Delaware
Today in Delaware County history, June 8
100 Years Ago, 1924: Seize of a 60-gallon “moonshine” still on what is known as the Burk farm in Ridley Township, and the escape by swimming over Ridley River by the alleged distiller, James E. Dickson, formerly of Virginia, featured a raid by federal agents Friday afternoon. The approach of the raiders was noticed by Dickson, who defiantly shouted “Come on, get me, boys!” ran to the river bank, plunged into the water, then disappeared in the thick foliage on the other side.
75 Years Ago, 1949: Using walkie-talkies and radio cars, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue agents and state police have opened a more extensive drive to stop the smuggling of untaxed cigarettes over the state line from Delaware. First to be nabbed in the current drive was a shoe factory worker from Spencer, Mass., who was found hauling 320 cartons back to his home state. State police arrested Floyd W. Bledsoe, 40, as he came over the state line on Post Road.
50 Years Ago, 1974: The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that may keep the ferry Chester from sailing away forever. The Chester is the last ferry remaining in the fleet that sailed the Delaware River between Bridgeport, N.J., and Chester. A DRPA spokesman said a down payment of $10,000 has been placed by a Virginia firm interested in buying the Chester. However, legislation that passed the House Thursday could stop the deal. The Pennsylvania House by a vote of 181-0 passed a bill to keep the ferry in the area for possible use in the 1976 bicentennial celebration.
25 Years Ago, 1999: Aston police arrested six people on drug charges in three separate incidents over the weekend. Three people were arrested around 1:30 a.m. Saturday after police on patrol in the 600 block of Mount Road smelled marijuana coming from a car. Just after midnight Friday, police arrested two people after seeing them smoking marijuana while sitting on a curb in the 800 block of Concord Road. Police also arrested an 18-year-old around 1:30 a.m. Friday night. The man was holding a pipe with suspected marijuana residue inside, according to police.
10 Years Ago, 2014: The pride of the historic Nile Swim Club in Yeadon was evident Saturday as members plan to draw on the legacy of their past to pave their way to a sunny future. Members have launched a fundraising drive to eliminate the 55-year-old club’s debt and help Nile Swim Club become a premier recreational club for all.
— COLIN AINSWORTH
BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say a body was found near Bowers Beach on Tuesday.
Around 12:40 p.m. on April 21, Delaware State Police, Delaware Natural Resources Police and local fire companies responded to the Delaware Bay, about a mile offshore from the Bowers Beach area after commercial watermen discovered an unknown deceased man in the water.
The victim was recovered and turned over to the Office of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death.
The investigation remains active and on-going.
Top headlines of the week, April 17 2026
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.
The Humane Society of Delaware County has appointed a new leader as the organization’s longtime director moves toward retirement.
The animal rescue group’s board appointed Amanda Wampler as its new CEO, effective May 11, the organization posted on Facebook April 21.
Jana Cassidy, the humane society’s executive director for nearly a decade, is transitioning toward retirement and will now serve as chief operating officer in the near term to ensure a smooth transition.
The post from society Board President Megan Ricci says the board is confident Cassidy’s and Wampler’s experience, dedication and talents will elevate the humane society as it strives to build a new 22,000-square-foot facility that will be a go-to destination for adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, and grooming.
“HSDC could not be in better hands than with these two extraordinary women,” the post reads.
Wampler is a proven nonprofit executive with experience in animal welfare and a demonstrated ability to help organizations expand and thrive, according to the humane society’s post.
Wampler currently is the national operations director for Siemer Institute, a Columbus-based organization that helps families across the U.S. achieve housing stability and enhance their children’s educational prospects, according to Wampler’s LinkedIn page. She also worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 2016 to 2023.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 5:44AM
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) — Something exciting is taking flight in the hallways of Warner Elementary School in Wilmington.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer helped celebrate the launch of the state’s first elementary school streaming radio station on Tuesday.
“Flying High with Thunderbird Radio” will provide students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, public speaking, and content creation.
This innovative initiative empowers students to step behind the microphone and lead the way in digital storytelling, communication, and creativity.
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