Weirdest store ever
Motorcycles, kayaks, trumpets and vats of grease − my favorite story of 2022 featured all of that and more. It was about the state’s surplus property sales center moving from Delaware City to Smyrna. I never knew about the wide variety of items that were available and how, with online sales, they are being bought by people across the country.
I thought there would be lot of desks, chairs and filing cabinets − which there were − but there were also buses, kayaks, iPads, musical instruments, plates, bowls and dozens of other types of equipment, tools and furnishings.
What was most interesting to me was asking workers about the most unusual items they’ve seen as surplus property. The responses included a helicopter, grease from cafeterias and the contents of the I-95 rest stop including a Bob’s Big Boy restaurant sign.
See the story:Need a bus, kayak or file cabinet? Delaware surplus property has plenty at its new site
− Ben Mace
Can trees fight crime?
Deciding what is my favorite story this year wasn’t difficult. Without hesitation, How Wilmington is trying to leverage the power of trees in its effort to fight crime is it!
Deciding what is my favorite story this year wasn’t difficult. Without hesitation, How Wilmington is trying to leverage the power of trees in its effort to fight crime is it!
NATURE IS NURTURE:How Wilmington is trying to leverage the power of trees in its effort to fight crime
I love this story because it shows how nature, data, and intention can make “how” we live more enjoyable. But more than that, this story — about trees’ influence on criminal behavior — serves as a reminder of the humanity in all of us.
− Anitra Johnson
Helping the next person
Although the subject matter is heavy, I believe this story was able to turn a tragedy into an opportunity to uplift others and reiterate that no one is ever as alone as trying times may have them think, and that’s why it is my favorite piece from 2022. It not only served as a tribute to the late Nolan Whitman, but also informed those who may be struggling with their mental health that there are always options for help out there.
Mental health resources in Delaware:‘These children need us’: A Delaware mother’s grief turns to action for students in crisis
With suicide rates having risen in recent years, I am grateful for Nolan’s family and friends inviting me into their world, during a time of immense grief, to give their voices a larger platform and raise awareness about what mental health resources would be most beneficial for young people.
− Krys’tal Griffin
A change in town
Newark is my hometown so I have a natural interest in the forces that are reshaping it. The physical changes are obvious and easily attributed to the University of Delaware’s recent growth. But it will be interesting to see what happens if UD’s enrollment stabilizes or drops as universities across the country grapple with the expected decline in college attendees.
With rising rent, rising buildings and more students how will Newark change?
− Brandon Holveck
Giving voice to a young victim
Three years ago, the remains of a young child were found in a Smyrna softball field. A year later, she was identified as Emma Grace Cole after her grandfather stumbled upon a forensic sketch published by police.
While this series certainly wasn’t an uplifting one, these stories showed how Emma Grace’s mother, the court system and an Indiana judge’s decision failed the toddler ‒ and how this was not the first time it’s happened.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF EMMA GRACE:How a judge’s decision, a parent’s will and a legal presumption failed Emma Grace Cole
Telling Emma Grace’s story gave the girl the voice she no longer has, while also examining how her death occurred and what we can learn to prevent such a tragedy in the future.
− Isabel Hughes
Super Bowl winner
The odds are already long for a player from the tiny state to make it in the NFL. They’re even longer for a guy like Troy Reeder, who attended college at the University of Delaware, far from the bright lights of the major college programs, and then went undrafted before signing with the Los Angeles Rams. Three years later, Reeder worked his way into a starting linebacker in the Super Bowl.
SUPER DREAM:A true Delaware story: Troy Reeder’s Super Bowl journey inspired by relentless work, family
Stories about long shots are always fun to write about, and the Reeders were gracious enough to share details about Reeder growing up with his brother, Colby, constantly pushing each other in workouts and pulling for each other to succeed. Reeder’s path to stardom was certainly a true Delaware story.
− Martin Frank
Who killed the happy sausage-maker?
Esteban Parra and I have been revisiting some of Delaware’s most notorious murder cases for several years now. Earlier this year, we took a deep dive into Delaware’s more than 300 cold cases or unsolved homicides.
The circumstances of Adolf Czojor’s extremely rare, jaw-dropping cause of death and the ensuing investigation into what happened to the 61-year-old Bear resident jumped out at us.
More:A calculated murder? A series on the mysterious death of happy sausage maker Adolf Czojor
For our four-part series, we revisited the case, which has enough twists and turns to rival an Agatha Christie novel. Adolf’s death is still unsolved and continues to confound authorities and the Czojor family still doesn’t know who is responsible for stealing Adolf’s life.
− Patricia Talorico
Camp Spooky
I often drive by a creepy, spooky, abandoned camp at the corner of Graves and Mill Creek roads that looks like a scene from one of those cheesy “Friday the 13th” slasher films.
I didn’t visit Camp Wright when it was in its heyday, but I do remember when it became a Halloween horror attraction known as Camp Fright. When I found out that New Castle County planned to demolish the 11 graffiti-scarred, mostly dilapidated, boarded-up buildings on the site that date back to the 1920s, I decided to research the location and share its deep history with our readers.
More:‘Camp Fright’ no more? Spooky 100-year-old Mill Creek-area site will get a new look
− Patricia Talorico
Son carries on
In 1998 I wrote the sad story of a young man from New Castle being paralyzed in a summer league lacrosse game. Despite that devastating injury, Eric Potts maintained his love for the game and its Native American roots, and amazed friends, family and former coaches and teammates with his upbeat attitude.
Potts was 38 when he died suddenly in 2015. His widow Erika emailed me last spring to say their son, Logan, had made the varsity lacrosse team as a freshman at Appoquinimink High.
LIVING LEGACY:Paralyzed in 1998 game, lacrosse player passed love of sport to son
That turned out to be one of the most poignant stories I’ve ever had the pleasure to write, because of the impact Eric Potts had on so many people and the profound legacy he left, most notably on his son.
− Kevin Tresolini
Finally free
Prosecutors wield significant power in the criminal justice system. This is illustrated in this story about state prosecutors arguing to the court that Mark Purnell was too dangerous to be released while also dangling freedom in front of him if he would plead to a lesser crime than the murder conviction he worked for most of his life to overturn. Days after this published, he was freed.
His murder conviction was overturned, why Mark Purnell is still in prison
− Xerxes Wilson
Unexpected story
As the country braced for the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion access this summer, I like many Delawareans assumed that not much would change in The First State, regardless of the ruling. I was wrong.
I spent weeks trying to find people to talk to me about their experiences getting an abortion. It resulted in Wilmington Councilwoman Shané Darby talking, for the first time publicly, on how difficult it was for her to recently get an abortion in Delaware.
POST ROE AMERICA:In a post-Roe America, abortion remains legal in Delaware. But is it accessible?
It was humbling to speak with Delawareans about a very vulnerable experience, and hopefully provide an enlightening look on the everyday barriers that are still very much in place.
− Meredith Newman
This year brought about a lot of change for me. I began my internship at the News Journal as a senior at the University of Delaware in January, and then I was hired as a full-time reporter in August. I’ve learned so much from my colleagues and from the stories I’ve written over the past year.
Reference:Indian River Power Plant shutdown delayed for 4 years. Why your electric bill will rise?
That being said, my favorite story of 2022 would have to be my story published in August about the extension of the Indian River Power Plant’s operation.
It was one of the first times at this publication where I was able to take initiative in each step of the research, interviewing and writing processes. To me, this story was the perfect mix of sharpening my journalistic skills and applying my passion for environmentalism.
− Molly McVety
Shining a light
For me, one of the most important aspects of journalism is the ability to hold those in power accountable. Delaware is consistently one of the states hit hardest by the opioid crisis, and it can be easy to forget that the reach of the people behind the epidemic is still strong.
OPIOID EPIDEMIC:Why the University of Delaware still takes money from the family behind OxyContin
With this story in particular, the University of Delaware fought me every step of the way. To me, that’s a sign that the story is relevant and necessary to tell for the public good — and all the more rewarding to share.
Picking my favorite story of 2022 was no easy feat. It was a banner year in Wilmington – so much happened and so many stories I told resonated deeply for me. I become engrossed in what I do, and much of what happened this year made me frustrated, angry and determined to shed light on the failures of government to protect its citizens.
The story of the Gibralter mansion had those elements and more.
HISTORIC PROPERTY:How money and opposing ideals left the historic Gibraltar mansion to rot
Prior to joining Delaware Online, I had a knack for uncovering the story of abandoned buildings or places (ask me about the abandoned pauper’s crypt some time). I love a good abandoned piece of property that has a rich, historic story to tell. It was also a nice reprieve to some of the more distressing stories I cover.
I often deal with unpleasant subjects, including official misconduct, serious injuries and death. So, it was nice to write about Ritz the Cat, who moments before he was to be put down doctors found his owners who’d last seen the gray tabby 16 years prior. Although Ritz passed away a few months after, it was still sweet following his final days.
− Amanda Fries
This cat may have had more than 9 lives
More:Ritz the cat vanished in 2006. Moments from being put down, vets found his owner
It was an amazing story. Jason McKenry’s cat ran away 16 years before, then earlier this year, moments from being put down, a veterinarian noticed a chip and texted him.
Somehow, Ritz the cat survived 16 years on its own. Little is known between the time 2-year-old Ritz ran out of McKenry’s apartment until he was taken to the vet by a woman who had been feeding the cat near Lums pond.
Sadly, Ritz died a few months later. But what a story.
− Esteban Parra
The legendary ‘Coach Pop’
It was a cold, windy Saturday at Delcastle Technical High School, but assistant coach Arvon Jackson was full of energy, getting the Cougars fired up for their football game against Newark. I watched him closely as he constantly reminded the offensive linemen to stay low and finish their blocks.
STILL GOING STRONG88-year-old assistant coach motivates Delaware high school football team
The following week, I went to practice and met the man they call “Coach Pop.” I found out he still does toe touches, squats and jumping jacks with the team, and it was an honor to talk to an 88-year-old who still loves football, still loves being part of a team and still loves teaching life lessons to the younger generations.
− Brad Myers
So close
It was shocking to discover that Wilmington native Norman Oliver was heading to his fourth straight Super Bowl in four seasons after his beloved Cincinnati Bengals punched their ticket to compete in the big game in February.
Oliver has a big, magnetic personality and it was fun hearing him talk about his lifelong passion for the team. His excitement was like a little kid at a pizza party discovering stuffed crust for the first time.
Bengals’ ‘biggest fan in Delaware’:Bengals’ ‘biggest fan in Delaware’ says he might run on field if team wins Super Bowl LVI
I felt bad for Oliver when the Bengals lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the game, because his team is one of the few that have yet to win a Super Bowl.
− Andre Lamar
Giving back
My favorite story of the year came recently when I found myself at a Christmas tree farm for the first time since my childhood. I was there to see Rich Miller in action after getting a tip about the Clayton-based former truck driver.
I had learned about how a young man committed suicide by jumping in front of Miller’s truck on I-95 last year and how he turned to Christmas giving to help shake the lasting mental trauma. (Miller swerved when the man laid down on the interstate, but the man then jumped up and ran into the path of Miller’s Freighliner, locking eyes with trucker the whole time.)
Trucker involved in holiday tragedy last year finds positive outlet for his grief
Not only was it great seeing Miller buy Christmas trees for all those smiling families, I saw firsthand how Miller’s “Operation Spreading Joy” acted as a salve for some of his own lasting pain from that day.
Even better: Some DelawareOnline/The News Journal readers clicked through the story to Miller’s Venmo page and donated a total of $500, enough for 10 additional trees for families this Christmas.
− Ryan Cormier
My favorite concert
My favorite story was day 3 of the 10th anniversary of the Firefly Music Festival 2022. I liked it because I had the opportunity to meet face to face with various generations of people who make up the Delaware community and beyond.
I witnessed participants enjoyment of arts, music and the outdoors. It was a warm day in fall and when not standing in front of the stage to view their favorite artists, visitors relaxed under the sun, on hammocks, blow up seats or even the field ground.
Photos: Firefly Music Festival 2022 Day 3
On that day, DJ Sophia Rocks, 14, from Dover, became the youngest artist to ever perform at the festival. The concert ended with all the participants happy and delirious for a performance by Green Day.
− Benjamin Chambers
