss has compounding effects with the many small family farms across America that were counting on these birds for their summer grow out schedules. We have not gotten any clear answers from the post office about this situation. We are unsure if we will receive any compensation for the loss.”
The hatchery ships birds to backyard growers and companies who use them for egg or meat production, said Stephen Horst, owner of Fifth Day Farm, which is under the same ownership of the hatchery. The family company has multiple hatcheries, he said.
The company also ships guinea fowl, which are used for tick control, and they ship all over the U.S., Horst told USA TODAY on May 20.
Regarding the orphaned birds, the Delaware Department of Agriculture said as many as 2,000 of the birds were supposed to be sent to Spokane, Washington.
The birds were first sent out around April 29, Horst said. They are typically delivered within two days.
“I don’t know how they ended up where they did, but I do know that we’re asking questions too,” he told USA TODAY. He added that since the incident, the company has shipped birds with no issues.
How were they able to survive?
According to the Delaware Department of Agriculture, someone from the postal service’s Delaware Processing and Distribution Center called the department on May 2 about “an undeliverable box of baby birds.”
The Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health got involved, and the agency helped transfer the orphaned chicks to the First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden.
Horst, one of the hatchery owners, said the hatchery sometimes works with agencies outside of the postal service to ship birds, such as UPS and FedEx. For larger orders, they sometimes work with airlines such as Delta, American, and Alaska.
He said companies like Freedom Ranger Hatchery often face criticism from those who say it’s inhumane to ship the birds, but the birds are actually equipped to survive for three days, he said.
Issues with shipping led to chicks being abandoned
When chicks develop, the yolk is the last to form. It’s in their abdomen and acts as an energy source. He said the shipment misdirection is “disappointing,” but more often than not, the system works.
When asked, Horst said he can’t recall the hatchery having an issue like this before, where birds are misdirected and left in a truck for days.
“When the shipping system fails, which it does sometimes, that’s unfortunate,” he said. “But overall, we have really good success shipping them.”
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
WILMINGTON – On the track, Middletown’s sprinters appeared to perform with relative ease.
The relays were won by wide margins. Handoffs were clean. Form remained intact through the finish. When they are at their best, the Cavaliers barely touch the ground, coach Yvenel Sainsume said.
But the aftermath of Middletown’s boys 4×200 relay at the New Castle County championships at Abessinio Stadium May 9 revealed the toll of another state-record run.
Leadoff man Zamir Miller bent over with his mouth ajar, hands on his knees. Freshman phenom Riley Robinson laid on his stomach, spread like a starfish on the infield turf. There were gasps for air between high fives and hugs.
The Cavaliers team of Miller, Amir Jones-Branch, Robinson and Brandon Jervey ran 1:25.62 to break the 4×200 state record of 1:25.98 set by Salesianum at the 2023 county meet.
About an hour later, the same team ran 41.60 to win the 4×100. It was a meet record and No. 3 on the state all-time performance list.
Middletown for a second straight year won the boys team championship, accumulating 127 points to best second-place Salesianum (94 points) and third-place Appoquinimink (56 points). Next week, the Cavaliers will defend their Division I title, entering as the favorites in several sprint events.
Dealing with cumulative fatigue and a few nagging injuries, Middletown has picked its spots throughout the spring.
At the county meet, the team prioritized a chase of the sprint relay state records over maximizing team point output across the lineup. They were chasing their own standards – last year, Middletown set the 4×100 state record (41.34) and was Delaware’s fastest in the 4×200 (1:25.84).
So far this spring, the holdovers from last year’s squad – seniors Miller and Jones-Branch – have shown they are even better than they were a year ago. But it was Robinson’s third leg in the 4×200 that created much of the separation between Middletown and runner-up Appoquinimink (1:28.07).
“Riley is a dog,” Jones-Branch said. “You would think as a freshman you would be scared to come in and hang out with the big dogs, but he never gets scared. He never backs down from a challenge. He always steps up. He’s always talking. He steps up and competes.”
Robinson has the fifth-fastest 100 time and the 12th best 200 in the state this season. He credited the team’s embrace of him for his performance.
“I want to be like Zamir and Amir,” Robinson said. “They’re very helpful. They help all of the young guys. If you feel left out, they’ll joke with you. Me personally, I think that’s what really helped me out.”
Jervey, the anchor, is Middletown’s queen chess piece. The junior won the individual 100 in 11.04, joining 400 champion Jayden Feaster, 300 hurdles winner Ethan Earle and pole vault leader Jessie Standard as Middletown’s individual-event winners.
Jervey is also among the state’s best hurdlers and ran on Middletown’s winning 4×400 with Logan Elmore, Sharvell Corbin and Feaster.
“It didn’t even feel like I was going as fast as I did,” Jervey said. “We felt like we were going a little slow. So, when that [4×200] time came out we were a little shocked. But it felt good.”
Meet records fall in distance events
When Tatnall’s Dylan McCarthy led the 1,600 through 400 meters in 63 seconds, it became obvious this group of Delaware’s top milers were intent on pushing the pace.
After that first lap, Saint Mark’s Alec Jurgaitis took the lead and stayed on the gas pedal through the middle laps with McCarthy, Tatnall senior Gavin Leffler and Salesianum junior James Dempsey attached.
At the bell, Jurgaitis surged and only Dempsey could hold on. At the start of the final turn, Dempsey let loose a big kick that Jurgaitis couldn’t match.
Dempsey won in 4:11.24, taking down the meet record set by Charter of Wilmington’s Kieran Tuntivate in 2015 by a half-second. Jurgaitis finished second in 4:13.93 and McCarthy placed third in 4:15.51.
“For Alec to take it, that was really gutsy,” Dempsey said. “I just wanted to go with him. I was like, ‘I have a lot left in me so I’m going to push here.’”
Dempsey ran the final 400 in 57.59. It was his first win at a major championship meet. He now ranks third on the state all-time performance list.
“In indoor, I didn’t want it bad enough,” Dempsey said. “I kind of realized that if I want to run in college and run at the next level, I have to push myself even harder this year.”
Dempsey has prodigious talent.
As an eighth grader at Dickinson in his second year in the sport, he ran a 4:42 mile on the Abessinio track. He lowered his time to 4:29.51 as a freshman and 4:16.75 as a sophomore.
“We have been trying to get him to be patient,” Salesianum distance coach Scott Davis said. “He’s been coming along, dropping a ton of time. We knew it was there. It was just a matter of being patient and sitting.”
In the boys 800, Charter of Wilmington’s Brandon Williams and Jurgaitis separated early from the field. Running from the lead, Williams summoned a faster second lap than his first to hold off Jurgaitis.
Williams ran 1:52.59 to break the meet record of 1:52.89 set by Mount Pleasant’s Johnelle Joe in 2017. Jurgaitis finished second in 1:53.46.
“I could feel Alec on me with about 200 to go, so I just full sprinted from that point to the line, basically,” Williams said. “I was scared like the whole time.”
Charter of Wilmington coach Rick Schuder said Williams has a laid-back personality, but is an aggressive runner, often taking charge from the front as he did at the county meet and when he set the indoor 800 state record in February’s indoor state meet.
“I think he’s ok with pressure,” Schuder said. “He’s always run his best at the big meets. I think he’s ok with it. He just rises to the occasion.”
Williams will hunt for the Charter of Wilmington school record of 1:51.91 set by Chris Brown in 2019 at the upcoming state championship and Meet of Champions. Williams now ranks tenth on the state all-time performance list.
Alec Jurgaitis leads Saint Mark’s to 4×800 victory
In most years, the New Castle County meet is split between consecutive days. This year, the first day of competition, including the preliminary straightaway races and multiple novice sections, unfolded on Thursday, May 7 before the bulk of the action on Saturday, May 9.
On the first day of the meet, Jurgaitis took the baton for the final leg of the 4×800 just a few strides behind race leader Middletown. Watching from the infield, his Saint Mark’s teammates felt good about their chances.
Jurgaitis, a senior, owns the fastest personal best of anyone in the race and unlike at the indoor state championship won by Middletown when he risked a fast first 400 meters to close a large gap, Jurgaitis was positioned to run under control and unleash a fast kick.
“I saw him sitting on them with a lap to go and I was like, ‘I know Alec. I know he’s ready to go now,’” said second leg Connor Wrinn. “And he did. He ran some ridiculous time.”
Saint Mark’s wins boys 4×800 at New Castle County meet
The Spartans ran 7:52.30, which is No. 12 on the state all-time performance list.
Jurgaitis’ 1:52.26 split gave Saint Mark’s the victory in 7:52.30. That time ranks 12th on the state all-time performance list. Middletown finished second, breaking its school record with a time of 7:55.82.
Evan Paskevicius (2:00.35) and Wrinn (1:58.43) ran well but Saint Mark’s still trailed midway through the race. Sophomore Ryan Brooks ran the critical third leg that set up Jurgaitis well.
Brooks lingered behind Middletown through the first 600 meters then made up two seconds with an all-out sprint in the final 200. His split of 2:01.26 was a personal best.
“He had such a great workout Monday,” Jurgaitis said. “He was beating me in the last few reps… He’s just pushing that last 200 as hard as he can. I knew he had it in him and he was going to race to put me in the best position.”
“[My coach] told me just give Alec a chance,” Brooks said.
Notes from around the track
- With a 61.31-second last lap, Tatnall’s Michael Simmons won the 3,200 in 9:39.33 over Delaware Military Academy’s Ryan Organek (9:44.67). Simmons is the first freshman to win the boys 3,200 at the New Castle County meet. “I’m just glad to be part of a moment,” Simmons said.
- Appoquinimink’s Wayne Roberts won the 200 with a personal best of 21.93. He also finished second in the 400 in 48.47.
- Wilmington Friends’ Chukwuma Chukwuocha won the triple jump with a jump of 44-6.5. “It’s definitely more mental for me,” the Friends junior said. “I know I can do it. I’ve done it before. It’s all about trusting the process and understanding that it’s not all going to happen at once.”
- Odessa’s Rodney Coker won the 110 hurdles by two thousandths of a second over Salesianum’s Austin Thomas (14.653 to 14.655).
- Howard’s Zi’Yon Henderson-Conkey and Korey Manley took first and second in the high jump, both clearing 6-2. Manley also finished second in the triple jump. The county meet was only his second ever track and field competition.
- Tatnall’s Max Martire won the county discus title for a third straight year with a throw of 176-4.
- Howard’s Suhayl Benson won the long jump by one inch over Delaware Military Academy’s Chris Keller. Benson could not complete his final three jumps after suffering an injury while racing the 400.
- Salesianum’s Roan Samuels won the county shot put title for a second straight year with a throw of 57-3.
Brandon Holveck reports on high school sports for The News Journal. Contact him at bholveck@delawareonline.com.
A former Delaware and Maryland police officer was charged with rape following a sexual assault investigation, according to the Delaware State Police.
On May 5, William Paskey, 33, was arrested and charged with second-degree rape after officials said he sexually assaulted a woman he met on an online dating app in 2022.
The investigation began in May 2025, when the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit began looking into allegations against Paskey.
According to officials, detectives learned that in September 2022, Paskey met the victim on a dating app anad invited her to his home in Harrington, Delaware. The woman told investigators that during the date, Paskey became aggressive and engaged in nonconsensual acts with her, refusing her multiple requests to stop.
Troopers said Paskey was employed as a law enforcement officer at the time of the incident, but was not on duty.
After consulting with the Delaware Department of Justice, troopers obtained a warrant for Paskey’s arrest.
The man was released after posting a $20,000 secured bond, officials said.
According to the Delaware State Police, between 2014 and 2021, Paskey worked for several police departments in Delaware, including the Dagsboro, Ellendale and Blades police departments. Most recently, Paskely worked as a police officer for the Town of Ridgely Police Department in Maryland.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information or who may be a victim to please contact Sergeant P. Taylor by calling (302) 698-8547. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Slithery intruder makes appearance on beach
A huge snake was spotted making its way across the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Luckily, the reptile was not venomous.
It could be one of your worst nightmares.
You’re enjoying a summer day in the water when you feel something brush past your leg. You turn, and there’s a snake.
While the chances of that scenario playing out are highly unlikely, there is a good chance the waters you enjoy playing in are also inhabited by snakes.
The danger level might not be as high as Florida’s, but it’s still something to be aware of when you go into the outdoors.
Here’s a look at the snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware, according to worldatlas.com.
Nanticoke River
The Nanticoke River runs 64 miles from southern Delaware to the Chesapeake Bay, winding through marshlands, forests, and farmland along the way. The habitat is perfect for the Northern watersnake. The snakes are nonvenomous, but they will defensively strike if you corner them or try to hold them.
The Brandywine
This is where you need to be very careful. The Eastern copperhead is a confirmed and documented presence, and a small group exists at Alapocas Run State Park along the water near Wilmington. The snakes won’t chase you, but if you step too close or don’t see them, they will strike. You should watch your step near log piles and rocky outcrops.
Millsboro Pond
Millsboro Pond is the home to perch, black crappie and frogs, which is the perfect food for snakes including northern water snakes, plain-bellied water snakes, queen snakes and common ribbon snakes.
The Eastern copperhead lives in southern Sussex County, which includes the pond. However, sightings are rare. It’s something to watch out for when you are at the pond.
Lums Pond
The pond, located in Lums Pond State Park, has numerous varieties of snakes. However, the inlets and small islands are perfect for northern water snakes to bask in the sun. The snakes thrive on fish and amphibians and benefit from the surrounding forest and wetlands.
One snake to watch for is the ringneck snake. It has a mild venom and its teeth have trouble puncturing human skin, but for those with venom allergies, you should treat it like any other venomous species.
Trap Pond
Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park, is noted for its cypress swamp. The bald cypress trees and the tree’s root structure provide a great hiding place and basking spot for eastern garter snakes and northern water snakes.
Silver Lake
Located in Dover, Silver Lake is lined with trees and vegetation, making it a great place for snakes. The northern water snake is seen here, but eastern kingsnakes are also occasionally seen in the wooded areas of the lake.
Garrison Lake
Garrison Lake is a popular spot in Kent County for fishing and boating. The marshy areas and dense vegetation are perfect habitats for northern water snakes, eastern garter snakes and eastern rat snakes. The wetlands are attractive to snakes due to the abundance of prey and the availability of cover.
Red Mills Pond
Red Mills Pond, located near Lewes, has a rich biodiversity supporting numerous amphibians and small mammals, which attract snakes. Among the snakes you may see in and around the pond are the northern water snake, eastern ribbon snake and eastern ribbon snake.
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