Coastal Point — January 2, 2026

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Sports

Biz

Music

Peranteau always showed ‘clutch’ gene

Ocean View Jewelers branches out

Mohr takes top spot at Sodelo

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JANUARY 2, 2026

THE LOCAL VOICE OF YOUR COMMUNITY.

Volume 23, Issue 1

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Fenwick, Sussex County seek TRO against State Entities call SB 159 ‘unconstitutional imposition’ By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter The Town of Fenwick Island and Sussex County are seeking a temporary restraining order against the State of Delaware and Gov. Matthew Meyer, following the passage of legislation that

South Bethany votes to cap remote appearances

overrides a Sussex County Council decision denying permission for the installation of an electric substation proposed to be connected to offshore wind turbines. The legal complaint filed Dec. 22 in the state Court of Chancery, calls Senate Bill 159 — passed on a 21-15 vote June 30 — an “unconstitutional imposition” by the State. State Sen. Gerald Hocker, a Republican who represents the coastal Senate

District 20, voted against the bill. The bill essentially overrides the County’s denial of permission for an electrical substation on property at the former Indian River Power Plant, which was to be connected to wind turbines to be built by U.S. Wind. The council’s denial followed the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation that it be approved. Meanwhile, U.S. Wind has filed a lawsuit against the Sussex County

Council for its denial of the crucial connection piece for the wind-farm project. M. Jane Brady of the law firm Halloran, Farkas & Kittila of Wilmington and Stephani Ballard, whose practice is located in Montchanin, are representing the Town Fenwick Island and Sussex County in this latest legal action. Ballard said this week that the two are representing the plaintiffs free of See TRO page 3

Birds of a feather

By Susan Canfora Staff Reporter By a 4-3 vote and after considerable discussion, the South Bethany Town Council approved, on first reading, an ordinance prohibiting town council and committee members from participating in meetings remotely more than three times each year, and requiring them to give at least 24 hours’ notice to the mayor and town manager if they won’t be attending in person. Councilman Bob Biciocchi and Councilwoman Chris Keefe — both who were participating remotely that day — voted in favor of the ordinance, as did Councilwoman Cindy Van Horn and Mayor Edie Dondero. Opposed were Councilmen Randy Bartholomew, Mark Giler and Bob Shields. Dondero said the council can discuss

Special to the Coastal Point • Maryfrances Berger

A gaggle of snow geese gather for... well, you see... what does a gaggle of snow geese gather for, anyway? See MEETINGS page 3

IRSD staff survey shows love of teaching, struggling students By Laura Walter Staff Reporter In the first of several opinion surveys, Indian River School District employees were asked to share their honest and anonymous thoughts and suggestions with the IRSD Board of Education. On a scale of 1 to 5, staff could rate topics regarding their jobs, instruction, leadership, school climate and more. Generally speaking, staff recorded that they often appreciated their work

and colleagues, but their concerns included declining morale, inconsistent discipline, overwhelming workloads and even some systemic concerns and distrust. “If you look at those bar graphs … we’re passing in all areas, but we have room for improvement,” said Kim Taylor, board vice president. Overall, the average score for each question landed in the “3” range. (These are districtwide averages, so some schools may have different patterns or

concerns than the majority.) About 651 staff members completed the anonymous survey in September, including teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries. Later this year, the board plans to send surveys to administrators, families and the general community. “We did this survey because we think we need to look at ourselves,” said Mark Steele, board president. “See what people think, make changes and make things better … so we can alleviate these

concerns and build better relationships with our stakeholders.” Overall, the staff ’s top two priorities for improvement regarded school culture and student conduct, and staff morale/engagement — and in third place, improvement to student academic achievement. From there, administrators created an initial list of actions for the IRSD school board to consider, based on this first survey. See SURVEY page 6


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