LATEST TIM DUKES NEWLETTER – May 1 and 4, 2026
Date Posted: Thursday, May 29th, 2025The legislation makes it a Class A misdemeanor for an individual to cross a marked barrier set by a first responder or to ignore a clear verbal warning and come within 25 feet of a first responder with the intent to interfere, threaten, or harass. The bill applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and fire police officers.
Senator Buckson said the measure is about ensuring first responders can focus on their jobs without unnecessary distractions or danger.
“Our first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities,” said Senator Buckson. “The last thing they should have to worry about is someone interfering with their ability to do their job safely and effectively. This legislation sets clear boundaries and consequences for those who choose to ignore them.”
Rep. Dukes said the bill reinforces respect for emergency personnel and prioritizes public safety.
“Senator Buckson has partnered with first responders to advance a measure that safeguards both them and the public,” said State Representative Tim Dukes. “Establishing a buffer zone ensures that law enforcement, paramedics, and firefighters can focus fully on their duties without unnecessary distractions during critical moments. It’s easy to envision many scenarios in which such interference could lead to tragic consequences. This is a practical proposal that deserves broad support.”
SB 284 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
LAWMAKERS LEARN ABOUT THE NEW SUSSEX TECH HIGH SCHOOL
Rep. Dukes and other elected officials recently toured the construction site of the new Sussex Technical High School, gaining insights into the project, the school, and its future.
With an estimated cost of $250 million, the project is the largest public school construction effort in state history. The new three-story complex, being built adjacent to the current campus southwest of Georgetown, will encompass approximately 353,000 square feet of interior space.
Construction began in October 2024. School District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carson told the visiting lawmakers that the tentative plan is to open the new school in September 2027, but only “if we can do it correctly.”
Sussex Tech provides comprehensive career-technical education in skilled trades and technical fields, including automotive technologies, collision repair, carpentry, welding, HVAC-R, cosmetology, dental services, health professions, legal services, digital publishing, CISCO/Coding, and agriculture/environmental sciences.
Many of the occupations the school prepares its students for are more lucrative and in higher demand than those accessible by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. That is perhaps one of the reasons earning a spot in Sussex Tech’s freshman class is coveted. Of the more than 900 students applying for admission this past September, only about 400 were successful. Due to high demand, qualified applicants are selected via lottery in most cases.
Sussex Tech also has a second life at night and on weekends, training more than 3,500 adults to obtain a wide range of skills, including securing occupational and professional licensing and certification. Many of the programs have significant waiting lists.
NEW SUSSEX COUNTY BOOKMOBILE
Sussex County officials have unveiled a new Bookmobile, the latest iteration in a program that launched in the 1970s and has evolved since.
The new 2025 Turtle Top Terra Transit replaces the County’s longtime bookmobile, a 33-foot-long 1988 Thompson-built bus, recognized at a national conference as one of the oldest bookmobiles still in active service. While beloved, the diesel-powered vehicle was costlier to operate and maintain, and presented logistical challenges due to its size, as well as the requirement for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The new 28-foot gasoline model is more fuel efficient and maneuverable, and does not require staff operators to hold a CDL.
The bookmobile travels throughout Sussex County year-round, making stops at senior centers, day-care facilities, schools, and other sites where either a community library is not present or where a large group of individuals can be easily served. The bookmobile has a capacity of approximately 3,000 items, including books, movies, and audio programs.
For the bookmobile schedule, visit sussexcounty.lib.de.us or call (302) 855-7893.
The Delaware Safety Council reminds drivers to buckle up
Smart Drive = Buckle Up Every Time! Click-4-Life – Take The Pledge! Smartdriveusa.org
MAY 4, 2026
News from DNREC: A public meeting to discuss Chronic Wasting Disease in Delaware
deer will be held on Wednesday, May 13th in Laurel
DNREC will hold the first community meeting about the recent detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Delaware’s white-tailed deer at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13th at the Baldcypress Nature Center at Trap Pond State Park in Laurel. For anyone unable to attend the in-person meeting, a virtual option is available on the DNREC meeting calendar.
The community meeting is one of the first steps in Delaware’s Response Plan for CWD in the state’s deer herd. DNREC invites the public to attend and get more information about CWD, ask questions, understand the state’s next steps, and learn how the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s surveillance for the disease will affect the upcoming hunting seasons. Daily entrance fees for Trap Pond State Park will be waived between 6 and 8 p.m. for those attending the CWD community meeting.
DNREC will hold additional meetings to provide more information for deer hunters and processors over the coming months. CWD will also be a topic on the agenda at the next Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish Meeting to be held on June 2nd at the Little Creek Hunter Education Building (3018 Bayside Drive, Dover, DE, 19901). The council meeting and all CWD community meetings going forward also will offer a virtual option for attending.
DNREC recently announced the state’s first positive test for CWD after it was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (USDA NVSL). The detection was from a hunter-harvested deer sampled in Delaware as part of routine surveillance. A second deer sampled during the 2025-2026 season in the state tested presumptive positive at the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System and is awaiting confirmation by the USDA NVSL.
With the state’s first case of CWD confirmed and a second case now a strong possibility, DNREC will continue its longstanding surveillance program of Delaware’s white-tailed deer herd to better understand the extent of the disease and monitor its spread. More information, including the state response plan, a map of the management area, and public guidance about CWD is available at the de.gov/cwd webpage.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will be held on Saturday (May 9th)
Leave a bag of nonperishables by your mailbox:
Just place a bag full of food by your mailbox prior to mail delivery on Saturday (May 9th), and your letter carrier will make sure your donation gets to our neighbors in need!
Click here for donation guidelines and more information.
Paid summer opportunity with Delaware public libraries in Sussex County is available
AMERICORPS
The Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) has partnered with AmeriCorps to provide 10 Summer Associate VISTA opportunities in libraries across Delaware, specifically those located in Sussex County.
The team will be working to improve Digital Literacy this summer in Delaware public libraries statewide.
AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate – DE Libraries Digital Literacy
Program Dates: June 15 – August 21
Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Locations: Public libraries statewide (they aim to place you close to home)
Training: Full training and ongoing support provided
Minimum Age Requirement:18 by the start date. No Maximum.
Application deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026.
Click here for more information and to apply.
To contact Tim: Timothy.Dukes@delaware.gov
