The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office has determined that this afternoon’s fire in Dover, DE was accidental.

The blaze, reported shortly before 3:00 pm, occurred in the unit block of State Circle, Capitol Park.  The Dover Fire Department responded to the call and extinguished a fire inside the kitchen of the dwelling.

A 50 year old female occupant was transported to Bayhealth – Kent General Hospital with burns to her left shoulder and left foot.  She is in good condition.

State fire investigators were called to the scene and completed the investigation.  The fire originated on the stove top when cooking oil ignited after being left unsupervised.  The smoke alarms in the home alerted the occupants to the fire.  Fire damage was estimated at $5,000.

Contact Person:  Michael G. Chionchio, Assistant State Fire Marshal at (302) 739-5665.

Rehoboth Beach, DE – Governor Jack Markell, Federal Highway Administration Delaware Administrator Mary Ridgeway, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, and DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens joined other officials today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, opening the brand new North Inlet Campground and enabling the public to enjoy other new improvements at Delaware Seashore State Park. Nearly $10 million worth of construction has been completed on enhancements in the park. This year, work focused on the north side of the Indian River Inlet. Enhancements to the south side were completed in 2014.

The contract was awarded for $9.87 million, of which the Federal Highway Administration paid $7.06 million while the remaining funds came from state capital funds awarded to DelDOT. State and federal transportation funds were used because the footprint of the construction of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge utilized state park lands for bridge construction. The upgrades and enhancements replace what was taken away during construction and are designed to modernize park amenities to today’s outdoor recreation standards.

“These improvements showcase Delaware Seashore State Park as a major Delaware destination,” said Governor Markell. “The upgrades, enhancements – and especially this new campground – make the park even more attractive to families and anyone who lives, works or visits here. All of this is good for tourism, for our economy and for the enjoyment of the people of this state.”

“The Indian River Inlet Bridge gives breathtaking views of the Delaware coastline to travelers, and now the public can enjoy this scenic area at the Delaware Seashore State Park once again,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I am proud of the federal, state and local partnerships that have allowed these economic development projects – which benefit all Delawareans and tourists – to happen, and I look forward to visiting here this beach season.”

“Our seashores are some of our state’s greatest natural resources and beloved tourist destinations,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “With the construction of the beautiful Indian River Bridge, we lost some of those amenities that accompany our parks. Now with the completion of the wide range of improvements, adding more campsites, more parking spaces and new laundry facilities, these improvements will continue to provide the outstanding outdoors experience that more than one million visitors have come to expect.”

“Delaware beaches are already among the most popular vacation spots on the east coast, and the improvements underway at Delaware Seashore State Park will only make them better,” said U.S. Rep. John Carney. “The economy in Sussex County, and across the entire state, relies heavily on tourism. This project is an investment that will bring more visitors to the state and support the many jobs and businesses in the area.  I can’t wait to see this in person.”

“The investments at Delaware Seashore State Park will allow thousands of additional families to enjoy this incredible recreational jewel,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “From new campsites, expanded parking, a brand new, full-access walking promenade, and playground – these improvements and enhancements will make this park a must- see attraction for all Delawareans and visitors.”

“The improvements to the Delaware Seashore State Park are an example of what can be accomplished when two state agencies work together,” said DelDOT Secretary Cohan. “DNREC and DelDOT have created a premiere campground that rivals any on the East Coast.”

“This outstanding project is the result of true partnerships between Federal Highway Administration, DelDOT and DNREC,” said Ms. Ridgeway, Delaware administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. “We are so pleased that federal dollars helped to put folks to work during construction and will continue to benefit the economy through the many visitors to this great area.”

Some of the new amenities include:

• 74 full-hookup campsites (featuring water, electric and sewer)
• Six ADA-compliant campsites
• Modern, full-accessible heated bathhouse with hot showers
• New laundry facilities for campers
• Fully accessible walking promenade, enabling visitors to safely walk to the ocean or over the bridge to the south inlet.
• Sidewalk access to Indian river Marina and Hammerhead’s Dockside Café

For day-use visitors, new amenities include:

• 221 parking spaces
• New, modern comfort station
• Deluxe rinse-off showers
• New benches along the scenic Indian River Inlet

In addition, there will be new playgrounds with a local fishing theme, sun shelters, more benches and a mini climbing wall.

“Not only are the north and south sides of the park now connected, new amenities will enable visitors to access and enjoy the bridge itself as a destination,” said DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Bivens. “Those who want to stay overnight will have plenty of options from tent camping to RV to exclusive cottages and the state-of-the-art marina, all located along the inlet within walking distance to the beach.”

Construction completed in 2014 on the south side of the inlet included the refurbishing of the RV and tent campgrounds, 94 new camping sites, renovated bathhouses, six new RV sites with full hook-ups, more parking for anglers and much more.

Reservations are currently being accepted for all three Delaware Seashore State Park campgrounds – available beginning Monday, March 30. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-98-PARKS, or visiting http://www.destateparks.com/.

This weekend is a “soft opening” – a special time for the park’s top 80 campers from the 2014 season. They will spend a complementary weekend at the park to evaluate the new amenities and upgrades, and provide feedback on any logistical issues that need to be addressed before the park opens to the public.

In his remarks, Gov. Markell highlighted how the transformation of Delaware Seashore State Park promotes outdoor recreation, healthy living, tourism and the economy. He outlined the progress that has been made on two of his major initiatives, the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative, and the Children in Nature/No Child Left Inside Initiative. The Governor noted that since 2012, more than 25 miles of trails and pathways have been added throughout the state. He also pointed out that parks and trails provide a way for children and families to be physically active and live healthy lifestyles – major goals of the Children in Nature Initiative.

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Delaware’s steadily declining unemployment rate has dipped to 4.8 percent. That’s well below the national average and the  lowest level since July 2008 – before the brunt of the Great Recession.  It’s just the latest sign of a strengthening economy – our job growth has led the region over the past two years, and Gallup just recognized Delaware as the only east coast state among the top ten in its job creation index.

Conversations with hundreds of Delaware employers have made clear that, above all else, they value the quality of our workforce and our business climate. However, our success also isn’t possible without our Strategic Fund, which provides customized financial assistance to companies that consider locating or expanding in Delaware. These companies receive funds for reaching job creation goals. Our grants and loans support a variety of companies – mainly small businesses – from health science startups at Delaware Technology Park to financial companies creating hundreds of jobs in Wilmington.

The Strategic Fund supports manufacturers in Kent County and funds a rural irrigation program that’s helping Sussex County farmers improve production. Delaware’s portfolio of companies currently receiving grants have exceeded job creation requirements, reporting more than 26,000 full-time employment opportunities. That’s 3,000 more than promised.

We should celebrate our economic progress but not rest on our laurels. In the coming months I’ll announce details of more training programs for fast-growing fields. And we’ll aim to further streamline state regulations to ensure we only create new rules for businesses when necessary. Meanwhile, our Strategic Fund will provide the targeted business incentives that allow Delaware to compete for jobs with bigger states that can write bigger checks to attract businesses. Through this comprehensive approach, we’ll continue to create economic opportunities for our people, and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights the positive economic impact of Delaware’s Strategic Fund, which provides customized financial assistance to companies that consider locating or expanding in Delaware.

“Our grants and loans support a variety of companies – mainly small businesses – from health science startups at Delaware Technology Park to financial companies creating hundreds of jobs in Wilmington,” said Governor Markell. “Delaware’s portfolio of companies currently receiving grants have exceeded job creation requirements, reporting more than 26,000 full-time employment opportunities. That’s 3,000 more than promised. Through this comprehensive approach, we’ll continue to create economic opportunities for our people, and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/_mPgViNO0tQ
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Delaware’s Strategic Fund: Supporting Job Creation & Business Growth

DOVER – With a total of 2,309 lab-confirmed flu cases to date, Delaware’s flu year now has surpassed the number of lab-confirmed cases for the 2009-2010 H1N1 outbreak (then referred to as the “swine flu”). The total number of lab-confirmed cases for that year was 2,247. This flu year already had seen record-breaking fatality numbers with total of 28 dead. That is four times the most recent high of seven fatalities during the 2009-2010 H1N1 year.

“Flu is a highly unpredictable disease and very easy to take for granted since it is constantly with us,” said Delaware Public Health Division Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “No one could have predicted this year would be so deadly or include so many cases. Flu’s annual presence and unpredictability is what makes precautions and prevention efforts every year so important.”

Added Cabinet Secretary Rita Landgraf, Department of Health and Social Services, “As the flu year seems to be winding down, it is still important for people to remember prevention. Wash your hands constantly, stay home when ill, and contact your medical provider if you begin to show symptoms, particularly if you are elderly or have underlying health conditions.”

DPH is still advising that persons with emerging flu symptoms should call – not visit – their medical providers, who may be able to prescribe anti-viral medication. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

DPH recommends these actions to protect seniors and vulnerable populations, including the very young, pregnant women, and those who recently gave birth, and people with underlying medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and individuals with weak immune systems:

• If you are receiving treatment in a long-term care facility or in-home care, ask if the staff is vaccinated against the flu and, if not, the staff person should wear a mask at all times.
• Visits at home or in a facility should be limited if the visitor is under age 16, or has the flu or is at risk of exposure to the flu. The illness can be transmitted prior to someone showing symptoms.
• If you are living with a senior and a family member contracts the flu, keep the two separate as much as possible and ensure everyone in the home follows sanitary precautions.
• Wash hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after you cough, sneeze, or touch your face.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow. Droplets from a sneeze can travel up to six feet.
• Stay home when sick and do not return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever is gone.
• Ensure all your loved ones are vaccinated against the illness. While this year’s vaccine may offer limited protection against one of the flu strains, it does protect well against the other 2-3 strains of flu. In addition the vaccination can help make the illness milder and prevent the illnesses due to the other strains circulating in the community. Vaccines are available from DPH clinics, physicians, pharmacies, and many grocery stores.

All but four of those who died from flu this year were over age 65 (the other fatalities were in their 50s) and all 28 had underlying medical conditions. Twenty-two of the deaths were in New Castle County, three in Kent and three in Sussex. In previous years, the total flu deaths for the season were:
• 2009-10: 7
• 2010-11: 5
• 2011-12: 0
• 2012-13: 4
• 2013-14: 6

For further information on the flu, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 800-282-8672. A fact sheet on protecting the elderly and vulnerable populations is available at http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/fluprotectingelderlyandvulnerable.pdf

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

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Rita Landgraf, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: jill.fredel@delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services – Division of Public Health