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State Auditor’s report points out accounting woes in jobless compensation fund

Delaware Auditor of Accounts Lydia E. York issued a special report on the Delaware Unemployment Compensation Fund (DUCF) that found "significant deficiencies in internal accounting controls." The report summarizes the findings of a months-long inquiry by auditors at the Department of Labor Division of Unemployment Insurance. These issues contributed to what the office termed as an "unprecedented disclaimer of opinion." “This report...

Water main project on Route 40 in Bear will affect traffic

Work is underway on a water main project on Route 40 in Bear. Artesian Water Co. stated that the 10-month-long project is now underway. The project comes in conjunction with a highway widening project in the same area of Route 40, slated to begin in early 2025. Artesian’s contractor, Austin & Bednash Construction, Inc., will work Monday through Friday, weather-permitting....

From Spotlight Delaware: Hospitals fight Delaware push to regulate health care cost

By  Jacob Owens This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware, a community-powered, collaborative, nonprofit newsroom covering the First State. Learn more at spotlightdelaware.org  Why should Delaware care?The proposal to institute a health care cost review board would be a major change in regulation for the state’s hospital system at a time when the cost of care is rising, effectively putting political...

Chicken Association, watershed groups partner on $2 million program to improve farming practices

Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA), the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance are partnering with chicken growers in a $2 million cost-share program to accelerate the adoption of chicken farming best management practices in Delaware and elsewhere in Delmarva. The three-year effort, which began accepting chicken farmers' applications for cost-share support this spring, is backed by a...

Personnel File: March 26, 2024

Ponzo named to Executive Leadership Council Sam Ponzo, vice president and general manager of DuPont Industrial Solutions, has been inducted as a member of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC).  The ELC is a global organization, comprised of current and former Black CEOs, board members and other senior executives, that works to open channels of opportunity for the development of Black...

Delaware jobless rate drops to 4%

Delaware’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in February 2024 dipped to 4%, down from 4.1% in January 2024, the Delaware Department of Labor reported. Revised figures from the Labor Department also reported that the annual jobless rate fell to 4%. The report also included annual revisions in employment statistics as payroll data replaced estimates. Delaware's unemployment rate is now closer to matching...

Delaware gas prices remain well below national average

AAA reported that Delaware gas prices have remained steady during the past week. While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising crude oil futures pushed pump prices higher, AAA reported. Delaware's pump price is now more than 20 cents lower than the national average. Delaware has one of the nation's lowest gas taxes, but that has not always been reflected...

Smoky fire at Newark Acme supermarket causes $250,000 in damage

Aetna Hook & Ladder Company was dispatched to a fire late Sunday night in the Acme store at 100 Grove Lane in Newark, the redeveloped College Square shopping center. An airboat was sent to the scene to clear out smoke inside the building. The initial call to the New Castle County 911 Center around 10:45 p.m. reported the...

Morris James signs lease at new Avenue North high-rise

The Delaware law firm of Morris James has leased more than 40,000 square feet in the high-rise building at the Avenue North development near Wilmington. The Philadelphia Business Journal first reported the transaction. The publication indicated that the law firm is vacating Class A space in downtown Wilmington as the high-rise moves toward full occupancy. In February, Morris James...

Tax charges lead to 46-month federal prison term for Garnet Valley mushroom farm owner

Donna Fecondo, 63, was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for tax crimes related to her ownership of a mushroom farm and processing operation about a mile north of the Delaware line. Fecondo, of Garnet Valley, PA, pleaded guilty in 2022 for failing to remit payroll taxes to the IRS. Fecondo was the president and sole owner...

Dignan named Chemours CEO

The Chemours Company named Denise Dignam, current Interim Chief Executive Officer, to the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. She succeeds Mark Newman, who had earlier been placed on leave while an investigation into company finances took place. The probe has led to delays in issuing the fourth quarter and...

Deadwyler named President of County Chamber

Yvonne Deadwyler was appointed President of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, effective March 18. According to a release, the Board of Directors made this decision in consultation with Chamber Chairwoman Pam Scott. "The Board of Directors is delighted that Yvonne Deadwyler has been selected as the next President of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. She brings...

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce launched in Delaware

This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware, a community-powered, collaborative, nonprofit newsroom covering the First State. Learn more at spotlightdelaware.org  By José Ignacio Castañeda Perez The Delaware Hispanic Chamber of Commerce launched last week in Wilmington with over 200 Hispanic businesses already on board. The chamber will bolster Hispanic businesses in the state by providing business owners and entrepreneurs with Spanish-language resources to grow and...

Bill aims to protect financial services companies providing services to marijuana industry

Legislation has been introduced in the Delaware General Assembly that aims to protect banks and other businesses that provide financial services to marijuana cultivators, distributors, and retailers who operate within Delaware's legal cannabis systems. According to sponsors, House Bill 355 clarifies that these financial services are legal under Delaware state law and aims to reassure financial service providers...

2 Kent, Sussex community solar sites near groundbreaking stage sold

Luminance will acquire two solar sites from ECA Solar, a renewable energy developer and producer. The plants, with a combined capacity of more than 10 megawatts, are in Delmarva Power's service territory in Kent and Sussex counties. Luminace is part of Brookfield Renewables, a Canadian company that also manages investments. The facilities are expected to provide solar energy to...

Fire destroys Elsmere commercial building

A Wednesday morning fire in Elsmere destroyed a commercial building. The Elsmere Fire Company was dispatched to the 400 block of Old Dupont Rd., shortly before 9 a.m and found smoke and fire coming from a large building on the Paoli Services complex. Other fire companies responded to assist. The building housed an automotive/mechanical servicing business. Deputy Fire...

PODS to occupy 130,000 square feet at Delaware River Industrial Park

Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Inc. announced the completion of its latest industrial property spanning 130,000 square feet at 50 Harbor View Drive in the Delaware River Industrial Park. PODS Enterprises LLC, which uses containers to store and move household goods, will occupy the entire building at 50 Harbor View Drive. Terms were not disclosed. "We are proud to unveil this addition...

Avelo notes: New Haven grows as Lakeland, FL service remains on hold

Avelo Airlines made headlines when the 16-jet carrier signed an unusually long 15-year lease at Lakeland, FL, with a possible May announcement of destinations from the airport between Orlando and Tampa. It turns out the TSA has not yet finalized security at an airport that has not seen service in years. A launch date for the service has not...

Delaware ranks 49th as homeowners remain reluctant to take on more mortgage debt

Delaware ranked 49th among the 50 states in adding mortgage debt. The WalletHub financial information site issued the report. WalletHub compared the 50 states based on its data on mortgage debt from the third quarter of this year to the previous period a year earlier. Delaware highlights Overall rank: 49th Change in average mortgage debt: The average mortgage balance in Delaware...

My take: Inspector General bill returns with backers from both ends of spectrum

A bill calling for the formation of an independent inspector general's office has returned, this time with a wide range of support. The office would not duplicate the work of other agencies but would be able to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse of government resources. It would not have enforcement powers but would refer its findings to law enforcement or...