With a contract for the design and construction of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge expected to be awarded in July, Skanska USA Civil Southeast Inc. is the apparent winning design-build team for the project, which could start construction in early fall, to carry traffic no later than December 2011.

The skies over coastal Delaware will light up over the Fourth of July holiday weekend with a variety of pyrotechnics displays.

But not all of them will be legal.

According to George Economos, the sycamore trees in front of his home in Millville are landmarks. They are part of the town’s history and deserve preservation. They greet the visitor on the way to the beach and let them know they are almost there.

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with the charm of a small-town parade? In the Bethany Beach area, parade lovers have the opportunity to attend two! In addition to the traditional downtown Bethany Beach parade, the Ocean View community of Bear Trap will celebrate the Fourth of July in style with a parade of its own.

Diversify. Diversify. Diversify. As any investor will say, that’s the key to success. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and don’t have just one basket. For Ken Lloyd of Ken Lloyd Builders, his new basket is a crane.

The Frankford Volunteer Fire Company is in the last stretch of its $3.3 million renovation and construction project.

For Steven and Jenn Geib of Connecticut, coming to Bethany Beach to celebrate the Fourth of July with their three children and extended family is something they look forward to all year long. They get to see the parade, fireworks and, most importantly, family. And this year is no different.

CurveSmart, the revolutionary technology five years in the making, is available at two local Curves studios, in Ocean View and on Route 54 in Williamsville Country Village.

It’s good to be first. In a real estate market that is struggling to get back on its feet, it’s easy to focus on the struggles and hefty competition and much harder to get recognized for doing something positive and out of the ordinary. But that is just what Bob Thornton of SilverWoods has managed to do.

Nothing quite says summer like a Fourth of July barbecue. The word alone can drum up nostalgic smells of summer — charcoal smoke wafting through the air, grilled hot dogs and burgers with perfect seared lines. According to the Sierra Club, 60 million people will be barbecuing on the Fourth, consuming enough energy to power 20,000 homes for a whole year.

Perhaps the greatest measure of the appeal and impact of the “green” movement in today’s society is that there is now an entire television network devoted to green living.

Citizens attended a public hearing last week on an application by NRG Indian River Operations Inc. (NRG) for a permit to construct and operate a new phase of the industrial landfill located at 29416 Power Plant Road, in Millsboro. The hearing was held June 26 by DNREC’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch.

Beaches worldwide have coaxed new breeds of athletes and thrill-seekers, from surfers and skimmers to body- and wake-boarders. Now there’s another sensation that’s hitting the water, catching curious eyes and ambitious beachgoers. Welcome to the world of SUP (stand-up paddle) surfing.

Though their season started off shakier than expected, the American Legion Post 28 Warriors seem to have grounded themselves in a comfortable stance as the team approaches its season midpoint. Coming off back-to-back wins against the Milford Red Sox of Post 3, the 6-7 Warriors are showing stability as they improve to 4-3 in the Southern Division.

Troopers seek information on suspect

The Delaware State Police mid-week were investigating a robbery that occurred Monday, June 30, about10:15 p.m., after a person imposing as a police officer allegedly stopped a motorist and took their wallet.