Governor Carney Signs $863 Million Capital Budget to Complete 2019 Legislative Session

Opportunity Funding, raising tobacco age, plastic bag ban, early voting among highlights of six-month session DOVER, Del. — Governor John Carney on Monday signed the largest infrastructure package in Delaware history, capping a 2019 legislative session that included action to invest in Delaware's highest-needs schools, fix roads and bridges, raise the age to buy cigarettes, […]
Source

Governor Carney Signs Early Voting Legislation

New law seeks to increase participation by allowing early, in-person voting DOVER, Del. — On Sunday, the final day of the 2019 legislative session, Governor Carney signed legislation into law that seeks to increase voter participation in Delaware elections by allowing early, in-person voting. House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative David Bentz, will allow registered […]
Source

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 17-23

To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware's fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 17-23 made 2,210 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 38 citations.
Source

DNREC Natural Resources Police Park Rangers charge Seaford angler with landing a prohibited shark species

DOVER – Following a tip made from within Delaware Seashore State Park, DNREC's Natural Resources Police Park Rangers charged a Seaford man with landing a prohibited shark species, in connection with taking a sandbar shark out of the water while fishing June 11 at 3 Rs beach within the park. Jay Katz, 65, was cited by Park Rangers for one count of catching and removing from the water a prohibited shark species. Katz was released, with his surf fishing permit suspended, pending an appearance in the Court of Common Pleas in Georgetown at a later date.
Source

Gang Member Convicted of Murder

A member of the STK (Shoot to Kill) gang faces a minimum of 28 years in prison after his conviction for the 2017 murder of a rival gang member. Deputy Attorneys Daniel McBride and Michael DegliObizzi secured the conviction of 20-year-old Dai'yann Wharton in a bench trial in Superior Court. In March 2017, Wharton killed […]
Source

DOJ Sues to Stop Fraudulent and Deceptive Practices by Developer of Dover “55-Plus” Community

The Delaware Department of Justice has filed suit against the developer of The Villages of Noble's Pond, an 879-lot "55-plus" community in Kent County, for numerous violations of the Consumer Fraud Act, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and other Delaware laws protecting consumers against unlawful and predatory behavior. Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced the filing […]
Source

Delaware Population Consortium Bill Signed

On May 14, 2019 Senate Bill 7 was signed by Governor John Carney which formally creates the Delaware Population Consortium (DPC). The DPC has prepared, without formal designation, a unified set of statewide population projections annually since 1975. This new legislation formalizes the DPC, identifies its membership and work products, and requires that all counties, […]
Source

Wilmington Man Charged with Animal Cruelty After Dog Dies in Hot Car

Officers from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) arrested a Wilmington man following an incident involving the death of a dog left in a hot vehicle.
Source

Literacy plan coordinates state, partner support

The Delaware Department of Education has released the Delaware Literacy Plan, a framework that outlines strategies to improve the literacy proficiency of Delaware students.
Source

Governor Carney’s Statement on Senate Confirmation of Meghan Adams Perry

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Senate's vote to confirm the Governor's nomination of Meghan Adams Perry to serve as a Superior Court Judge in New Castle County: "Meghan has the experience, judgment and temperament necessary to serve as a judge on the Superior Court, and I […]
Source

Data Breach – 95,000 Delawareans Impacted

June 26, 2019 DOVER, DE – The Delaware Department of Insurance recently received notice of a data security breach suffered by Dominion National, an insurer and administrator of dental and vision benefits. On April 24, 2019, through its investigation of an internal alert, Dominion National discovered that servers containing enrollment data, demographic details, and personal […]
Source

Larger Employers To Be Required To Remit Delaware Child Support Payments Electronically

NEW CASTLE (June 26, 2019) – Governor John Carney has signed into law House Bill 81, which mandates that employers with 50 or more employees remit child support payments to the Department of Health and Social Services' Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or electronic data interchange (EDI). The law […]
Source

Governor Carney Signs $4.4 Billion Fiscal Year 2020 Budget

Budget invests in education, limits budget growth, and bolsters reserves DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed a $4.4 billion Fiscal Year 2020 budget plan that limits operating budget growth to 4.2 percent, invests in education, and gives state employees a raise, while setting aside more than $100 million in projected reserves. The […]
Source

Future health professionals compete at international conference

More than 150 students and advisers from across Delaware joined more than 11,500 other members at the 42nd annual HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference in Orlando last week. The students represented the First State in competitive events that included: medical math, epidemiology, physical therapy, forensic medicine, dental science, medical assisting, biomedical laboratory science and more. […]
Source

DNREC to showcase responsible crabbing practices June 27 at Cape Henlopen State Park’s Seaside Nature Center

DNREC will be presenting information on responsible crabbing practices, including prevention of derelict crab pots, as well as safe boating.
Source

DNREC advises that public comment period for Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act regulations continues through July 9

DOVER – In accordance with the Coastal Zone Conversion Permit Act, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Delaware's Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board (CZICB) held a joint public hearing June 24 on proposed amendments to the Regulations Governing Delaware's Coastal Zone, as set forth in 7 DE Admin. Code 101. DNREC also reminds the public that the public comment period for the proposed amendments to Coastal Zone regulations remains open through close of business Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Comments may be emailed to Lisa.Vest@delaware.gov or submitted via U.S. Mail to Lisa Vest, Regulatory Specialist, Office of the Secretary, DNREC, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Source

Treasurer Davis Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Delaware ABLE Plan, Releases Video

Specialized savings accounts protect the benefits of individuals with disabilities. Treasurer Colleen C. Davis is marking the first anniversary of the Delaware ABLE Plan by releasing a new awareness campaign and video. ABLE is a savings program for individuals with disabilities that ensures their ability to put away money and advance in life without risking […]
Source

CheckPoint StrikeForce Swearing-In Ceremony

Statewide Enforcement Checkpoints Aim to Reduce DUI-Related Crashes & Fatalities  (Dover, DE) – On Thursday, June 13th, Attorney General Kathy Jennings swore in 53 officers representing jurisdictions from New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties to serve as part of the Checkpoint StrikeForce (CPSF) and other checkpoints that will take place throughout the state this year. Impaired […]
Source

Committee recommends probation, conditions for Odyssey Charter

The Delaware Department of Education's Charter School Accountability Committee (CSAC) today voted to recommend placing Odyssey Charter School on probation, requiring conditions be met for the school to retain its charter.
Source

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces 2018/19 hunting photo contest winners

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced the winning entries in the 2018/19 Delaware Hunting Photo Contest.
Source

Source Water Protection Subcommittee to meet June 27 in Dover

The Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) Subcommittee of the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program will meet from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, June 27
Source

Delaware announces largest round of farms preserved in state history

DOVER, Del. — During a press conference today, Governor John Carney announced that more than 134,000 acres of Delaware farmland are now permanently preserved for future generations. This is the 23rd consecutive year of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation. Many of the farms in this round would not have been preserved […]
Source

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 10-16

To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware's fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 10-16 made 2,329 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 78 citations.
Source

DNREC Sec. Shawn M. Garvin joins State Sen. Hocker, State Rep. Gray, at ribbon-cutting at Holts Landing State Park

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin was joined by State Senator Gerald Hocker, State Representative Ronald Gray, and other supporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate numerous new enhancements at Holts Landing State Park in Dagsboro.
Source

Man Sentenced for 2016 Georgetown Murder and Rape

Attempted rape and child pornography charges also lead to prison A 25-year-old man who rented a room in a home in Georgetown was sentenced in Superior Court for beating and raping a woman who lived in the home, and for killing another man. In October 2016, Juan Tovar Cruz returned to the house on Wilson […]
Source

Governor Carney’s Statement on EPA’s Replacement of Clean Power Plan

Governor John Carney released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's announced its decision to replace the Clean Power Plan with the Affordable Clean Energy Rule: “I'm disappointed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to replace the Clean Power Plan with the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule, which removes a strong incentive […]
Source

DNREC Shoreline & Waterway Management Section promotes ‘design a sign, protect a dune’ awareness contest

DNREC's Shoreline & Waterway Management Section is holding a "Keep Off the Dunes" signage contest, inviting the public to submit original artwork.
Source

Middletown FFA wins forestry career event

Middletown High School FFA students won the 2019 "Forestry Career Development Event (CDE)," a challenging test of tree identification skills, forestry tools and knowledge, and math-related abilities. Also participating were teams from Sussex Central High School, Milford High School, and Millsboro Middle School. Each team consisted of four students who answered both individual and team-based questions. Middletown will now represent Delaware at the 92nd Annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis that begins on October 30, 2019.
Source

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs to sponsor 11 special events during July 2019

Programs on Independence Day, baseball Hall-of-Famer William "Judy" Johnson and campfires at the John Dickinson Plantation to be featured.
Source

Delaware adopts regulations for Produce Safety Rule compliance

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) Food Products Inspection was granted statutory authority on June 11, 2019 to enforce compliance with the Produce Safety Rule in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The Food Safety Modernization Act is a proactive approach to prevent foodborne illnesses by strengthening the food supply. These regulations, […]
Source

More Delaware students graduating high school

Delaware's public high school graduation rate continues to increase, once again hitting a record high in 2018. The state's dropout rate also declined.
Source

Emerald ash borer continues to threaten Delaware trees

DOVER, Del. — Emerald ash borer (EAB), a destructive insect from Asia that attacks and kills ash trees, has been confirmed in Newark, Delaware. Originally found in northern Delaware in 2016, recent infestations were confirmed in both Middletown and Seaford in November 2018. Current guidelines recommend the removal or treatment of ash trees if located […]
Source

2020 district/charter Teachers of the Year named

Twenty Delaware teachers are finalists to be named Delaware's 2020 State Teacher of the Year.
Source

DNREC’s Natural Resource Police Park Rangers conduct surf-fishing enforcement operation at two coastal state parks

FENWICK ISLAND – On Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation's Natural Resource Police Rangers conducted a targeted enforcement operation for compliance with Delaware's surf fishing regulations at surf fishing beaches and surf crossings at Fenwick Island and Cape Henlopen State Parks. The operation was in response to complaints of surf-fishers failing to abide by regulations, particularly the "actively engaged" rule for fishing from the beach.
Source

Consumer Protection Unit secures more than $23,000 in student loan debt relief for ITT Tech students

Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced that her office's Consumer Protection Unit has secured an agreement to recover $23,362 in debt relief for 5 former ITT Tech students in Delaware as part of a 43-state multistate settlement. The settlement is with Student CU Connect CUSO, LLC ("CUSO"), which offered deceptive loans to finance students' tuition […]
Source

DNREC invites public to vote online by June 24 for finalists in annual ‘Delaware Watersheds Photo Contest’

DNREC's Division of Watershed Stewardship invites the public to vote on the finalists in this year's Delaware Watersheds Photo Contest.
Source

Career Services from Delaware Department of Labor available at select public libraries

Wilmington, DE, June 17, 2019 – Delaware Department of Labor has begun providing career and other labor assistance at libraries in all three counties under a pilot program. The Delaware Division of Libraries and Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) rolled out the partnership in February 2019 to be able to reach out to more residents […]
Source

DNREC & DMV announce two new Delaware Sport Fishing license plates

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife has announced two new specialty sport fishing motor vehicle license plates are available from the Division of Motor Vehicles for motorists to display their passion and support for sport fishing in Delaware.
Source

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 3-9

DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 3-9 made 3,193 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public
Source

Wilmington man sentenced for 2017 park murder

The man responsible for the 2017 murder of a woman in Kirkwood Park in Wilmington was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Deputy Attorneys General Phillip Casale, Marc Petrucci, and Brian Robertson secured the sentence for Timothy Jones, 41, of Wilmington. In October 2017, Jones stabbed his victim numerous times and wounded himself inside a […]
Source

Sussex County Woman Arrested for Insurance Fraud

 Sussex County Woman Arrested for Insurance Fraud June 14, 2019 DOVER, DE – Arlene Belfield, 51, of Lincoln DE, was arrested on Thursday, June 13th, 2019 by Capital Police, following an investigation by the Delaware Department of Insurance Fraud Prevention Bureau. The charges allege that in November, 2017, Arlene Belfield, pretending to be her terminally […]
Source

Delaware Native Species Commission to meet June 19 in Dover

Delaware's Native Species Commission will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, in Room 221 at the Kent County Administrative Building, 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901. The Commission will discuss progress on 2019 priorities, subcommittee reports, a planned symposium, budget needs and other issues. For more information, including the meeting agenda, visit the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar at https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Meeting/62228.
Source

Governor Carney Announces Nomination of Anthony Albence as Election Commissioner

Nomination must be approved by the Delaware Senate DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced his intention to nominate Anthony Albence as Delaware's next Election Commissioner. The position, which oversees Delaware's elections operations, carries a four-year term. The Delaware Senate is expected to consider the Governor's nomination this month. Albence would replace Elaine […]
Source

DSHA Launches Homeownership Program for Recent College Graduates

DOVER – Governor John Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi announced the launch of a new homeownership program for recent college graduates at an event recognizing Homeownership Month. The new program, Homes for Grads, will offer discounted rates on DSHA's down payment assistance loans for homebuyers who have graduated college […]
Source

DPH Reminds Delawareans to Avoid Consuming Raw Dairy Products; Announces Positive Case of Brucellosis

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reminding Delawareans to avoid consuming raw dairy products as it announces a confirmed case of brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis in a 46-year-old Sussex County woman.
Source

New survey targets educators who change positions

The Delaware Department of Education has launched a new survey to learn more from educators changing positions and help stakeholders better understand educator workforce patterns across the state.
Source

Division of Developmental Disabilities Services to Host Two Lifespan Waiver Application Sessions

NEW CASTLE (June 12, 2019) – The Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) will host two sessions later this month for families interested in applying for the Lifespan Waiver, which is designed to enable individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder or Prader-Willi Syndrome who have left school to live safely in the community. The […]
Source

Governor Carney Announces Nomination of Meghan Adams as Superior Court Judge

Adams' nomination must be approved by the Delaware Senate DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced his intention to nominate Delaware attorney Meghan Adams as a Superior Court Judge in New Castle County. The Delaware Senate is expected to consider the Governor's nomination of Adams this month. "I am pleased to nominate Meghan, […]
Source

DOJ statement on Vaughn trials

The Department of Justice on Wednesday released the following statement: On the morning of February 2, 2017, a correctional officer was found dead – tragically and brutally murdered – in a prison building that had been set on fire, flooded, and under the control of inmates for 24 hours. Obtaining a measure of justice for […]
Source

Backpage.com to Lose Delaware LLC Formations

Under a Delaware Court of Chancery consent judgment issued Tuesday, four limited liability companies (LLCs) linked to the website Backpage will relinquish their Delaware certificates of formation. The judgment calls for the companies to lose their certificates of formation following a request by the Delaware Department of Justice and negotiation with the company, which has […]
Source

DNREC issues Secretary’s Orders requiring scrap tire regulatory compliance and assesses penalties to six facilities

DOVER – DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin has issued six Notices of Administrative Penalty and Secretary's Orders to resolve compliance issues with state regulations governing scrap tires. The Orders were issued to Bayly's Garage in Delmar; Irfan Tire Center in Millsboro; Mall Tire Center, LLC, in Seaford; Master Tire & Auto in Georgetown; Gulab's Tire Center, LLC in Millsboro; and West Auto Repair & Salvage, Inc. in Delmar. The Orders call for a penalty of $5,000 with an additional stipulated penalty of $1,000 per day if compliance is not achieved by the deadlines established in the Secretary's Orders.
Source

Registration still open for DNREC’s Indian River Marina ‘Kids Catch-All’ fishing tournament June 21-23

The Indian River Marina, owned and operated by DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation, is still accepting registrations for the 5th annual "Kids Catch-All" fishing tournament Friday, June 21 – Sunday, June 23 at the marina.
Source

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation Announces Plan to Manage Cap Put On Sale of Delaware Surf Fishing Permits

DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation announced today its plan for managing the cap of 17,000 Delaware surf-fishing permits.
Source

DNREC and Perdue AgriRecycle, LLC reach settlement agreement on Solid Waste Permit violations

DNREC and Perdue AgriRecycle, LLC have entered into a settlement agreement that resolves environmental violations arising from operations at a Perdue composting facility in Seaford, Delaware.
Source

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 27-June 2

DNREC's Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers made 3,991 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public between May 27 and June 2, issuing 35 citations.
Source

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife asks public to report sick or dead wild birds for West Nile virus monitoring

DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife Mosquito Control Section is seeking the public's help in monitoring West Nile virus in Delaware by reporting sick or dead wild birds that may have contracted the virus.
Source

Governor Carney’s Statement on Passage of Plastic Bag Ban

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the following statement on the General Assembly's final passage of House Bill 130, which will ban single-use plastic bags in Delaware: "Plastic bags are a significant source of litter in our state. Many get stuck in trees or discarded on the side of the road. We […]
Source

DE Law Enforcement Agencies to Receive Training on Juvenile Civil Citation Program Expansion

For Immediate Release                                                                                                          […]
Source

Tours of the hull of the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship

Tours explore the surviving hull section of an 18th-century shipwreck.
Source

Flags to be lowered for former Rep. Powell and former DSU President DeLauder

Governor Carney has ordered the U.S. and Delaware flags lowered to half staff beginning the morning of Friday June 7 through Monday morning June 10 in remembrance of former State Representative Robert Powell and former Delaware State University President Dr. William DeLauder. Mr. Powell was first elected to the Delaware General Assembly in November 1972 […]
Source

Application deadline extended to June 30 for DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Youth Academies

The deadline to apply for the DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Youth Academies has been extended to Sunday, June 30.
Source

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police announce results from 33rd Annual Youth Fishing Tournament

165 young anglers and their families gathered, at three Delaware ponds for Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 33rd Annual Youth Fishing Tournament.
Source

Historic preservation symposium to take place in Dover, Del. on June 26, 2019

Sessions will explore disaster preparedness, issues regarding elevating historic properties in flood-prone areas and National Register nominations.
Source

Public Comment Period Open for Delaware 1332 State Innovation Waiver

June 5, 2019 DOVER, DE –Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced that the Delaware Department of Insurance has posted Delaware's 1332 Waiver Application (the "Application") for public comment. The period during which members of the public may comment on the proposed Application runs until June 29, 2019. Under Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act […]
Source

Secretary of State Announces Electrician License Suspension

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has suspended the Delaware electrician license of Andrew S. Atkins for engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Source

Water Infrastructure Advisory Council to meet June 19 in Dover

The Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 19 in Conference Room 220, Kent County Administrative Complex.
Source

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, DHSS Bring New Statewide Resources for Families in Crisis

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids are collaborating to bring dedicated, science-based resources and support to Delaware families. The two entities will work together to provide innovative, digital resources and one-on-one support to parents and caregivers as they help a loved one struggling with opioids or other […]
Source

Sites across Delaware offer free summer meals to children

Districts, charter schools and community partners across the state are providing free meals to children in their communities so they don't go hungry while school is out.
Source

DTI EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR VALUED PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2019 Media Contact: Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI (302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us   DTI Employees Honored for Valued Partnership Contributions DOVER, Del. — As part of National Public Service Recognition Week, Governor John Carney, Cabinet members, and the business community celebrated by applauding the extraordinary work of Delaware's public […]
Source

DNREC to conduct water-quality dye test in Murderkill River and Delaware Bay to evaluate bay oyster beds

DOVER – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control's Delaware Shellfish Program and Kent County Levy Court will conduct a week-long water quality study starting June 10 in the Murderkill River and Delaware Bay to evaluate the bay's oyster beds. The study calls for applications of the red dye Rhodamine WT, which is commonly used in water quality and dispersion tests, and is not considered harmful to the public or the environment.
Source

Governor Carney to Nominate Claire DeMatteis as DOC Commissioner

DeMatteis has helped lead reform efforts at Department of Correction WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced his intention to nominate Claire DeMatteis – a former senior counsel to then-U.S. Senator Joe Biden – as the next Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction. The nomination will require approval by the Delaware Senate. DeMatteis […]
Source

2019 Statewide Summer Library Reading Program

Delaware's First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will kick off the statewide 2019 Summer Library Reading Program, A Universe of Stories, this week at two public libraries. She will be joined by special guest ventriloquist Uncle Ty-Rone the Kid's Comedian. The kick-off events are: 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 7 at the Delmar Public Library; and 3:00 p.m. Friday, June […]
Source

Flag lowering for victims of violence in Virginia Beach

This afternoon President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, June 4 as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated in Virginia Beach, Virginia on May 31, 2019. In concurrence with the President's order […]
Source