Wilmington Beer Week Starts This Week

Rise and Shine, 302. This feels like a day to wave at someone from your driveway and mean it.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Some of us still believe in actual conversations. Others believe in the power of thumbs. Where do you stand?

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Request a personalized buyer strategy review and see how the right guidance can help you buy well in today’s market.

Greater Wilmington Beer Week is back with a packed lineup of tastings, tap takeovers, special releases, and one very festive citywide toast. Fourteen breweries and restaurants are teaming up to celebrate Delaware’s 250th with limited “Delaware 250” beers crafted just for the occasion. On February 18 at 7 pm, participating spots will raise a coordinated glass, but the fun stretches well beyond that moment. You can browse the full schedule and map out your game plan at WilmingtonBeerWeek.com.

It is basically a choose-your-own-adventure for craft beer fans. Try somewhere new, revisit a favorite, and make a week of it.

Coverdale Farm Preserve is offering a unique opportunity for local families to raise chicks at home through their Chicken Tenders Program. From March to May 2026, participants can care for two young chicks before they return to the farm to join the adult laying flock. The program is designed to be educational and engaging, with no prior farming experience needed.

Families receive all necessary supplies and support, including weekly guidance and live Zoom check-ins from farm staff. The $375 program fee covers everything from chicks to brooder supplies, with a discount available for Delaware Nature Society members.

Applications are open until March 1, 2026, but space is limited. This program offers a hands-on experience in agriculture, teaching responsibility and empathy while connecting families to the rhythms of farm life.

The YMCA of Delaware is launching a Wellness Exchange at its Central Branch in Wilmington, opening on March 2nd. This initiative seeks to address obesity and related health concerns, offering resources and support for both members and non-members. The center is a collaboration with the American Diabetes Association's Obesity Association, Rose Hill Community Center, and Rural Innovation Hub.

The Wellness Exchange will provide education, resources, and referrals to help individuals achieve better health. Services will be available in-person, virtually, or by phone by appointment.

A Newark fifth-grader, Micah Williams, was honored by Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company for his bravery in saving his family from a house fire. While doing homework, Micah sprang into action when a kitchen fire broke out, using a fire extinguisher to buy time for his family to escape safely. His quick thinking earned him the Heroic Firefighter Award during a ceremony at Wilson Elementary School.

Micah's mother, Tenisha Tirado, suffered burns during the incident, but she credits her son for staying calm and ensuring everyone's safety. Despite her injuries, the family remains in their home, with visible fire damage serving as a reminder of that night.

Micah's actions have inspired him to consider a future in firefighting. He can join the Aetna explorers program in a few years, with the fire department eager to welcome him when he turns 18. Meanwhile, he continues to be a source of support for his mom as she recovers.

The Delaware Tourism Office is teaming up with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 excitement to the First State. Announced at a kickoff event in Wilmington, the partnership will host watch parties across Delaware, allowing locals to enjoy select matches in their own communities. Each county will have its own event, with the grand finale being the World Cup Final at Delaware Stadium in Newark.

These gatherings promise a festival vibe with large screens, local vendors, and interactive games for families. Tickets go on sale March 5, 2026, and the events kick off in June. The collaboration is designed to showcase Delaware as a vibrant destination and boost local tourism while celebrating the world's biggest soccer event right at home.

Three schools in the Newark area have been nationally recognized for their outstanding student achievements. Jones Elementary and Keene Elementary, both part of the Christina School District, were named National ESEA Distinguished Schools. Jones was celebrated for its students' academic progress, while Keene was recognized for closing the achievement gap.

Newark Charter School was also set to receive national recognition under the now-disbanded National Blue Ribbon Schools program. The school's performance ranks it among the nation's top-performing public schools. This acknowledgment highlights the consistent instructional quality and shared responsibility among its community.

In addition to these honors, several other local schools, including McVey and Gallaher Elementary, were praised at the state level for their growth on assessments. These achievements showcase the potential of strong teaching and student-centered supports.

Wilmington University and the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 199 have teamed up to offer construction apprentices a new path to a bachelor's degree. This partnership allows those who complete the Construction Craft Laborer apprenticeship to earn up to 42 college credits toward a Bachelor of Applied Business with a concentration in construction management.

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between hands-on experience and higher education, while also addressing workforce shortages in Delaware's construction industry. By converting apprenticeship experience into college credit, it reduces both the time and cost barriers for working adults seeking a degree.

As Delaware faces a growing demand for skilled trades workers, the partnership offers a model for integrating education and workforce development. It reflects a broader strategy to prepare the state's workforce for future economic challenges and opportunities.

New Castle County Council is pushing back against Delmarva Power's proposed rate hike. At a recent meeting, the council voted to encourage the state Public Service Commission to reject Delmarva's request for a $67.8 million increase. This marks the third rate increase request by Delmarva in six years, with the last one approved in 2024.

The council's decision to send a letter was nearly unanimous, with one member recusing due to a conflict of interest. Councilmember David Tackett and others voiced concerns about the impact on customers, urging for alternative energy solutions and questioning the fairness of the proposed rate changes.

The Public Service Commission will review Delmarva's request later this year, as discussions continue around energy costs and shareholder responsibilities.

New Castle County has hit the brakes on hiring for vacant positions, with exceptions only for roles deemed critical to essential services and core operations. County Executive Marcus Henry announced this move as a part of the 2025 budget preparations, aiming to manage taxpayer dollars effectively and ensure long-term stability.

Henry highlighted the challenging budget environment facing the county as they gear up for the new fiscal year. He reassured that the job security of current county employees will not be affected by this decision. This pause is intended as a proactive measure to maintain financial health and continue delivering high-quality services.

The county plans to communicate transparently throughout the budget process, ensuring residents are kept in the loop as they navigate these financial waters. For now, it's a wait-and-see as the fiscal planning continues.

Delaware's recent property reassessment has led to higher taxes on affordable housing, causing concern among developers. According to Spotlight Delaware, Debra Burgos from the Evergreen Apartment Group highlighted that taxes on their Wilmington apartments tripled, making it difficult to manage costs without raising rents, which is restricted due to low-income housing tax credits.

Several developers have expressed similar concerns, stating that these tax hikes could discourage future affordable housing projects. Lawmakers recognize the issue but must balance it against other needs like school funding and business growth. Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend mentioned that any tax relief for affordable housing would mean shifting the burden elsewhere.

There are proposals in the works, including one to classify all housing as residential to lower taxes, and another to allow income-restricted housing to pay a percentage of income instead. The debate continues as lawmakers seek a fair solution.

Newark's upcoming municipal election will see some fresh faces on the city council. In District 3, Deborah Welch and Chris Williamson are vying for a seat, as incumbent Jay Bancroft steps down. Districts 5 and 6 will see George Irvine and Emile Brown running unopposed, respectively. Brown will continue to serve after joining the council last year.

In District 3, voters will head to the polls on April 14, with registration closing on March 23. The city has no separate voter registration, so those registered for statewide elections in District 3 can vote. Meanwhile, the elections in Districts 5 and 6 will be canceled, and Irvine and Brown will be declared winners by default.

The new council members will be sworn in for two-year terms in April. Each candidate brings unique experiences and priorities, from budget management to fostering stronger ties with the University of Delaware.

Pygmalion at Chapel Street Players invites you to experience a classic play in an intimate setting. With accessibility offerings like wheelchair seating and assisted listening devices, everyone can enjoy this theatrical gem. February 20-28th.

First State Ballet Theatre Presents Dreams in Motion at The Baby Grand brings the whimsical and surrealist dreamscape to life with two captivating ballets by Viktor Plotnikov. Experience the return of Fantasy to Dvorak and Nonsense (In the Sense of Innocence) with striking costumes and electrifying movement. Saturday at 7 PM and Sunday at 2 PM.

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.

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

Let’s talk about those ears.

Jelly Rollover is a two-year-old, all-black, large-and-in-charge good boy with radar-dish ears and a grin that says, “What are we doing today?” At just over 2 years old, he is in his prime: strong, playful, and ready for adventure.

Jelly is friendly, affectionate, and very into being part of the action. If you are walking, he is walking. If you are hanging out in the yard, he is supervising. If snacks are involved, he is fully invested in quality control.

He has that happy, engaged energy that makes you feel like the most interesting person in the room. Confident, curious, and eager for attention, Jelly is ready to roll straight into his next chapter.

You can meet him at the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s New Castle campus on Churchmans Road.

Go say hello. We have a feeling those ears will seal the deal.

40 🌡️ 32 | ☁️ Overcast | 20% | 💨 NNE 11 mph

49 🌡️ 37 | 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 20% | 💨 WSW 8 mph

49 🌡️ 38 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers | 35% | 💨 SSW 9 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 31ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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