Redden Forest picnic area closed due to illegal activity

The Delaware Forest Service is closing a picnic pavilion and adjacent parking lot at Redden State Forest due to persistent criminal activity at the site, located on the Jester Tract at Camp Road and Redden Road north of Georgetown, Sussex County. Designed by Delaware's first state forester William S. Taber and constructed by conservation work crews in 1936, the rustic pavilion has now become a magnet for lewd conduct, drugs, and other offenses that have occasionally startled and kept away other visitors. While agency officials have no specific timetable for reopening, they plan to use the closure period for renovations and security upgrades that could again allow for public access at the site.
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Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn Announces Settlement With Western Union

Attorney General Matt Denn along with the attorneys general of 48 states and the District of Columbia Tuesday announced a settlement with Colorado-based The Western Union Company ("Western Union") to resolve a multistate investigation focused on complaints of consumers who used Western Union's wire transfer service to send money to third parties involved in schemes […]
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Youth waterfowl hunting day designated Feb. 11

Snow Goose Conservation Order closed for youth hunt DOVER – To promote and provide additional hunting opportunities for youth hunters, DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated Saturday, Feb. 11 as the second of two special youth waterfowl hunting days for ages 10 through 15 to be held on both public and private lands […]
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DNREC?s Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters to remove temporary deer stands from state wildlife areas

With the 2016/17 deer hunting seasons closing Tuesday, Jan. 31, hunters who have placed portable deer stands on state wildlife areas are reminded that all stands must be removed no later than 48 hours after the season ends.
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Secretary of State Announces Suspension of Prescribing Privileges

DOVER – Acting on recommendations from the state's Controlled Substances Advisory Committee, Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has suspended certain prescribing privileges of three Delaware physicians, citing findings that they repeatedly violated Delaware's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. In making this determination, Secretary Bullock and the committee considered the conclusions of an administrative hearing officer, who […]
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Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Ends January 31; See Plan Options and Enroll at Healthcare.gov

The open enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace ends on January 31, 2017. Sign up today at www.healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 16-22

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers made 957 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public between Jan. 16-22, including eight vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks.
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Bank Robbery Leads to 50 Year Prison Sentence

Others face prison time for weapons, robbery, and child pornography charges A 46-year-old man from Bear was sentenced to 50 years in prison for a 2011 bank robbery in Kent County which resulted in a police pursuit and gunfire. Deputy Attorneys General Susan Schmidhauser and Ben Snyder secured the sentence for Russell Grimes, who was […]
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?Pollinators for Clean Water? presentations Feb. 6 and March 20 at Seaford Library as part of Reclaim Our River Program

SEAFORD – The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship's Reclaim Our River (ROR) program, in partnership with the Delaware Nature Society and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, will host two free presentations on pollinators and gardening for clean water at the Seaford Library Feb. 6 and March 20. Both presentations start at 6 p.m. at the library located at 600 N. Market Street Extended, Seaford, DE 19973.
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Governor Carney Announces ?Budget Reset? Community Conversations

Governor will solicit public ideas to address budget challenges
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Secretary Scuse announces appointment of Short, Bounds as deputy secretaries of agriculture

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse today announced the appointment of Austin Short and Kenny Bounds as deputy secretaries of agriculture.
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Division of Public Health Welcomes New Dental Director

The Division of Public Health (DPH) is pleased to welcome Dr. Nicholas Conte, as Dental Director for the DPH Bureau of Oral Health and Dental Services (BOHDS).
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The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Joshua Meier?s ?[Un]Ravel? Photographs

"[Un]Ravel" focuses exclusively on Meier's new body of work created during his 2016 Individual Artist Fellowship in Photography from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Meier challenged himself to photograph the same subject – a ball of string – every day. The result is a series of striking photographs that explore string and its unraveling […]
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Cat owners urged to make sure vaccinations are up to date

  DOVER – Delaware cat owners are being advised to make certain that their pets' vaccinations are up to date to protect against disease after three cases of feline distemper, also called feline panleukopenia, were recently reported by a Dover-area veterinary clinic. The three reported cases occurred in two six-month-old kittens and one adult cat. […]
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DNREC?s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces exciting additions to the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament

The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife is pleased to announce the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and the Live Release program will this year begin offering collectable award lapel pins to anglers for their trophy catches.
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DNREC, DHSS now accepting grant proposals for wastewater, surface water, and drinking water project planning

DNREC's Division of Watershed Stewardship and office of Environmental Finance, and the Department of Health and Social Services' (DHSS) Division of Public Health are now accepting project proposals from state, county and municipal governments and governmental subdivisions for matching grants for wastewater, surface water and drinking water project planning.
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Submit your best hunting photos for Division of Fish & Wildlife?s hunting photo contest before Jan. 31 deadline

Just one week remains to submit your best hunting photographs for the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife's annual Delaware Hunting Photo Contest, which ends on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
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Trail closures at White Clay Creek State Park announced due to construction projects

NEWARK – Some of the trails within White Clay Creek State Park have been temporarily closed due to trail construction. Trails that have closed include: • Smith Mill Road (Bryans Field Trail) • Nine Foot Road (Whitely Farms Trail) • Big Pond Trail All of these trails are scheduled to reopen in June.
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Recycling Public Advisory Committee to meet Wednesday, Jan. 25 in Dover

DOVER – The Recycling Public Advisory Council (RPAC) will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the Sussex Conference Room, Department of Insurance, 841 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904.
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 9-15

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 Jan. 9-15 made 1163 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 23 vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 21 citations.
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Guilty Plea In 2007 Murder Case, Prison Time for Manslaughter, and Adult Convictions for Violent Juveniles

Also: One House Closed, Second House Has Restrictions In Lincoln For Drug Activity Leading To Criminal Nuisance Action Deputy Attorneys General Colleen Norris, Phillip Casale, and Cari Chapman, and senior paralegal Kimberly Moro secured a guilty plea from a 30-year-old Bear man, resolving a 9-year-old murder case. Jason Slaughter pled guilty to Murder Second Degree […]
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African American History Month programs among 17 special events at the museums of the State of Delaware during February 2017

Highlights include spoken-word poetry, African-American life at the Jon Dickinson Plantation in the 18th century and a program on jazz pianist "Fats" Waller.
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Governor Carney Accepts Policy Report from Transition Committee

Governor John Carney received a final report from the Transition Committee that includes recommended action steps in order to achieve policy objectives set forth by the Governor.
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Farmers Richard and Keith Carlisle honored for service to Delaware agriculture

Brothers Keith and Richard Carlisle, who have been farming near Greenwood since the 1960s, were jointly honored for their service and contributions Thursday evening, presented with the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service to Delaware Agriculture.
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DPH Announces Second Flu Death of the Season: Holds Annual Legislative Hall Flu Clinic

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) held its final community flu clinic of the 2016-2017 flu season on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at the Legislative Hall Library. The annual event is open to the public and 31 people were vaccinated. Additionally, DPH is announcing the second flu-related death for the 2016-2017 season. A 98-year-old New Castle County woman who had underlying health conditions and passed away last week. She had been diagnosed with influenza A.
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Flags Lowered for Passing of David P. Buckson

With the passing of David P. Buckson on Wednesday, January 18 Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Friday, January 20 as a mark of respect for Mr. Buckson and his service to Delaware. Mr. Buckson served on the bench of the […]
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Governor Carney?s Statement on Senate Confirmations

The Delaware Senate voted to confirm the following nominees to Governor Carney's Cabinet on Wednesday:
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Governor Carney Signs Executive Order to Explore Public-Private Partnership at DEDO

Governor John Carney signed his first Executive Order on Wednesday, establishing a 14-member working group to develop recommendations for implementing a public-private partnership at the Delaware Economic Development Office.
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DNREC?s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces registration open for Delaware?s mandatory wild turkey hunting course

With Delaware's spring wild turkey hunting season fast approaching, DNREC's Hunter Education Program reminds both resident and non-resident hunters that they must pass a Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife-approved course on turkey hunting before they can legally hunt turkeys in the First State.
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Jan. 31 Is Last Day to Sign Up for 2017 Coverage

NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES   Jan. 31 Is Last Day to Sign Up for 2017 Coverage through Delaware's Health Insurance Marketplace NEW CASTLE (Jan. 17, 2017) – Delawareans have until Tuesday, Jan. 31, to enroll in or change their health coverage for 2017 through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage […]
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Inauguration Day Schedule for January 17, 2017

Interfaith Prayer Service WHAT: Governor-elect Carney and Lieutenant Governor-elect Hall-Long will join attendees at Whatcoat United Methodist Church for a pre-Inaugural interfaith prayer service. WHO:Governor-elect John Carney Lieutenant Governor-elect Bethany Hall-Long Reverend Elmer Davis, Whatcoat United Methodist Church Rabbi Michael Scott Beals, Congregation Beth Shalom Father John Hopkins, St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church WHEN: […]
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Moody?s Agrees to Settlement With States and Federal Government Over Securities Ratings

States, USDOJ Alleged Moody's Inflated Ratings and Contributed To Market Crash. Attorney General Matt Denn joined the U.S. Department of Justice and 20 other attorneys general in announcing a settlement resolving an investigation into Moody's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and Moody's Analytics, Inc. (collectively "Moody's") over the companies' misrepresentations regarding the independence and objectivity […]
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DNREC, DNERR collaborate on new national study examining sea level rise in tidal marshes

DOVER – The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR), a partnership between DNREC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), recently collaborated with 15 other National Estuarine Research Reserves in 13 coastal states on a first-in-the-nation research study that examined the capabilities of tidal marshes to keep pace with sea level rise. Results of the pioneering study, "Rising to the Challenge: Will Tidal Marshes Survive Rising Seas?" were recently published in Biological Conservation, an internationally-recognized journal of conservation and natural resource management. The study included a tidal marsh resiliency assessment of DNERR's St. Jones Reserve in Dover.
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Opening of trails along C&D Canal celebrated by Delaware, Maryland officials

The grand opening of recreational trails along the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal was celebrated by Delaware and Maryland officials who included Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Col. Michael Bliss, USDA Rural Development State Director Bill McGowan, DNREC Secretary David Small, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, Delaware State Senator Nicole Poore, Delaware City Mayor Stanley Green and Chesapeake City Mayor Dean Geracimos. They were joined by other officials, scores of trails partners and enthusiasts, and special guest, former Delaware Governor and Congressman Michael N. Castle.
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DNREC?s Division of Energy & Climate offers winter energy-saving checklist with activities for families

Beat cabin fever over the long holiday weekend and throughout the winter by participating in the Division of Energy & Climate's Snuggle up and Save Winter Energy-Saving Checklist.
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Dover Man to Spend 10 years in Prison for Gun Conviction

Other defendants to serve time for drug charges, rape. A 50-year-old Dover man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for weapons charges. Deputy Attorney General Greg Babowal secured the sentence against Jeffrey Crippen, after securing a conviction during a bench trial in November. Shortly before his arrest, Crippen was released from prison after serving […]
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Governor?s Weekly Message: A Message of Thanks to the People of Delaware

Dover, DE – In his final weekly message, Governor Markell expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state. Speaking to the people of Delaware, he reflects on how far we have come since the state was hit by the Great Recession, recognizing the thousands of Delawareans who have contributed to tremendous progress.
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 2-8

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 Jan. 2-8 made 1026 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 31 vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 34 citations.
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19,000 Delaware Consumers Affected by Data Breach

As a result of multiple consumer complaints, the Delaware Department of Insurance has been made aware of a security breach, involving Summit Reinsurance Services, Inc. ("SummitRe") and BCS Financial Corporation, both subcontractors of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware.
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Governor Markell Presents Final Recommended Budget

Governor Jack Markell today unveiled a balanced Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal that promotes increased job and educational opportunities for Delawareans, while maintaining fiscal responsibility that has repeatedly earned the state a AAA rating.
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Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 2017 Individual Artist Fellowship Awardees

Eighteen Delaware artists are being recognized by the Division for the high quality of their artwork. Work samples from 126 Delaware choreographers, composers, musicians, writers, folk and visual artists were reviewed by out-of-state arts professionals, considering demonstrated creativity and skill in their art form. The 18 selected fellows reside throughout Delaware including Arden, Dover, Hockessin, […]
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Gov. Markell recognizes leadership, service of Delaware agriculture leaders

Gov. Jack Markell has presented the Order of the First State to two noted Delaware agricultural leaders and public servants, Bob Garey of Felton and Bill Vanderwende of Bridgeville.
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Delaware awarded $1.95 million to improve career education

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) announced Delaware as one of 10 states to receive a $2 million grant to strengthen and expand career pathways for the state's youth and adults.
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Jan. 31 deadline approaching for DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife?s annual hunting photo contest

DOVER – The Jan. 31 deadline is fast approaching to enter your best outdoor photography in the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife's annual Delaware Hunting Photo Contest. The winning photo will be featured on the cover or inside of the 2017/2018 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. A judging panel comprised of DNREC staff will […]
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Public Health Names New Office of Animal Welfare Leadership: Patricia Blevins to Join as Executive Director

The Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today the hiring of Patricia Blevins as the new Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) Director. Blevins, an animal advocate for many years and one of the strongest supporters for overhauling and improving the statewide animal welfare system, will join DPH on Jan. 30, 2017, as OAW executive director. Hetti Brown, the original executive director, resigned the position in December 2016 to move to the Midwest. Blevins, while most well-known for her work as a state senator, has nearly 20 years-experience in managing personnel and agencies, including nine years as executive director of the Delaware Helpline and three years managing the Denison Branch of Girls, Inc. She also served on the Elsmere Town Council and as Mayor of Elsmere.
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Milford farmers receive Environmental Stewardship Award

Poultry farmers Ted Layton and Scott Willey have been recognized for their efforts to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff with the 2016 Delaware Environmental Stewardship Award.
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Commissioner Navarro Opposes Delaware Compensation Commission Pay Raise Recommendations

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro Opposes Delaware Compensation Commission Pay Raise Recommendations
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DNREC?s Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters Jan. 15 is final 2016/17 Sunday deer hunting date

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds hunters that Sunday, Jan. 15 is the one remaining Sunday deer hunting date for the 2016/2017 hunting season.
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Governor Markell Issues Limited State of Emergency for Sussex County, with Level 1 Driving Warning

With significant snowfall accumulating in Sussex County, Governor Markell has issued a Limited State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning for Delaware's southernmost county
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Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds, Project Notice-of-Intent solicitation now open

DOVER – DNREC's Environmental Finance and DHSS Division of Public Health's Office of Drinking Water announced today that the deadline for submitting a FY 2017 Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund Project Notice-of-Intent (NOI) is Jan. 31.
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Museums of the State of Delaware closed on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 due to winter storm

National Weather Service predicting significant storm.
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January presents deer hunters with a variety of hunting opportunities and options to close out the 2016/17 season

Deer hunters going afield in the home stretch of Delaware's 2016/17 hunting season have a variety of hunting opportunities and options this month.
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Guilty Plea for Attempted Kidnapping to Lead to Prison Sentence

Others face sentencings for weapons charges. A Newark man faces at least 15 years in prison for an attempted kidnapping. Deputy Attorneys General Christina Kontis and Joe Grubb secured a guilty plea to Attempted Kidnapping Second Degree, Burglary Third Degree and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender from 35-year-old Joseph Rudge. In July 2016, Rudge […]
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Governor?s Weekly Message: Addressing Threats Of A Changing Climate

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell previews the release of the state's Climate Action Progress Report, which reflects the state's progress in addressing the threats of climate change in response to his Executive Order 41.
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 26-Jan. 1

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. 26-Jan. 1 made 676 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 22 vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 16 citations.
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New Division of Revenue Director Appointed

David Gregor has been appointed the new Director of Revenue for the State of Delaware, effective Monday, January 9, 2017. Mr. Gregor has been with the Department of Finance for more than 29 years, most recently serving as the Deputy Secretary of Finance - a position he's held since August of 2010.
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Delaware Association of Conservation District?s annual poster contest winners announced

The Delaware Association of Conservation Districts today announced the 2016 winners of the districts' annual conservation poster contest, which featured the theme, "We All Need Trees."
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Delaware Ranks in Top 5 in Nation For Childhood Immunization, DPH Immunization Program Honored With Awards

Delaware ranks third in the nation for its percentage of immunized children ages 19 to 35 months, and seventh for its percentage of adolescents receiving the trio of the recommended human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccines, according to a recent national rankings report.
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Division of Fish & Wildlife?s 2017 calendar on sale while supplies last

Copies of the 2017 Division of Fish & Wildlife calendar are still available for purchase while supplies last, so get yours now to enjoy the colorful calendar for the entire year.
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Christmas tree recycling, a Delaware post-holiday tradition, carries on across the state

Delawareans are encouraged to give their recycling spirit a boost after the holiday season by delivering their Christmas trees to one of many yard waste recycling facilities located throughout the state. Please note that Christmas trees are no longer accepted for recycling at any Delaware State Park locations.
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Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding

With predictions of snow in the forecast, DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation reminds residents and visitors that dunes should not be used for sledding or snowboarding.
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DNREC announces LEED Existing Buildings Operation and Maintenance certification of Richardson & Robbins Building

Governor Jack Markell joined DNREC Secretary David Small, DNREC staff and project partners today to announce that DNREC's downtown Dover campus, the Richardson & Robbins (R&R) Building, has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the category of Existing Buildings: Operation and Maintenance from the US Green Building Council.
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Trinidad Navarro Sworn in as Delaware?s 26th Insurance Commissioner

Trinidad Navarro Sworn in as Delaware's 26th Insurance Commissioner
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H. Donovan Phillips Jr. appointed as Delaware member of Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Committee

DOVER – Governor Jack Markell has appointed H. Donovan Phillips, Jr. to serve as a member of the Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), created by the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council through the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. The Chesapeake Executive Council – whose members include the governors of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission Chair and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator – was established in 1983 with responsibilities for guiding the Chesapeake Bay Program's policy agenda and setting conservation and restoration goals for the bay.
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