Governor?s Weekly Message: Building on success to position Delawareans for a promising 2017 and beyond

Governor Markell recalls the economic hardship and uncertainty many Delawareans faced at the beginning of his term.
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Governor?s Weekly Message Transcript: Building on success to position Delawareans for a promising 2017 and beyond

Transcript of Governor Markell's Weekly Message: Building on success to position Delawareans for a promising 2017 and beyond
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Delaware State Government Diversity and Inclusion Study Released

Dover, DE – The Office of Management and Budget today released a report commissioned by Governor Jack Markell earlier this year in an ongoing effort to build a welcoming work environment across State government that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunity for all employees. "I have been clear that my administration is committed to ensuring […]
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Guilty Pleas In 3 Different Deaths

A 24-year-old Delmar woman will spend the next 15 years in prison for the murder of her child. Deputy Attorneys General Melanie Withers and Rebecca Anderson and Attorney General Matt Denn secured a guilty plea and sentence for Detoshia Spence. In April 2015, Spence reported finding her 3-year-old daughter dead on a couch in her […]
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Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to hold Jan. 17 public hearing in Dover on recreational summer flounder harvest reduction options

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a public hearing on a proposed addendum to the interstate fishery management plan (FMP) for summer flounder at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017 in DNREC's Auditorium in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
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Latest installment in ?Wetlands 101? video series ? ?Freshwater Wetlands? ? now available on DNREC?s YouTube Channel

The seventh installment of DNREC's "Wetlands 101" video series – "Freshwater Wetlands" – is now available for viewing on DNREC's YouTube Channel.
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Delaware Impacted by Food Recall, Public Health Advising Consumer Caution

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Delawareans of a voluntary recall of certain House-Autry biscuit and cornbread mixes that were shipped to Food Lion and Harris Teeter grocery stores in all three counties. House-Autry Mills, Inc. is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of House-Autry Buttermilk Cornbread Mix, House-Autry Buttermilk Biscuit Mix, and House-Autry Cheese Biscuit Mix as a precaution because one of the company's third-party ingredient suppliers, Franklin Farms, had purchased milk powder from Valley Milk Products, Inc. This milk powder is potentially contaminated with Salmonella. At this time, there are no illnesses associated with these products in Delaware. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is encouraging consumers to check their pantries for these products, and to discard or return them to the store where they were purchased.
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DNREC Division of Energy & Climate expands clean vehicle rebates to include ?bi-fuel? vehicles

DNREC's Division of Energy & Climate is expanding its popular Clean Vehicle Rebate program to include rebates for bi-fuel vehicles – propane or natural gas powered vehicles that also run on either gasoline or diesel. Delaware drivers will be eligible for a $1,350 rebate on bi-fuel vehicles purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2017.
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Heart 2 Heart Hugs Warm Clothing Drive Underway

Dover-The Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) is once again hosting a warm clothing drive that will benefit children and youth who are homeless or in foster care in Delaware. Each year we collect New or Hand-Made warm items such as: sleeping bags, coats, pajamas, hoodies, socks, slippers or any other item that might […]
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Delaware State Parks launches new Children in Nature initiative with monthly outdoor themes

In an effort to encourage more Delaware children to enjoy the outdoors and outdoor-related activity year-round, the Delaware Children in Nature Coalition, of which DNREC is a member, will highlight an "Outdoor Theme of the Month" beginning in January 2017. Using the Delaware Children in Nature Outdoor Bill of Rights as a template, an "Outdoor Right," or theme, will be selected each month.
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Office of Animal Welfare Offers New Senior Citizen Discounts, Rolling Renewals for Dog Licenses

The Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is announcing several changes to dog licensing for 2017 that will benefit Delaware residents. Senior citizens (65+) who own dogs will now be offered a reduced rate for dogs that have been spayed or neutered. The rate is $7 annually, a 30 percent reduction on the regular price of $10 for spayed or neutered dogs. Licenses for unaltered dogs remain $15 per year for all applicants. License terms have also changed for the better. Licenses are now valid for one year from date of purchase, and no longer based on calendar year. This means no matter when the license is purchased, it will be valid for 12 months. Two and three-year licenses are also available.
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DNREC reminds Delawareans to make the holiday season another recycling season

DOVER – From Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash than at any other time of year. Boxes, wrappings, packaging and party goods add tons of extra garbage to Delaware's landfills. When deposited in a landfill, a Christmas tree can take up as much space as a washing machine. Thus DNREC reminds Delawareans that holiday time is the right time to reduce your "waste-line" while helping the environment – by recycling your Christmas tree along with all those extra mail order boxes, gift-wrapped packages, tags and cards.
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Governor?s Weekly Message: Celebrating the Holiday Season While Staying Safe on Delaware?s Roadways

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell reminds Delawareans that with more people on the move this time of year the holiday season brings increased dangers of driving-related accidents from impaired and distracted driving, and he shares simple precautions everyone should take to stay safe on our roadways.
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Brandywine Zoo?s tiger to be transferred to Bronx Zoo

The Brandywine Zoo's Amur tiger, Zhanna, is scheduled to be transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo in New York early in January 2017, according to DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation in partnership with zoo officials and the Delaware Zoological Society. The relocation is prompted by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Species Survival Plan – a robust and scientific endeavor to manage the genetic diversity of captive species. Zhanna's genetic profile and age make her a good candidate for breeding and consequently, for transfer to a zoo with a successful tiger breeding program.
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Newark Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Rape

Other defendants to serve prison time for rape, weapons, and robbery charges A 33-year-old Newark man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced on a rape charge. Deputy Attorney General Diana Dunn secured the sentence for Jeffrey Richard. Over a three-year period, Richard repeatedly had oral sex with a child […]
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 12-18

To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware's fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 12-18 made 1,025 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 38 vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 23 citations.
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Capitol Police receive inaugural Beau Biden Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award

Wilmington, Del.- The Criminal Justice Council is pleased to announce that the Delaware Capitol Police's Violence Intervention Program has received the inaugural "Beau" Biden Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award. The intervention program, developed in 2013 by Capitol Police Chief John Horsman, provides protection for people involved in domestic violence-related court appearances. Cases involving incidents of […]
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State?s shellfish aquaculture program takes major step forward with new approval process for limited areas of cultivation

DOVER – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted a process for abbreviated review and approval of shellfish aquaculture leases by DNREC's Division of Water following a comprehensive review conducted by the Division of Fish & Wildlife on a significantly-reduced number of acres than allowed for under state regulation, while also limiting operations in Little Assawoman Bay approved under the process to growing only hard clams.
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Winter precautions urged for livestock, poultry owners

With winter's official start today, the Delaware Department of Agriculture reminds poultry and livestock growers to take proper precautions to shelter and protect their animals.
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Escaping to Warmer Climates for the Holidays? Zika Is Still a Threat

Many people like to plan getaways to warmer climates during the holidays to escape the chilly northeast coast weather. If you're one of them, the Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds you that Zika is still active in many south and central American countries, southeast Florida and even Southeast Asia. Since there is no vaccine for Zika virus yet, stopping a mosquito bite, and practicing safer sex if you are involved with someone who could be exposed, is still the best protection against the disease. DPH confirmed last week that Delaware Zika cases are now at 17. The most recently announced case involves a female resident of Sussex County, for whom pregnancy is not at issue.
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Video: Building the nation?s fastest broadband network

Recognizing the importance of high speed broadband networks to drive economic competitiveness, improve educational opportunity, and strengthen quality of life for Delawareans, the Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is taking steps to maintain Delaware's position as the nation's leading state for high-speed broadband networks.
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2017 Division of Fish & Wildlife calendar available now, newly featuring sunrise/sunset times and hunting/fishing seasons

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife is pleased to announce that its full-color 2017 calendar is available now, just in time for the New Year. Each month of the calendar depicts seasonal photographs of the division's public wildlife and fishing areas and education facilities. New features in this year's annual calendar include daily sunrise and sunset times and 2017 hunting and fishing season dates, as well as the usual monthly seasonal outdoor activity reminders and a convenient Division of Fish & Wildlife contact directory.
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2017 Division of Fish & Wildlife calendar available now, newly featuring sunrise/sunset times and hunting/fishing season

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife is pleased to announce that its full-color 2017 calendar is available now, just in time for the New Year. Each month of the calendar depicts seasonal photographs of the division's public wildlife and fishing areas and education facilities. New features in this year's annual calendar include daily sunrise and sunset times and 2017 hunting and fishing season dates, as well as the usual monthly seasonal outdoor activity reminders and a convenient Division of Fish & Wildlife contact directory.
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Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs to sponsor seven free programs during January 2017

Highlights include Prohibition in Delaware, patriotic music during World War I and culinary traditions of Sussex County.
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Don?t Toss Your Cookies! Food Safety Prevents Illness During the Holidays

During the holidays it seems like an opportunity to eat awaits around every corner. Whether preparing food for the office gathering, a holiday party, or the big family dinner, the Division of Public Health (DPH) urges you to take precautions so you "Don't toss your cookies this holiday season!" An estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year in the U.S., in some cases resulting in hospitalization or even death. (DPH) is offering tips to help Delawareans safely prepare holiday foods.
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 5 ? Dec. 11

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware's fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 5-Dec. 11 made 2,432 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 99 vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks, resulting in the issuance of 266 citations.
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Attorney General Names New Director for Department of Justice Family Division

Attorney General Matt Denn announced Friday that Deputy Attorney General Abigail Rodgers Layton has been named the next Director of the Family Division in the Delaware Department of Justice. Layton is currently a prosecutor in the department's Medicaid Fraud Control unit. A graduate of Gettysburg College and Villanova University School of Law, Layton has worked […]
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Governor?s Weekly Message: Improving Public Safety by Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism

Wilmington, DE – In a guest weekly message, Department of Correction Commissioner Robert Coupe highlights the Markell Administration's efforts to give offenders a better chance of successfully reentering the community after their release from incarceration. By reducing the barriers to reentry, these initiatives are aimed at lowering the rate of recidivism and improving public safety.
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Sexual Abuse of Children to Result In Long Prison Sentences

Other defendants face prison time for rape, weapons, and robbery charges A 35-year-old Dover man faces life in prison for sexually abusing a teenager. Deputy Attorney General Kathleen Dickerson won a conviction in a bench trial against Eric Curry, 35, of Dover. In November 2015, Curry was caught having sexual intercourse with a minor female […]
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Struggling for Gift Ideas? Give Gifts that Support Health and Wellness in the New Year

Still trying to think of the perfect gift? As we prepare to welcome 2017, the Division of Public Health (DPH) suggests giving gifts that support health and wellness in the New Year.
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Affordable Care Act Deadline Extended: Sign up by December 19 for January 1 coverage

If you want your healthcare coverage to begin on January 1, the deadline for signing up through the Health Insurance Marketplace has been extended until Monday, December 19.
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Delaware and 19 Other States File Federal Antitrust Lawsuit Against Six Generic Drug Companies

States allege widespread conspiracy among competitors to reduce competition, increase prices for numerous generic prescription drugs Attorney General Matt Denn Thursday joined with 19 other state attorneys general in filing a federal lawsuit against generic drug-maker Heritage Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Auribindo Pharma USA, Inc., Citron Pharma, LLC, Mayne Pharma (USA), Inc., Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Teva […]
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Delaware Personal Income Tax Season Begins January 23

Division of Revenue Director Patrick T. Carter has announced that Delaware tax season will begin Monday, January 23, 2017.
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DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife seeking great shots of Delaware hunters for 2016/17 photo contest

There's still time to take that great hunting photograph while afield and enter the Division of Fish & Wildlife's 2016/17 Delaware Hunting Photo Contest, with the Jan. 31, 2017 contest deadline a few weeks away.
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Delaware poultry farmer named 2016 Nuffield International Farming Scholar

Dover-area poultry farmer Georgie Cartanza is the first American to receive a Nuffield International Scholarship, one of 90 farmers from around the world to participate in the global agricultural scholarship program.
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Enroll by Dec. 15 for Health Insurance Marketplace

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES   For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).   Enroll by Dec. 15 for Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage to Start Jan. 1 Delawareans who seek insurance through HealthCare.gov are urged to take advantage of subsidies to […]
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Attorney General Names New Chief Deputy and State Prosecutor for Delaware Department of Justice

Attorney General Matt Denn announced that Deputy Attorney General LaKresha Roberts has been named the next Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware, and Deputy Attorney General Sean P. Lugg will become the new State Prosecutor. Roberts is currently the Director of the Department of Justice's Family Division, where she has served as […]
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Gov. Markell, Department of Labor, honor businesses for hiring people with disabilities

Dover, DE — Gov. Jack Markell joined the Delaware Department of Labor's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) at Dover Downs to celebrate workplace inclusion by honoring the value and contribution of employees with disabilities and employers who hire them. "Each year we are proud to honor businesses in our State […]
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Delaware State Parks launches Corporate Pass Program

DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation is initiating the Corporate Pass Program to offer participating businesses discounted annual passes for employees and other benefits. The Corporate Pass Program gives employers a way to promote health and wellness in the workplace, while providing employees with a benefit they can feel good about.
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Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters to be aware of shared hunting grounds during overlapping seasons

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters that a variety of game species are in season from now until February, and to be aware of other hunters who may be using diverse hunting methods while pursuing different game animals. Firearm small game hunters, squirrel hunters in particular, should know that they may find themselves sharing their hunting spots with camouflaged archery deer hunters in tree stands.
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Students Honored at 15th Annual Delaware Day Fourth Grade Competition Ceremony

Students from across the state gathered Saturday at the Delaware Public Archives to celebrate the winners of the 15th Annual Delaware Day Fourth Grade Competition and to be recognized for their knowledge of the First State's influential role in crafting the United States Constitution. Students were given two months to prepare an informative four-panel display […]
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