Author: delmarvatimes.com

A newly released federal report is sounding the alarm about the future of Social Security, warning that the program’s primary retirement trust fund is on track to exhaust its reserves within the next seven years. According to the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund—the fund responsible for paying retirement and survivor benefits—is projected to deplete its accumulated reserves during the fourth quarter of 2032. The report highlights growing financial pressures facing one of the nation’s most relied-upon social programs. Once the trust fund’s reserves are exhausted, Social Security would continue to receive payroll…

EDEN, Md. — A boat fire at the Wicomico Yacht Club in Eden on Saturday morning caused an estimated $65,000 in damage, but the quick actions of nearby boaters and responding firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to surrounding vessels and dock structures. According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was discovered around 7:27 a.m. on June 6 aboard a 34-foot 1989 Carver Yacht that was docked at the yacht club on Yacht Club Road. The vessel was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Investigators say occupants aboard a nearby boat heard a smoke alarm sounding…

SALISBURY, Maryland — The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office has charged two Wicomico Middle School students following an investigation into a stolen firearm that was allegedly brought onto school grounds. According to the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Division, the investigation began on June 2 after Wicomico County Public Schools notified authorities of information involving two students and a firearm. Investigators learned that a 15-year-old Salisbury juvenile allegedly stole a firearm from a residence in Virginia over the weekend and brought the weapon to Wicomico Middle School on June 1. Authorities say the student then transferred possession of the firearm to a…

SALISBURY, Maryland. — A James M. Bennett High School teacher and her husband are facing an extensive list of charges, including the sexual abuse of a minor, according to court records. Brock Schuchart, of Salisbury, was first charged on April 30, 2026, in Wicomico County District Court with child sexual abuse, rape, and multiple sex‑offense counts involving a child under 14. On May 18, his case was transferred to Wicomico County Circuit Court, where the number of charges expanded to more than 100, including allegations of filming and possessing child pornography. Court documents indicate the alleged abuse occurred between April…

Image courtesy MSP Maryland State Police need your help to find a missing 14 year old Wicomico County boy who was last seen in the 200 block of Baptist Street in Salisbury around 3pm on Tuesday, May 5th. Chester Fitchett, III is African American with curly black hair and brown eyes. He’s about 5′ 5” tall and 120 pounds. He was last seen wearing a royal blue Nice Tech jacket, blue jeans and white/black Nike sneakers. Investigators believe he may be in the area of Smith Street in Salisbury. Anyone with information should contact the Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101.  The…

Salisbury, Maryland – Colin McEvers, Chair of the College Republicans, hosted an event at Salisbury University featuring guest speaker Jared Taylor. In response, opposition from campus and outside groups led to a counter-protest organized outside the venue. Many of the students who chose to protest appeared to rely on preconceived notions about the speaker. Rather than attending the event to hear his remarks firsthand, a number remained outside, shouting, heckling, and attempting to intimidate those who chose to participate. While the event itself was intended to promote open dialogue, some critics opted to protest without engaging directly. That said, some…

A former senior official at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly concealing government records during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. David M. Morens, 78, who served as a senior adviser from 2006 to 2022, faces multiple charges including conspiracy against the United States, destruction or falsification of records, and concealment of federal documents. Prosecutors allege Morens participated in a scheme to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to COVID-19 research grants by hiding or altering communications. The indictment claims he and others…

Families on Maryland’s Lower Shore may soon gain significantly better access to special education services. Two new facilities are slated to open in Wicomico County within the next year, expanding local options for children who require specialized support. Chimes International and the Benedictine School are both well‑established providers for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities and are preparing to launch new sites in the county. Julie Hickey, Vice President of Children’s Services at the Benedictine School, said the upcoming location will offer a full range of services, including speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, nursing care, behavioral support,…

SALISBURY, Md. — A longtime employee of Wicomico County Public Schools is facing numerous charges tied to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, as authorities warn there may be additional victims. Russell Lee Camper Jr., an instructional aide with more than 20 years in the school system, was arrested March 13, 2026, following an investigation launched earlier that month by the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center. Investigators say the alleged abuse dates back several years and involved a student at Parkside High School. Camper is now charged with a range of serious offenses, including sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree…

Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis have passed the so-called Youth Charging Reform Act (SB 323) and now stands before the Governor. But like many statewide policies, its real-world impact will be felt most clearly in places like the Eastern Shore. At its core, the bill expands juvenile court jurisdiction, steering more young offenders—including those accused of serious crimes—away from adult court and into a system focused on rehabilitation. While that may sound like a compassionate reform on paper, it raises serious concerns for smaller, rural communities. Here on Delmarva, we don’t have the luxury of large, layered public safety systems. Our…