Jusst Sooup Ministry and Rev. Dale Dunning Can’t Serve Soup at Extreme Makeover Home Edition Ranch in Lewes

Jusst Sooup Ministry can’t dish out soup at its new ranch, but the Rev. Dale Dunning won’t rest on her ladles.

By Michael Short Published February 16, 2012 at 09:18 AM

(page 2 of 6)

The decision prompted petitions and letters from supporters. One petition immediately sprang up on Facebook and more than 800 people “liked” the petition in the first two days. One Facebook user even suggested that it was time “to occupy Cool Spring.”

There were radio interviews with builder Chris Schell, calls for national media attention, blogs and editorials. County officials were criticized for the way they handled the case. Schell Brothers was accused of being deceptive.

One blog included the title, “Was there some nefarious plan afoot? Was there an attempt to shut up the locals through political correctness even though the rules were known in advance?”

Dunning, who does not seek publicity, has remained upbeat. The day after the board’s decision she called in to a local radio interview with Schell. “I have been called to serve,” she said. “I will continue to serve people and love people. That is my call. That is my ministry. That is my passion.”

Dunning has been involved in starting 17 soup kitchens in Delaware. The purpose of her ministry is to feed those in need, and to offer kindness to those who need and deserve it.

On her Web site, the Rev. Dunning estimates that during the past four years she has served 55,000 meals and has come in contact with more than 5,000 homeless people. She has not announced her specific intentions, but said on the radio show that she would seek counsel from others and “see where everything goes.”

Simmering Controversy

Lawrence Lank, Sussex County planning and zoning director, said that some 20 representatives of the state, county, contractors and utilities met at the site in late July or early August and were told that a single-family dwelling could be built on the six-acre parcel.

A second attached home and a guesthouse could also be built, Lank said. The guesthouse was not constructed. Lank said that the owners could apply for and receive a home occupation permit if they met the county definition of home occupation.

continues on page 3...