3 minute read
In the City
THE CITY
WILMINGTON RESPONDS TO HURRICANE IDA FLOODING
The remnants of Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage and historic flooding across the City early last month. Some 200 people were rescued by the Wilm. Fire Dept. and partner agencies in the immediate aftermath of the storm, and Dept. of Public Works personnel cleared mud, muck, and more than 125 tons of trash and debris from City streets in the days that followed. An estimated 275 property owners — commercial and residential — in certain areas of the City have been affected. No deaths or traumatic injuries were reported.
“Obviously this terrible storm caused extensive flooding damage throughout the City,” said Mayor Purzycki, who declared a State of Emergency on Sept. 3. “The Brandywine River rose to levels not seen in a hundred years, and our first responders did a marvelous job of ensuring that everybody was safe and protected. Our Police, Fire, and Emergency Management personnel, working alongside County and State partners and with teams from Public Works, Licenses and Inspections, and Parks and Recreation, all responded heroically to assist those in need, and we owe them all a debt of gratitude. The same is true of the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Delmarva, DEVOAD, the WRK Group, Team Rubicon, and neighbors who rolled up their sleeves to help other neighbors.”
As the City continues to recover, Mayor Purzycki and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick remind homeowners affected by the floods to call 3-1-1 for help in getting funding with things like: • Plumbing/mechanical work for the restoration of gas service • Electrical inspections • Damage to HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and electrical panels
WILMINGTON JAYCEES CHRISTMAS PARADE RETURNS NOV. 27
WPD CELEBRATES NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2021
returns to Market St. downtown at 11 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 27 after having to cancel last year due to the pandemic. The Jaycees are again holding the Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday to help kick off the holiday shopping season. The parade will feature floats, antique cars, local celebrities, community groups, marching and string bands, among other performers. The ‘star of the show’ will be Santa Claus, and children at the parade are encouraged to write a letter to Santa and drop it off as he passes by. Mayor Purzycki thanked the Wilmington Jaycees for organizing this special event for so many years. “Without the Wilmington Jaycees there would be no Christmas Parade, which has become an enjoyable holiday tradition in our City that people look forward to every year.
The Wilm. Police Dept. continues its tradition of celebrating National Night Out with a community celebration on Tues., Oct. 5, from 6 — 8 p.m. in Rodney Square. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie across the country. Attendees will be able to meet and interact with police officers from various divisions and units, and members of the Canine Unit will conduct demonstrations with their K9 partners. The WPD will be joined by partners in law enforcement, public safety and public service, and COVID-19 vaccines will be available. There will also be public safety-related giveaways for children and adults alike. Contact David Karas (david.karas@cj.state.de.us) or Sgt. Andrew Conine (andrew.conine@cj.state.de.us) for more info. And. Of course, we all look forward to Santa’s return visit to Wilmington next month.” Groups who want to participate in the parade should visit www.wilmingtonjaycees.org no later than Oct. 31, 2021. For more info., contact Parade Director Mark A. Oller at 302-388-5223.
