Aging Lead Pipes Threaten Drinking Water Statewide

Rise and Shine, 302. Most habits fail because they require a perfect week. If your routine can't survive a chaotic Tuesday, it isn't a routine. It’s an aspiration.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

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Neighborhoods say a lot without saying much at all. Some invite conversation, others stick to quick waves and unspoken rules. What does everyday life feels like where you are.

Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun has a delightful new addition with the birth of a male siamang ape on Christmas morning. Mama Katya and Daddy Jack are the proud parents, with Jack proving to be a doting father. The zoo director, Cheryl Lacovara, refers to the baby as their 'Christmas Miracle.'

Siamang apes are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, so this birth is a significant event for the zoo's conservation efforts. The family will stay indoors until temperatures rise above 50 degrees, as Maryland winters are too chilly for these tropical animals.

A naming contest for the new arrival will soon be launched, with the only requirement being that the name starts with 'K.' Keep an eye on the Plumpton Park Zoo's Facebook page for contest details.

Twelve new electric vehicle charging stations have rolled out at the Biden Welcome Center on I-95 near Newark. These stations, installed by Applegreen Electric, come equipped with dual charging ports that can power two vehicles simultaneously, delivering up to 400kW in total. The setup allows for a quick charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, with no need for a membership or subscription.

The installation was funded with $735,000 from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative aims to boost Delaware's EV infrastructure, making charging more accessible for local drivers and travelers. The state is also gearing up to apply for additional federal funding to further expand charging options along key travel routes and in areas with high-density housing.

Families at Sussex Central High got a shock when tests revealed high lead levels in the school's water, leading to a shutdown of all water fountains. This isn't just a local issue, according to the UD Review, over half of Delaware's public schools have faced similar problems.

The state conducted two rounds of water testing, confirming lead in every school checked. Efforts are underway to install filters, but the underlying infrastructure remains a concern. The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule offers some guidance, but full remediation will take time.

Beyond schools, Wilmington faces its own challenges, with thousands of lead pipes still in use. The city is working to replace them, but it will be a long process. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to read their annual water quality reports to stay informed about their water safety.

Delaware's Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Board is rolling out its 2026 Organ Donor Awareness Video Scholarship Contest. Aimed at high school students across the state, this contest invites participants to create a one- to two-minute video highlighting the importance of organ and tissue donation. It's a chance for students to get creative while spreading a vital message.

Open to students in grades 9 through 12, the contest encourages entrants to interview transplant patients or organ recipients. Videos will be judged on creativity, accuracy, and positive messaging, with a submission deadline set for April 3, 2026. First-place winners in each county will snag a $1,000 scholarship, while second-place winners receive $500.

With National Donate Life Month in April, the board is keen on getting more young people involved in organ donation awareness. Keep an eye out for those inspiring videos!

Penn Medicine is making its debut in Delaware with a long-term lease for 40,000 square feet of office space at The Concord on Silverside Road. This move marks the Philadelphia-based health system's first location in the state, aiming to expand health care offerings in New Castle County.

Initially, Penn Medicine considered a smaller project for a diagnostic imaging center at Concord Plaza. However, the plan has now expanded to include primary and diagnostic care, among other services. The Concord's commercial space is now 89% leased, showcasing the property's transformation.

The Concord, once known as Concord Plaza, underwent a $100 million redevelopment by Buccini Pollin Group to become a mixed-use destination. With residential occupancy at 99%, the site offers a blend of office, retail, and living spaces, drawing a variety of tenants, including Penn Medicine, to this vibrant location.

The White Clay Creek Country Club in Wilmington has listed its recently closed 18-hole championship golf course for sale at $3 million. The property, spanning 279 acres with a 64-acre lot recently subdivided, is being marketed by Fasy Realtors. The course, which shut down on January 1, was designed by the renowned duo Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest.

The country club's general manager, Ryan Kidwell, informed members of the closure in a letter, stating that the decision was made with careful consideration. The club is exploring options to find a new owner, though it may take some time.

KemperSports, which began managing the course in 2022, continues to oversee the club's other amenities, including a 40,000 square-foot clubhouse and dining facilities. Meanwhile, the course's future remains uncertain as potential buyers are sought.

Lang Development Group is set to add two stories to the Center Square building in downtown Newark. This project will transform the existing structure at Main Street and Center Street, which currently houses Home Grown Cafe and a vacant Walgreens space, into a four-story building with 39 apartments.

Construction will impact parking on Center Street, with spaces previously used as a loading zone becoming a 24/7 delivery area. Three adjacent pay-to-park spaces will be closed, and nine spaces in Lot 4 will be blocked during the first phase.

Home Grown Cafe will stay put and even expand into part of the old Walgreens space. The remaining vacant first-floor area will be leased to new businesses. Lang also plans to update the building's facade with a darker look.

The Delaware Tourism Office has awarded funds to seven sports facilities through the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund. This initiative, established by the Fiscal Year 2024 Bond and Capital Improvements Act, aims to enhance Delaware's sports venues to attract out-of-state visitors. A total of $10 million was distributed among facilities in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, including Chase Fieldhouse and Dover Motor Speedway.

The funding decisions were made by a panel comprising state officials and tourism representatives. They reviewed 27 applications requesting over $50 million and finalized their selections in early February. This round of funding is the largest since the program's inception, supporting projects that promise to boost sports tourism across the state.

Delaware's focus on sports tourism is paying off, with the state hosting major events like the USA Lacrosse Youth Nationals and the BMW Championship. Sports travelers significantly contribute to the local economy, spending millions on various services and amenities.

Wilmington City Council recently voted down a series of proposed reforms aimed at shaking up how councilmembers serve. Councilmember Shané Darby introduced ordinances to impose term limits and staggered elections, but they failed to pass. The term limits proposal would have capped councilmembers at three terms, while staggered terms aimed to maintain continuity in governance.

Councilmember Chris Johnson voiced concerns about fairness, noting potential issues with election timing. Darby also pushed to lower the minimum age for council and mayoral candidates from 25 to 18, arguing it would include younger voices in governance. However, after feedback, she plans to revise the age proposals to 21.

The council's decisions mean no immediate changes to the current structure. Darby is expected to revisit the age limit proposals with amendments in future sessions.

On Mondays, opening acts and exhibits are listed here when they debut. After that, you'll find individual dates in the regular Theatre/Arts listings.

Art by Yasmina Reza at the University of Delaware REP. A razor-sharp comedy about friendship, ego, and modern art that erupts when a shockingly expensive white painting pushes three longtime friends into a hilariously brutal debate, playing through Sunday, March 1. Thursday & Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM.

Disney's Freaky Friday at The Everett Theatre. A heartfelt and funny musical about a mother and daughter who magically swap bodies and have one day to see life from the other side, bringing plenty of laughs and a few emotional surprises along the way. Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2 PM.

The Grand Presents Curious George: The Golden Meatball at Copeland Hall invites you to join Curious George on a delightful adventure as he helps Chef Pisghetti in the Golden Meatball Contest. This musical, based on the beloved books, promises a fun-filled day for young audiences with catchy tunes and a heartwarming story. Sunday at 2 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

Dan has one of those faces that makes you stop scrolling. Soft eyes, sturdy build, and a calm confidence that says, "I am happy just being near you." This 4-year-old American Bulldog lost his home through no fault of his own, but he has not lost his optimism.

Dan is friendly, social, and has lived successfully with other dogs, adults, and kids. He is an active guy who enjoys the outdoors, whether that is a walk around the neighborhood or hanging out in the yard. He is also a smart cookie who already knows sit, stay, and come, which is always a nice head start.

If you are looking for a loyal, even-keeled companion who is ready to plug right into family life, Dan might be your guy. Bonus for veterans: Dan qualifies for the Sponsored by Simba program, which means no adoption fee.

Go meet him at the Brandywine Valley SPCA Copeland Center on Churchmans Road and see if he is your perfect match.

31 🌡️ 16 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 6% | 💨 NW 10 mph

40 🌡️ 32 | ☁️ Cloudy | 12% | 💨 S 9 mph

43 🌡️ 28 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 7% | 💨 WNW 16 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 33ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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