Sports
Defense
Harris nets 150th goal for Indians
Fort Miles hosting Defense Day
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Page B1
APRIL 24, 2026
THE LOCAL VOICE OF YOUR COMMUNITY.
Volume 23, Issue 17
FREE
Millville Town Council to vote on budget By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter The Millville Town Council is set to vote April 28 on the Town’s budget for the 2027 fiscal year, with one notable change being an increase in police coverage costs. The Town contracts with Delaware State Police, who currently patrol the town 40 hours a week. Next year, the
Fundraiser fights to protect children and end trafficking
state police rate increases from $127 per hour to $140 per hour. The Town is also changing its coverage schedule, increasing to 50 hours per week in July and August, but decreasing to 30 hours per week in January and February. Other changes highlighted by Finance Director William Mumford at the past two town council meetings include Millville changing its mill rate — the Town’s property tax rate, from 0.5 to
.000645 per $100 of Sussex County tax assessment. That change was approved by the council in January in order to keep the Town’s total property tax revenue-neutral following court-mandated property reassessments across the state. The Town has also added to the proposed budget a $30,000 expense to contract with PFM Advisors for assistance with the Town’s long-range financial planning.
Mumford’s presentation of the proposed budget on Tuesday, April 14, showed that 36 percent of the Town’s revenue is from property taxes — an estimated $850,000 for the year. Last year’s revenue from property taxes was $849,359. Millville’s total revenue for the coming fiscal year is expected to be See BUDGET page A5
A view to forever
By Laura Walter Staff Reporter When it comes to forced labor, child exploitation and sex trafficking, “People here didn’t think it happens here in Delaware,” said Mindy Bright. But it definitely does. That’s why she and the Sussex County Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4528 are hosting the third annual End Human Trafficking event in Clarksville on Saturday, April 25. Admission is free for the event, music, guest speaker and good vibes. Additionally, people can purchase food, participate in a silent auction and get entries for the prize drawing. “As a father of four, I wanted to do something to protect children and end human trafficking in the Delmarva area,” See FUNDRAISER page A3
Special to the Coastal Point • MaryFrances Berger
These two were getting a good look at the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean — and dipping their toes in the surf in the process. Not a bad day at all.
Magdeburger supports County’s decision to appeal substation By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter Following the Sussex County Council’s vote to continue litigation against U.S. Wind connected to its proposed wind farm substation near Dagsboro, Fenwick Island’s mayor expressed her support for the decision. The Delaware Court of Chancery had rejected an effort by Sussex County
and Fenwick Island to challenge the building of a substation near the former Indian River power plant that would help bring power from the wind farm onshore for connection to the regional electrical grid. The move by Sussex County and Fenwick followed the denial of a conditional-use permit needed to build the substation in 2024. The county council maintained that the project benefited
the citizens of Maryland, not Sussex County. Sussex County Council had issued their denial despite the State approving all the necessary permits for the project and despite a unanimous recommendation from the County’s Planning & Zoning Commission that the council approve the conditional use. Senate Bill 159, passed last summer, now requires counties to approve all
electrical substations permits that meet certain criteria, which would include this one for U.S. Wind. Chancery Court Chancellor Kathleen McCormick ruled last month that the Town of Fenwick Island did not have standing to bring the case, and she issued a summary judgement for the State and U.S. Wind. See APPEAL page A3