Tue, 15 May 2012 16:15:59 EDT State of Delaware Government News http://www.delaware.gov http://www.delaware.gov/egov/portal.nsf/allfiles/images/%24file/title-stateofdelaware.gif http://www.delaware.gov en-us A centralized newsfeed of news and press releases from State of Delaware agencies for the last two weeks. gic@delaware.gov (Government Information Center) Tue, 15 May 2012 16:48:01 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/With-beachnester-bird-breeding-season-off-to-an-uneven-start%2C-four-piping-plover-nests-confirmed-on-the-Point-at-Cape-Henlo.aspx LEWES (May 15, 2012) - Unseasonably warm weather in March and a wet, windy and cooler April made for an uneven start to beachnester bird breeding season. However, in May, piping plovers have gotten down to the business of nesting, with four nests spotted this week on the Point at Cape Henlopen, and a fifth pair possibly soon to nest. Things are progressing more slowly down at Gordons Pond, where one pair of plovers has been seen but has not yet set up territory. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1065923 Fri, 11 May 2012 20:29:34 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/11/national-womens-health-week/ Women are traditionally the primary caregivers and nurturers, those frequently in charge of their family's health and wellness. But do women devote enough time to their own health and well-being? The Delaware Office of Women's Health joins the national Office on Women's Health in celebrating "Women's Health Week." In the News Delaware-News-Item-1065364 Fri, 11 May 2012 21:15:56 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Proposed-Bike-and-Pedestrian-Trail-Projects-will-be-presented-at-public-.aspx (DOVER, May 11, 2012)- DNREC and DelDOT will hold two more public workshops on proposed bike and pedestrian trail projects - part of Governor Jack Markell's First State Trails and Pathways Initiative. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1065352 Fri, 11 May 2012 19:33:50 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/11/governor-markell-opens-summit-with-state-leaders-on-diversity-in-government/ Over 300 State leaders, including Cabinet secretaries, state agency heads, division directors and human resources professionals participated in the Equal Employment Opportunity Summit which was hosted by the Governor's Council on Equal Employment Opportunity. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1065070 Fri, 11 May 2012 20:01:29 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/DNREC-Fish--Wildlife-Enforcement-Blotter-April-25--May-8.aspx DOVER (May 11, 2012) - 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, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents responded to 58 complaints and issued 38 citations between April 25 and May 8. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064779 Fri, 11 May 2012 19:08:21 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/DNREC%92s-DuPont-Nature-Center-to-host-award-winning-author-of-shorebird-story-on-May-18.aspx SLAUGHTER BEACH (May 10, 2012) - The Friends of the DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve will host an evening social featuring Newbery Honor and National Book Award-winning author Phillip Hoose beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at the center. Admission is free. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064778 Fri, 11 May 2012 19:06:05 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/DNREC%92s-DuPont-Nature-Center-announces-%91Peace%2C-Love--Horseshoe-Crabs%92-to-be-held-on-May-19.aspx SLAUGHTER BEACH (May 10, 2012) - The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, a DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife facility, will host "Peace, Love & Horseshoe Crabs," its third-annual festival celebrating the spring spectacle of migrating shorebirds and spawning horseshoe crabs, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at the center. Admission is free. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064777 Fri, 11 May 2012 12:01:00 EDT http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/pressreleases/2012/new_peds_screening_-051112.html Parents can use the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDs) Online screening tool in the privacy of their own home to help identify potential developmental issues with their child. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064686 Fri, 11 May 2012 15:25:02 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/11/governors-weekly-message-3/ In his weekly address, the Governor talks about prom and graduation season in Delaware, the state's efforts to raise awareness about the safety issues that often accompany this time of year and the critical role parents play in keeping our young people safe. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064217 Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400 http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/0511.shtml The Delaware Department of Education today announced 30 schools whose educators may be eligible to participate in the state's Talent Retention/Attraction Initiative that seeks to reward and retain educators serving the highest-need buildings. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064162 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:01:00 EDT http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/pressreleases/2012/foster_grandparents_-051012.html At a recognition luncheon Thursday in Dover, Gov. Jack Markell joined Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf in honoring Delaware's 280 Foster Grandparents for mentoring at-risk children across the state. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1064112 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:01:00 EDT http://revenue.delaware.gov/services/press/12_ddt.pdf Delaware Division of Revenue Director Patrick Carter announced today the posting of another list of top 100 delinquent individual and business taxpayers at www.revenue.delaware.gov/ddt.shtml. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1063895 Thu, 10 May 2012 18:26:22 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/10/governor-announces-state-employees-of-the-year/ Governor Jack Markell today recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2012 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1063643 Thu, 10 May 2012 08:45:00 -0400 http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/0510b.shtml Delaware public school juniors across the state took the SAT college readiness exam during the school day as part of the state-funded Universal SAT program In the News Delaware-News-Item-1063588 Thu, 10 May 2012 12:05:25 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Proposed-Bike-and-Pedestrian-Trail-Projects-will-be-presented-at-.aspx (DOVER, May 9, 2012)- DelDOT and DNREC, along with partner organizations, will hold three public workshops, one in each county, on information and maps of proposed bike and pedestrian trail projects - part of Governor Jack Markell's First State Trails and Pathways Initiative. Workshops are scheduled at Dover City Hall on May 10, at WILMAPCO offices in Newark on May 14 and at Lewes City Hall on May 17. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1063058 Wed, 09 May 2012 21:04:38 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/09/senate-confirms-governors-education-secretary-nominee/ Governor Jack Markell's nominee for Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education, Mark Murphy, was confirmed by the Delaware Senate. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1063071 Wed, 09 May 2012 19:54:24 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/09/reduce-municipal-electric-rates/ Municipal electric rates in Delaware should start to go down by at least 10 percent under an agreement signed today. Gov. Jack Markell joined Patrick McCullar, President and CEO of the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation ("DEMEC"), and the Mayors or town officials of Newark, New Castle, Middletown, Clayton, Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Lewes and Seaford to sign a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") that underscores their shared commitment toward making municipal energy rates more competitive in order to spur job creation, while preserving the core functions and services provided to residents and businesses in the municipal service territories. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1062500 Wed, 09 May 2012 17:19:54 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/%91Take-a-Kid-Fishing!%92-day-set-for-May-12-at-Killens-Pond-State-Park.aspx FELTON (May 9, 2012) - Do you know a child or young teen who might enjoy learning about fishing and trying their hand at landing a fish? The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife's Take a Kid Fishing! program is designed for these budding young anglers, and the next date on the program's calendar is coming right up. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, youth ages 6 through 15 are invited to come out with a parent/guardian and cast a line at Killens Pond State Park* in Felton. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1062486 Wed, 09 May 2012 17:16:25 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Striped-bass-harvest-prohibited-on-spawning-grounds-through-May-31.aspx DOVER (May 9, 2012) - The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers that during striped bass spawning season, which continues through midnight on May 31, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the Nanticoke River, the C&D Canal, and the Delaware River north of and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C&D Canal, or any tributaries of these waterways. Under state regulations, anglers are required to release any striped bass caught in these spawning areas. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1062485 Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400 http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/0509.shtml Beginning next school year, the program will use students' performance on Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NÆEP) tests to create the personalized paths for freshmen and sophomores in all 43 of the state's public high schools. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1061874 Wed, 09 May 2012 12:28:07 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/09/state-suspends-license-of-newark-physician-for-serious-violations-of-medical-practice-act/ Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock and the President of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, Dr. Stephen Cooper, have ordered the emergency suspension of Dr. Pierre LeRoy's medical license for committing serious violations of the Delaware Medical Practice Act. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1061635 Mon, 07 May 2012 18:57:41 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Six-downstate-ponds-to-be-treated-for-aquatic-weeds-during-2012-season.aspx DOVER (May 7, 2012) - During the next three weeks, weather permitting, DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife will be treating six downstate ponds for aquatic nuisance weeds that, left unchecked, can choke the waters, crowd out beneficial plant species, and prevent fishing and boating access. The ponds to be treated are: Blairs Pond and Griffiths Lake near Milford; Millsboro Pond; Records Pond near Laurel; Wagamons Pond near Milton; and Concord Pond near Seaford. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059631 Mon, 07 May 2012 14:29:00 -0400 http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/0507.shtml Three students -- one each in elementary, middle and high school categories -- and their honored teachers have been named winners in the Delaware Department of Education's Teacher Appreciation Contest as the state celebrates National Teacher Appreciation Week this week. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059591 Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.deldot.gov/public.ejs?command=PublicNewsDisplay&id=4347 Ocean View -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that David A. Bramble, Inc. is the low bidder for the Town of Ocean View Bicycle and Pedestrian improvements. For this project, the Maryland-based firm submitted a bid of $691,649.41, the lowest of seven bids received. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059482 Fri, 04 May 2012 20:17:37 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Federal-flood-insurance-now-available-in-Town-of-Odessa.aspx DOVER (May 4, 2012) - With collaboration from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Town of Odessa is now a participating community in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program. Through Odessa's efforts working with DNREC to secure participation in the program, federally-backed flood insurance is now available to the town's property owners. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059635 Fri, 04 May 2012 13:15:36 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/04/governor-markell-celebrates-arbor-day/ At Delaware's official state Arbor Day celebration held at Delaware State University on May 3, Governor Jack Markell honored the schoolchildren who won this year's annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest sponsored by the Delaware Forest Service. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059077 Fri, 04 May 2012 13:22:34 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/04/gov-markell-heads-the-class-at-prestige-academy-in-wilmington-during-teach-for-america-week/ Governor. Jack Markell today highlighted the importance of hard work and determination to 7th grade math students at Prestige Academy in Wilmington as a guest teacher for Teach For America Week. Teach For America Week draws community leaders nationwide to support educational excellence for all children. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059076 Fri, 04 May 2012 15:16:25 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/04/governors-weekly-message-2/ In his weekly address, the Governor talks about two new chances to make Delaware's case in the national debateon how to get people working, make our schools even stronger and better prepare our nation for what is emerging as a global war for talent and jobs. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059074 Fri, 04 May 2012 19:12:06 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Air-quality-improvements-unveiled-at-Trinity-Port-Services-in-New-Castle.aspx NEW CASTLE (May 4, 2012) - A cooperative project that improves Delaware air quality and the quality of life for neighborhood residents was unveiled today at a ceremony at Trinity Port Services in New Castle. Twenty electrified outlets that power refrigerated storage containers at the company's Rogers Road site have replaced the use of diesel generators, significantly reducing air pollutants, diesel fumes and noise in the community. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059061 Fri, 04 May 2012 18:47:42 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/White-Clay-Creek-trout-stocking-rescheduled-for-Thursday%2C-May-10%2C-2012-.aspx DOVER (May 4, 2012) - DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today that the final trout stocking of spring for White Clay Creek, tentatively scheduled to have taken place this week, has been postponed until Thursday, May 10. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059060 Fri, 04 May 2012 14:20:34 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/First-State-Heritage-Park-Offers-Three-Candlelit-Cemetery-Tours-.aspx DOVER (May 4, 2012) - The First State Heritage Park's candlelit tours of Dover's three historic churchyards return this month. Tours will take place on the following Friday evenings - May 11, May 18 and May 25. The churchyard tours are made possible through the support and collaboration of the Presbyterian Church of Dover, Christ Episcopal Church and Wesley United Methodist Church. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059059 Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.deldot.gov/public.ejs?command=PublicNewsDisplay&id=4345 Wilmington -- After nearly four years of planning, City of Wilmington officials today announced that the first phase of a landscape improvement project for Rodney Square will begin on Monday, May 7. The project, first proposed by the City in November of 2008, is a collaborative effort between the City of Wilmington, the Delaware Center for Horticulture (TheDCH) and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), with financial support from a host of public and private sources. The multi-faceted project includes replacing the sickly trees surrounding the square; upgrading the sidewalk, curbs, and curb ramps around the park; installing new pedestrian crosswalks and decorative lighting fixtures; and mitigating stormwater runoff, which introduces pollutants to the park's soil. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1058908 Thu, 03 May 2012 20:48:29 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/03/national-prescription-drug-take-back/ Delaware residents participated in the 2012 Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 28 in record numbers, turning in more than 6,808 pounds of unwanted or expired medications at the 31 take-back sites statewide. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1059078 Thu, 03 May 2012 16:43:20 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/03/delaware-to-celebrate-senior-corps-week/ Delaware will mark Seniors Corps Week May 7-11 by celebrating older volunteers who served almost 1 million hours last year on behalf of fellow Delawareans. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1058501 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:54:31 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Millsboro-man-arrested-at-wildlife-area-for-felony-drug-and-weapon-violations.aspx MILLSBORO (May 3, 2012) - DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents arrested a Millsboro man Wednesday at the Ingrams Pond Wildlife Area boat ramp on an assortment of drug and weapon charges. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1058486 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.dartfirststate.com/dtc.ejs?command=PublicDTCPressReleaseDisplay&id=4344 Washington, DC -- A National Online Dialogue May 7, 2012 to June 8, 2012. Please help us support the next chapter in the lives of our service members, veterans and their families by contributing to a national conversation of ideas and solutions that will help to ensure our transportation networks work for everyone. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1058337 Wed, 02 May 2012 18:34:28 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/05/02/new-program-for-veterans/ The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) announced today the launch of its new "Loans for Heroes" program, an important product that will provide qualified U.S. veterans with mortgage financing through participating lenders. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057930 Wed, 02 May 2012 18:10:20 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Visitors-to-Fort-Delaware-asked-to-follow-guidelines-to-minimize-spread-of-White-Nose-Syndrome-from-bats-in-fort.aspx DELAWARE CITY (May 2, 2012) - When Fort Delaware State Park reopens for tours on May 5, visitors will make the boat trip from the Delaware City dock to the pier on Pea Patch Island to learn about the fort's Civil War history, get spooked on its popular ghost tours and check out the island's heron rookery. This season, visitors will also learn about the fort's seldom-seen bats and what they can do to help prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome (WNS), an illness that has affected millions of bats. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057917 Wed, 02 May 2012 16:27:59 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Training-for-volunteer-piping-plover%2C-beachnesting-bird-monitors-to-be-held-on-May-19.aspx LEWES (May 2, 2012) - Volunteers who want to learn more about Delaware's endangered piping plovers and other beachnesting birds and find out how they can join DNREC's monitoring team are invited to a free training session from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19, at the Biden Center at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057916 Wed, 02 May 2012 15:29:02 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Reminder-F-I-N--numbers-available-with-recreational-fishing-license-purchase.aspx DOVER (May 2, 2012) - Since 2009, recreational anglers fishing Delaware waters have been required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. Since last year, the required F.I.N. number is generated automatically on all individual fishing licenses sold through Delaware's electronic licensing systems. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057915 Wed, 02 May 2012 09:29:00 -0400 http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/0502.shtml More than 200 Delaware middle and high school business education students participated in the National Leadership Conference of Business Professionals of America in Chicago last week. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057875 Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.deldot.gov/public.ejs?command=PublicNewsDisplay&id=4342 Dover -- During a press conference held today at 2:00 p.m., at the infield media center at Dover International Speedway, in observance of National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, Delaware Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt, AAA Mid-Atlantic Director, Public and Government Affairs, Jim Lardear, and others educated attendees on the importance of observing extra caution while traveling through work zones. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057770 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:33:06 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/04/30/commissioner-stewart-and-other-state-regulators-visit-capitol-hill/ Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart and fellow members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) met in Washington, D.C. last week to confer with members of Congress about ongoing insurance-related efforts. More than 36 state insurance regulators gathered for the NAIC Washington Forum where they were briefed by the Department of Health and Human Services [...] In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057512 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:42:53 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/DNREC-seeks-Delaware-students-who-make-a-difference-in-the-environment-for-2012-Young-Environmentalist-Awards.aspx DOVER (April 30, 2012) - Do you know a Delaware student who is working to make a difference for the environment? The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is encouraging teachers, classmates, parents, club or group leaders and others to nominate these students for the 2012 Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards. Nominations must be based on actions or projects which have taken place between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1057349 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:15:27 +0000 http://news.delaware.gov/2012/04/30/bloom-energy-expands-to-east-coast/ Bloom Energy breaks ground on new Manufacturing Center in Delaware, and announces new customers leading the way in energy innovation. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1056795 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:54:31 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/New-signage-alerts-anglers-to-look-for-invasive-snakeheads-in-Delaware-waterways.aspx DOVER (April 30, 2012) - New signs have been posted at several popular fishing locations in Sussex and New Castle counties to alert anglers to the possible presence of northern snakeheads, and asking them to remove and kill these highly invasive fish if caught, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1056781 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:41:56 GMT http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/News/Pages/Community-Involvement-Advisory-Council-to-meet-May-8-to-review-grant-applications.aspx DOVER (April 30, 2012) - The Community Involvement Advisory Council (CIAC) will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 8 to review applications for 2012 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) grants. The meeting will be held at the Kent County Administration Building, Room 220, located at 555 Bay Road in Dover. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1056780 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:58:00 -0400 http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/0430b.shtml DigiGirlz, an event to motivate 8th and 9th grade girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), will take place for the second year. Wilmington University's Dover site will host the event that is sponsored by Microsoft, Delaware Department of Technology and Information, the Delaware Department of Education and the Delaware Center of Educational Technology. In the News Delaware-News-Item-1056740