Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:12pm Beachgoers flock to Rehoboth despite hurricane
By Amy Cherry
Updated Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:13pm
WDEL's Amy Cherry reports
Hurricane Earl didn't stop hundreds from hitting the beach ahead of Labor Day weekend.
The only thing that would tell you a storm is coming is if you step foot in the ocean,
and you won't be on two feet for long. The rip current is strong. Just ask Jennifer
Bloom of Virginia, who nearly drowned with her seven-year-old son.
We were probably up to our knees., Before I knew it, the wave just pulled me under
and him under.
And it wasn't a lifeguard who came to her rescue. It was a good Samaritan.
I kept trying to get his head above water, and thank goodness some came and saved us
because I could not save myself.”
She says she'll think twice before swimming in a storm again.
It feels like someone's literally pulling you underneath the water. It's like being
in a washing machine, and you just can't get out.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 10:02am Markell says DE prepped for Earl encounter
By Peter MacArthur
Picture Caption
Governor Markell says preparations are being made in case Hurricane Earl brushes up against Delaware.
He tells Delaware's Morning News, that emergency management officials are staying in
touch with the National Weather Service and some Delaware National Guard troops have been
moved closer to beach points. Audio Here
Markell says when it comes to hurricanes, you spend what you need to spend to deal
with any problems that surface.
The Governor says it does mean money earmarked for hurricane clean up is money that
can't be used somewhere else.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:12pm Teen shot twice in the back
By LeAnne Matlach
A Wilmington teen is at Christiana Hospital after being shot twice Thursday afternoon.
Wilmington Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in the
2600 block of North Claymont Street.
The 17 year old victim says he was walking through the courtyard of the housing
complex when he heard shots being fired. He then realized he had been shot in the back.
Witnesses say the suspect may have run into a home in the 2600 block but officers
searched the building and didn't find anything. Anyone with information on this crime
should contact CrimeStoppers.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 7:22am Mayor says layoffs may be needed in Wilmington
By Mellany Armstrong
Wilmington Mayor Jim Baker is warning that unless city unions agree to salary and benefit concessions, there will be layoffs.
In a news release sent out this morning, Baker says revenue needed for salaries and
benefits and city programs for fiscal year 2011 won't keep pace with expenses. He says
revenues have declined because of the weak economy and uncontrollable costs like
healthcare and pension benefits.
Chief of Staff William Montgomery says the city's fiscal outlook is bleaker than it
was when the budget was approved in May. He says the city has a short-term cash-flow
problem, and it had to borrow $10 million to pay salaries, benefits and bills.
Personnel costs represent 64% of the city's budget. Montgomery has asked all city
departments for ideas on permanently slashing at least $5 million from the current
budget.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 1:54pm Earl causes ferry changes
By Don Voltz
The approach of Hurricane Earl and its possible impact on Delaware and New Jersey has forced some changes to the schedule of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Four trips from both Cape May and Lewes have been cancelled for Friday. Officials say
because of the uncertainty of the track of the storm, some other changes may be made to
the schedule on Friday and Saturday.
For schedule information on the ferry, go to their website at www.cmlf.com or call
800 64 FERRY.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 7:22am Is Earl coming to Delaware?
By Mellany Armstrong
How will Hurricane Earl affect Delaware?
Accuweather's Joe Lundberg says the storm will stay fairly far offshore, but we will
see some impact.Audio Here
Stay with WDEL for the latest on the storm's path...Governor Markell joins us live at
8:30 this morning, and check out
our Hurricanewatch page on wdel.com.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:12pm Carper calls for more safety in light of oil rig explosion
By LeAnne Matlach
Updated Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:16pm
Sen. Tom Carper
Senator Tom Carper traveled to the Gulf Coast to evaluate BP's response to the oil spill but he ended up 135 miles from Thursday's oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.
Carper says incidents like Thursday's reinforces the need for more safety measures.
He said the Obama administration will be looking into tougher regulations later this
year.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:12pm Construction closes lanes on Market St starting Wednesday
By LeAnne Matlach
The first phase of the Market Street Safety Improvements project will begin Wednesday September 8th.
Concrete barriers will be placed to provide a work area and one through lane of
traffic will begin at South Market Street between A Street and Garashes Lane.
All businesses will remain open during the construction. The project is being funded
under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Depending on weather the construction
is expended to end in late November.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 9:12pm Attemped escape thwarted by Capitol Police
By LeAnne Matlach
Capitol Police arrested Antonio Vilone Thursday afternoon after he attempted to escape from Superior Court.
Vilone was about to be committed to the Department of Corrections when he ran from the
podium in the courtroom. He was confronted by two bailiffs and a probation officer, he is
accused of striking both his fists before being restrained.
He was arrested by Capitol Police for offensively touching a Law Enforcement Officer
and disorderly conduct among other charges. He has been committed to Vaughn Correctional
Center.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 1:54pm Newark man busted for drugs at traffic stop
By Don Voltz
A 22-year old Newark man was stopped on a traffic violation, but now faces more serious charges.
Justin Johnson of the 200 block of Christiana Road was pulled over for running a stop
sign Wednesday evening in Edgemoor Terrace. When county police stopped Johnson, they
found he had a fictitious registration plate...then found 15 grams of marijuana beneath
the seat of the car.
Johnson faces four traffic offenses and several drug charges. He was arraigned on
$6000 bond and released. His passenger, 23-year old Kirk Johnson of Claymont, was
arrested for having an outstanding warrant. He was also arraigned and released.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 1:54pm Man injured when deck collapses on him
By Mellany Armstrong
A man was injured when the deck he was working on collapsed Thursday morning near Talleyville.
County paramedics responded to the 200 block of Belvedere Drive and found the rear
deck of a house had collapsed, trapping a 40-year-old construction worker.
Paramedics weren't able to get to the man for an hour, and he was under the deck for
two hours beforfe being removed by a rescue team. The man had injuries to his shoulder,
leg, hip and abdomen, as well as possible internal injuries. He was flown to Christiana
Hospital and is in serious condition.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 5:41pm Funding boost for De National Guard
By LeAnne Matlach
WDEL's LeAnne Matlach reports
$300,000 is being added to the Delaware National Guard's Counter Drug Task Force program but Senator Ted Kaufman says the investment will save millions in the long run.
It costs more than $30,000 a year to incarcerate a person in a Delaware prison and
Kaufman said the National Guard's program could decrease incarceration rates.
The Drug Task Force works on supply reduction, demand reduction and oversight of the
National Guard substance abuse program.
Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Snapp says the guardsmen are active in area middle schools
with drug education programs. The extra money will allow more guardsmen to be involved
with the programs.
VID:natguard.flv~WDEL's LeAnne Matlach reports -->
Audio Here
