DELAWARE OFFICIALS PREP FOR T.S. HERMINE

(Smyrna) – Officials at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) are closely watching the progress of Tropical Storm Hermine as it makes its way up the Atlantic Coast.  DEMA is in close communication with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, other state agencies, emergency management officials in county and municipal governments in Delaware, and partner agencies in Maryland and Virginia as all prepare for possible impacts during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Weather officials say the storm is forecasted to stall off the Delaware coast.  This will bring plenty of rain to portions of the state.  According to the NWS, rainfall amounts will vary, with heavier volumes of rain in more southern regions of Delaware.  The eventual track of the storm will determine the impact to the state; a more westerly track would bring Hermine closer to land, and bring significantly more rain and possible flooding.

While DEMA and other officials monitor and prepare, residents and visitors should take similar action:

  • Monitor local media (radio, television, NOAA weather, www.weather.gov) for the latest forecast information.
  • Check Home Emergency Kits, fill gas tanks, and secure loose objects in yards, as high winds are in the forecast.
  • Persons living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to move to higher groung quickly.

DEMA will continue to issue advisories throughout the holiday weekend.


Gov. Markell, Sen. Carper join DNREC in celebrating opening of Artillery Park at the Fort Miles Museum

Ceremony highlights ‘Mighty Mo’s’ 16-inch gun, along with other historic artillery, and commemorates the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II

CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK – Among scenic dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Fort Miles Museum’s newest exhibit, the World War II Artillery Park, was officially opened with DNREC and the Fort Miles Historical Association hosting Governor Jack Markell, US Senator Tom Carper, local dignitaries and military veterans including honored guest Robert Sauppee, who was reunited with his personal history Friday morning in Cape Henlopen State Park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held beneath the centerpiece of the Artillery Park – one of “Mighty Mo’s” original 16-inch guns, a giant artillery piece mounted on the battleship U.S.S. Missouri (the “Mighty Mo”) when the Japanese surrendered 71 years ago today, on Sept. 2, 1945, ending WWII. Mr. Sauppee, who traveled to the commemorative ceremony from his home in Reading, Pa., was also aboard the “Mighty Mo” that day as a young US serviceman.

“The Fort Miles Artillery Park preserves an important part of Delaware’s wartime history and honors the courage and heroism of the men and women who defended our country during World War II,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “The historic treasures and new amenities here will attract families and visitors to the beautiful shores of Cape Henlopen State Park and boost the local economy. The Fort Miles Museum’s unique features exemplify why Delaware State Parks was recognized nationally this year with the Gold Award as the best-managed park system in the nation.”

Today’s event took place at Fort Miles, which during WWII served as the East Coast’s largest combat-ready post and a key piece in the nation’s coastal defense. In 1964, 543 acres of the Fort were returned to the State of Delaware, forming the heart of Cape Henlopen State Park. In April 2005 Fort Miles was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

“Delaware has a long history of protecting our nation, and Fort Miles is a big part of that history,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. “‘Mighty Mo’s’ gun was saved from becoming scrap metal after a like-minded group came together including folks from the Fort Miles Historical Association, DNREC and my office, to bring it to Delaware. Attractions like this allow the First State’s rich military history to live on, honoring the more than 73,000 veterans living in Delaware today.”

“The Fort Miles Artillery Park, with ‘Mighty Mo’s’ gun and other WWII artillery, is representative of the armaments that were stationed here for coastal defense,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We are incredibly appreciative of the Fort Miles Historical Association members, whose spirit and dedication are reminiscent of this country’s ‘Greatest Generation’ who built and manned Fort Miles and protected the region during WWII. Now, veterans, families, students, visitors and history buffs can relive an important part of Delaware history surrounded by the buildings and artifacts that will help make the experience come alive.”

Among the largest pieces of U.S. Naval artillery ever made, “Mighty Mo’s” 16-inch gun weighs more than 116 tons and is 66 feet long. The huge 16-inch barrel could hurl 2,700 pound shells more than 23 miles in 50 seconds, with pinpoint accuracy, in support of U.S. ground troops. Two similar guns were housed at Fort Miles’ Battery Smith during WWII, but later relocated elsewhere.

“The Fort Miles Historical Association is proud and honored to partner with Delaware State Parks on the completion of the World War II Artillery Park,” said FMHA President Gary Wray. “With ‘Mighty Mo’s’ gun as the centerpiece, the Artillery Park is the largest exhibit of its kind in the country. The Fort Miles Museum, when completed, will be the best World War II museum inside a World War II facility in the U.S.”

“With more than a million visitors a year, Cape Henlopen State Park is beloved by Delawareans and tourists from throughout the country,” said DNREC Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens. “The Fort Miles Artillery Park is a wonderful attraction that tells the story of the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps that played a vital role in protecting the region’s coastline during WWII. DNREC appreciates the tremendous efforts of the Fort Miles Historical Association and the thousands of volunteer hours that members have contributed to the Fort Miles Museum.”

“Mighty Mo’s” gun was scheduled to be cut up and sold for scrap if a suitable home for it could not be found. Through a joint plan written by the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA) and DNREC, the gun was donated to DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation by the U.S. Naval Systems Command. FMHA’s U.S.S. Missouri Gun Fundraising Committee raised $113,000 through private donations and several key grants from the GM Foundation, Sussex County Council and the Delaware Tourism office, to move the gun by barge and rail from the naval yard in Norfolk to the Artillery Park.

“The U.S.S. Missouri’s big gun symbolizes our local military history and is a fitting centerpiece for the Fort Miles Artillery Park,” said Nick Carter, chair of the U.S.S. Missouri Gun Fundraising Committee and a U.S. Navy veteran who served two tours in Vietnam. “Because of my family’s World War II military service here in Lewes, I was asked to chair the fundraising committee that brought ‘Mighty Mo’s’ gun to Delaware. My sincere appreciation to the organizations and individuals who donated funding and to my wife, Laurie, who coordinated the logistics of moving the gun to Fort Miles.”

The opening of the Artillery Park marks the end of a four-year effort to place “Mighty Mo’s” gun and other armaments at the foot of Battery 519. FMHA raised a total of more than $430,000 for the project, including the funding to transport “Mighty Mo’s” gun to Delaware, grants received from the Longwood Foundation, Community Foundation and Crystal Trust, and contributions from state legislators and almost 100 individuals. State funding for the Artillery Park came from 2013-2015 Bond Bill appropriations provided by the state legislature.

Lockwood Brothers, subcontractor for the Artillery Park contractor Kent Construction Co., moved “Mighty Mo’s” gun barrel to Delaware and mounted it on an emplacement that includes a 90,000-pound concrete base, 70,000-pound slide, and 38,500-pound yoke and other parts. The total weight of the permanent display is more than 300 tons. Bell Terra Landscaping and Lighting installed lighting around the display.

In addition to the artillery, the site features new restrooms and showers for visitors and for future overnight guests, a central pathway, a renovated mess hall and wayside signs that tell the story behind each gun. Another addition includes a new geothermal HVAC system, made possible by two Delaware Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants – one to the city of Lewes and the other grant to Delaware State Parks.

“The opening of the Fort Miles Artillery Park provides further definition of the important role that Cape Henlopen played in the defense of the mid-Atlantic coast during World War II,” said Lewes Mayor Ted Becker. “In conjunction with the numerous other historical attractions in the area, this Artillery Park ensures that future generations are aware of how our region has been key to the defense of this country from colonial times to the present. The Fort Miles Historical Association is to be commended for their extraordinary efforts to bring this to reality.”

“The news of the Mighty Mo’s gun is a fantastic addition to the already wonderful historical attractions at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park,” said Senator Chris Coons. “The impressive size of the gun gives visitors a unique perspective to how large these ships were, and adds another component that will attract visitors to this wonderful state park. I look forward to visiting the latest installment, the World War II Artillery Park, at the Fort Miles Museum.”

“Fort Miles is a special part of our state’s history, and a reminder of the important role Delaware played in defending our nation during WWII,” said Congressman John Carney. “The Fort Miles Historical Association has done an excellent job of preserving this important piece of our past, and the new Fort Miles Artillery Park is a wonderful tribute to those who bravely served our nation. It will also allow visitors to have a unique, firsthand look at some of the artifacts from the era, like ‘Mighty Mo’s’ gun. I am grateful to all those who helped make this exciting new exhibit possible.”

FMHA continues to provide strong volunteer support to the Fort Miles Museum–by guiding tours, completing complex hands-on restoration projects, helping with special events, and providing marketing support for Fort Miles. The Association completed the first room of the Museum’s Art Gallery earlier this year, which features the works of noted local artists Howard Schroeder, Mary Marshall and Abraxas Hudson. Guided tours of the gallery are set to start in the fall. A new exhibit “Midway to Munich,” featuring the art of noted aviation artist Paul Rendel, opens Oct. 8. That event will showcase, and make available for sale, some of Rendel’s most famous works, and marks the unveiling of a new piece commemorating “Mighty Mo’s” gun placement at the Fort Miles Museum. Proceeds of the event will go to support the Fort Miles Museum.

With the artillery park now complete, FMHA will focus on completing interior exhibits, outdoor programming venues and parking for the Museum. New exhibits will showcase ordinary life in WWII-era Delaware, and the important roles that ordinary citizens played in our nation’s defense through the Civil Air Patrol, Delaware River and Bay Pilots Association and other local organizations and causes. A fall kickoff event is planned to launch a $2.1 million capital campaign.

For more information on Cape Henlopen State Park and Fort Miles Historical Area, visit DNREC’s website, www.destateparks.com.

The Fort Miles Historical Association is a nonprofit group whose mission is to preserve, protect and defend all aspects of Fort Miles working with community and state stakeholders and other interested parties. The association’s goal is to work as an active partner with the State of Delaware to develop the historical potential of Fort Miles.

Contact: Melanie Rapp, DNREC Public Affairs, Melanie.Rapp@delaware.gov, 302-739-9902
Gary Wray, Fort Miles Historical Association, gdwray@hotmail.com, 302-542-1844

Vol. 46, No. 324

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police blotter: Aug. 22-28

Reminder for the week: Natural Resources Police patrols increased to monitor hunting, fishing seasons concurrently in full swing

DE F&W Natural Resources Police logoDOVER – 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 Aug. 22-28 made 2,263 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 419 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 80 complaints and issued 47 citations, seven of which were related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there continues to be an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

Incidents of note:

  • On Aug. 28, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited John R. Mitchell Jr., 42, of Ocean View with one count each of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (OUI), no personal flotation device, no fire extinguisher and no vessel registration card in possession. Mitchell was cited in the Indian River Bay near White House Beach. He was released with an order to appear in Justice of the Peace Court 14 at a later date.
  • On Aug. 27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited John J. Kass, 44, of Pottstown, Pa. with one count of OUI on Rehoboth Bay near Massey’s Landing. Kass was released with an order to appear in Justice of the Peace Court 14 at a later date.
  • Increased patrols in Kent County wildlife areas during this time period resulted in multiple citations issued for entering after hours and one citation for possession of marijuana.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation: Entering a wildlife area after hours (8)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (5)*, possession of undersized weakfish (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (4), crab pot tampering (non-commercial) (1), improperly marked recreational crab pots (2), possession of summer flounder parts (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (2), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (7), operating under the influence (2), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (3), failure to provide flares or visual distress signal equipment (1), failure to have fire extinguisher aboard (1), failure to possess registration card (1), and allowing the use of a non-compliant vessel (1), no boater education card (1).

Public Safety: Unregistered motor vehicle in a wildlife area (1)*, excessive speed in a wildlife area (1)*, possession of marijuana (1), possession of drug paraphernalia (1), criminal trespass (1).

* Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area: unlicensed fishing (4), entering a wildlife area after hours (1).

Are you AWARE?
With several hunting seasons having opened Sept. 1 and fishing still at full-throttle, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police continue to increase patrols and closely monitor state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas for visitor safety and compliance, as well as checking for illegal activity such as vandalism, littering, dumping and damaging wildlife habitat.

“The public is encouraged to enjoy our wildlife, fishing and boating access areas and the unique outdoor experiences they offer,” said Sgt. John McDerby of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “However, as stewards of this land for the general public, we cannot allow the few people who do not respect our conservation mission to ruin things for the many who do. Those caught abusing our natural resources through illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

State wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat launching facilities are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless a person is actively and lawfully engaged in fishing, hunting or boating in accordance with state regulations and individual wildlife area rules. Individuals not meeting these requirements and found at these sites between sunset and sunrise face fines up to $100 for trespassing after hours.

Wildlife area visitors also are reminded that it is illegal to operate motor vehicles – including motorcycles, cars, trucks and SUVs – off established roadways in state wildlife areas. Violators found to cause damage also will be cited for destruction of state property. In addition, operating a motor vehicle that is not licensed for use on established public roadways – including ATVs – is prohibited both on and off-road on state wildlife areas.

The following rules also apply to all state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas:

  • Camping, swimming, target shooting (including paintball), dumping and littering, and fires are prohibited.
  • Dog training is permitted only within established dog training areas or during open hunting seasons for the game animals that the dog is being trained to hunt.
  • Hunting is permitted only in specified areas and only during designated hunting seasons.
  • Firearms are prohibited on state wildlife areas from March 1 to Aug. 31, except during legal hunting seasons or as authorized by the Division of Fish & Wildlife.
  • All of these sites have a carry-in, carry-out trash policy.

“Littering can be a problem, especially in many fishing areas, so please leave no trace behind and take your trash with you,” Sgt. McDerby said.

For more information on individual wildlife areas, including the rules and regulations specific to each area, visitors are encouraged to give close attention to Delaware wildlife area maps published by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The maps are available in hard copy at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and also online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 325


Attempted Murder Conviction Brings 22-Year Prison Sentence

Other defendants face prison time for weapons, assault, burglary and child abuse charges

A 23-year-old man from Bear will spend 22 years in prison after being sentenced in New Castle County Superior Court for a shooting in Wilmington last summer. In July 2015, Shaquille Campbell shot a man in the leg, a short time after the two argued in the 100 block of North Van Buren Street in Wilmington. Campbell was convicted in March 2016 of Attempted Murder, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon. Deputy Attorneys General Daniel McBride and Rebecca Song prosecuted the case, with Detective Ricardo Flores of Wilmington Police as the chief investigating officer.

Deputy Attorney General Jenna Milecki secured a prison sentence for Datwan Lum, 27, of Middletown. In August 2014, Lum forced his way into the basement window of a home in the 2200 block of Hillside Road in Wilmington, and stole an iPad, computers, and a briefcase. A few days later, Wilmington Police spotted him in the 400 block of East 3rd Street, and as Lum ran from them, he dropped a loaded .38 special revolver. Lum was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison following multiple trials for Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Resisting Arrest, Burglary Second Degree, two counts of Theft From a Senior, Criminal Mischief, Conspiracy Second Degree, and Receiving Stolen Property. The prison term also includes a Violation of Probation for a 2010 Robbery Second conviction.

Deputy Attorney General Phillip Casale secured a five-year prison sentence for Conway Hayman, 17, of Wilmington. In October 2015, he shot a man in the 100 block of North Franklin Street in Wilmington during a robbery attempt. Hayman pled guilty in May 2016 to Assault First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Attempted Robbery Second Degree, and Conspiracy Second Degree.

Deputy Attorney General Julie Finocchiaro secured a prison sentence for James Jones, Jr., 33, of Claymont. In December 2015, Jones broke into two units in the Harbor House Apartments in Claymont, stealing money, jewelry, and an AR-15 rifle. In May, he pled guilty to two counts of Burglary Second Degree, Theft of a Firearm, Theft from a Senior, and Resisting Arrest. Jones was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by probation.

Deputy Attorney General Karin Volker secured a plea to Child Abuse Second Degree from John Holliday, 39, of Newark. In March 2016, Holliday hit his then 11-year-old son in the head with the handle of a knife while disciplining the boy by fighting with him. The child suffered cuts and bruises to the face. Holliday also threatened the child with the knife. Holliday faces up to two years in prison when sentenced by the court.

Deputy Attorney General Lindsay Taylor secured a guilty plea from Tyra Mills, 41, of Dover, in connection with a 2014 Kent County investigation which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of 20 people involved in the drug trade in Kent and New Castle Counties, mostly centered in the Capital Park neighborhood of South Dover. Mills pled guilty to four counts of Drug Dealing, and one count of Possession of Illegal Prescription Drugs. Mills will be sentenced in Kent County Superior Court in November.

Deputy Attorney General John Donahue secured a plea to Unlawful Sexual Contact in the First Degree from John King, 67, of Millsboro. His victim was a child under the age of 10. King, a Tier 2 sex offender will be sentenced by the court in October.


Governor’s Weekly Message: Making Investments that Support Student Achievement and Career Success

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell marks the beginning of the new school year by highlighting education investments that are helping prepare students for higher academic achievement and career success.

“This week, students across our state are returning to the classroom and thanks to the hard work of teachers and administrators, our schools are setting them on a path toward rewarding careers and success in life through higher standards and innovative instruction that meet the skills needed in today’s high-tech economy.” Governor Markell said. “By investing in educational programs and instruction that meet the needs of today’s world, we’ll ensure that our students have bright futures, 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/HZxZ0_104_4
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Investing in Educational Programs and Instruction that Meet the Needs of Today’s World