New Director to Lead Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

Marie Nonnenmacher
Marie Nonnenmacher

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 31, 2018) – Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Walker announced the appointment of Marie Nonnenmacher, a former deputy director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS), to lead the division. She will begin her duties Feb. 5.

“I am thrilled that Marie is rejoining our Department as director of DDDS,” Secretary Walker said. “Her strong experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families will serve her well in this new role, as will her more than 35 years of public service across many departments in state government. With her Medicaid, budgeting and financial background, she understands how we can leverage federal and state resources to best support the more than 4,000 Delawareans we serve in the Division.”

Nonnenmacher served as deputy director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services from November 2012 until her retirement in August 2017. During her tenure, her accomplishments included producing the 2014-2019 renewal of the DDDS federal Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that received federal approval in less than 90 days. She also amended the DDDS HCBS Medicaid waiver to double the number of recipients and all individuals living in the family home enrolled for waiver benefits. And working with colleagues across DHSS, she developed a cross-disability employment program for young people age 14-25 called Pathways to Employment, funded by Medicaid.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues at DDDS and other stakeholders to continue the course of work on which the division embarked several years ago,” Nonnenmacher said. “That work focused on recognizing and supporting the needs of self-advocates and families with loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the family home. There is much more to be done, however, and I am happy to be able to play a role in the next phase of this important work.”

At DHSS, Nonnenmacher formerly served as Chief of Financial Management for the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. Prior to that, she worked as Cost Recovery Administrator for the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst with the Delaware State Budget Office; and Management Analyst with the Department of Labor.

Nonnenmacher has a master’s of public administration from the College of Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware in public financial management, program evaluation and policy analysis. She has a bachelor of arts from UD in political science and economics.

Previously, Secretary Walker had announced the appointment of Damaris Piliro to lead DDDS, but she had to withdraw for personal reasons.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


DNREC receives EPA’s PISCES award; other milestones announced at the former NVF site in Yorklyn

DOVER – As revitalization continues at the former NVF facility in Yorklyn, DNREC’s new water quality project at the site has been recognized as an Exceptional Project by the EPA, one of five such projects nationwide, for its excellence and innovation in Clean Water Infrastructure, winning the coveted PISCES award. Two DNREC Divisions, Waste & Hazardous Substances, and Parks & Recreation, collaborated to remediate the zinc-contaminated site at the former factory. Following the cleanup, a created, remediated two-acre wetland is nearly complete, in addition to four other wetlands that will soon be constructed in the vicinity.

In addition, three new trails at the former NVF site have been completed: the Yorklyn Bridge Trail, the Oversee Trail, and the “CCArts Trail” (yet to be officially named). Under construction now is a bridge that will connect the Yorklyn Bridge trail to Benge Road and the Auburn Heights Mansion.

The PISCES award recognizes the importance of the new wetland to mitigate flooding and improve water quality in the Red Clay Creek area, the support of the economic redevelopment of the Yorklyn Fiber Mills District, and the innovative use of funding for the project.

“EPA is proud to have selected this clean water project as one of five rated exceptional in the nation,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “The work at the NVF site will continue to improve water quality in the creek, and enhance the quality of life for residents by protecting this vulnerable area from flooding, and making way for future economic development. It’s an excellent example of the power of partnerships between EPA and the states and communities we serve.”

“We are proud that DNREC has been recognized by EPA with the PISCES award,” said Governor John Carney. “Not only does this project clean up the environment, but it also will support redevelopment. This whole area was once a polluted brownfield site, and because of DNREC’s work, the Yorklyn Fiber Mills District is better equipped to attract more businesses, create jobs, and help strengthen our economy.”

The EPA award acknowledges excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF is a federal-state partnership that provides communities with a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects. The EPA’s PISCES (Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success) award celebrates innovation demonstrated by Delaware’s CWSRF programs and assistance recipients.

“Whether at a federal, state, or local level, we should always be striving to get better results for less money, and the Yorklyn project shows that we can, especially when we are working together,” said Senator Tom Carper, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “This is an example of exactly the kind of work that EPA should be partnering with states to complete in a more timely and efficient manner. Not only do cleanups of contaminated sites reduce public health risks, they also help to revitalize communities and spur economic development in the area. Proud to see that, once again, Delaware is leading by example and finding ways to most effectively utilize taxpayer dollars.”

“We are honored to receive the PISCES award,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “This new wetland is the centerpiece of the site, which will help improve water quality, mitigate flooding, create habitat, and support the economic redevelopment of the Yorklyn area. Three new trails, and others that are under construction, are drawing more and more people to this vibrant new development – commercial, residential and recreational – and turning Yorklyn into a major destination on the Delaware map.”

In total, $3.3 million in CWSRF loan financing was provided to DNREC’s Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances to remove zinc-contaminated soils and create the two-acre wetland by replacing industrial-contaminated soils with clean fill material and topsoil, Another $1 million CWSRF Water Quality Improvement Loan was provided to DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to create the four additional wetlands.

DNREC’s Environmental Finance Office used several innovative financing tools to facilitate project funding. Funding to provide repayment of the CWSRF loans was secured by the state’s Hazardous Substances Cleanup Act and the Division of Parks & Recreation.

The soil remediation efforts at the NVF site included the removal and disposal of approximately 170 tons (340,000 pounds) of zinc and more than 200 pounds of hazardous lead from the soil during a seven-month period beginning in December 2016. A groundwater zinc recovery and treatment system has also been in operation at the site since 2008. Converting the excavation into a wetland that provides flood water storage capacity and other wetland benefits is necessary in the historically flood-prone Red Clay Creek Valley. For perspective, using average recovery rates of zinc from the existing treatment system, it would have taken nearly 40 years to remove the same mass of contaminants from groundwater, at an estimated cost of $14 million. Utilizing the $3.3 million CWSRF loan enabled DNREC to perform necessary remediation in the short term, thus saving taxpayers a projected amount of $10.7 million in the long term.

Using funds for contaminated site remediation has not been done in Delaware before, and is just one of many unique and innovative solutions that the project team employed to complete the work. Substantial savings to Delaware taxpayers will result, and further redevelopment will occur at an accelerated pace. Future redevelopment at the site is designed to provide decades of increased economic value and will be a unique destination to visit and explore in historic Yorklyn.

Media Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.


DNREC issues Secretary’s Order and $53,600 penalty to DuPont Experimental Station for hazardous waste violations

DOVER – Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin has issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty and Secretary’s Order to the DuPont Experimental Station for violations of Delaware’s laws and regulations governing hazardous waste, with DuPont ordered to pay a penalty of $53,600 along with $3,350 in cost recovery for the Department’s investigation.

DuPont operates the Experimental Station, a research and development facility, at 200 Powder Mill Road in Wilmington. Components of the facility include a hazardous waste incinerator and hazardous waste storage pads. As a result of its operations, the DuPont Experimental Station is classified as a large-quantity generator of hazardous waste and a permitted storage facility.

On May 16, 2017, representatives from DNREC’s Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances conducted a compliance assessment at the DuPont Experimental Station. The assessment identified two violations of Delaware’s Regulations Governing Hazardous Waste, including storing waste over the one-year storage limit and failing to properly identify hazardous waste. The waste identified during the May assessment was generated by Chemours, but was received by DuPont and stored on DuPont’s permitted storage pads. As such, the waste was in DuPont’s possession and compliance responsibilities remain with DuPont.

On July 11, 2017, DNREC representatives conducted a second compliance assessment at the facility. This assessment identified a third violation of storing hazardous waste in excess of the one-year storage limit. The waste identified in the July assessment was generated by DuPont and was stored on DuPont’s permitted storage pads.

The Secretary’s Order can be found on the DNREC website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/SecOrders_Enforcement.aspx.

DuPont has 30 days to appeal the Order.

Vol. 48, No. 17

Media contact: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

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Deaths of Missing Woman, Abused Baby Resolved With Guilty Plea, Prison Sentence

Rape cases and weapons case also handled by DOJ prosecutors

Cortez Hamilton, 35, of Smyrna faces a prison sentence of 15 years to life after pleading guilty to Murder Second Degree for the 2015 killing of his wife. Cortez Hamilton killed his wife, Keisha Hamilton, in January 2015 at their home south of Smyrna, and then fled to Indiana with their two children, where he was apprehended by the Indiana State Police after a nationwide Amber Alert. As part of Cortez Hamilton’s guilty plea, he was required to provide the location of Keisha Hamilton’s body, which had not been found. Utilizing the information provided, State Police discovered human remains near Smyrna, and testing by the Division of Forensic Science is ongoing to positively identify the remains. Sentencing by a Superior Court judge is scheduled for March 28. Deputy Attorneys General Stephen Welch and Lindsay Taylor prosecuted the case, with investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.

A 48-year-old Harrington man was sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for the death of an infant who was under his care. James Hammond and his girlfriend were caring for his girlfriend’s niece, 7-month old Aubri Thompson, while the child’s parents were on vacation. The child was brought to the couple’s Harrington residence on February 25, 2014 and was taken to Milford Memorial Hospital by Hammond and his girlfriend on February 28, 2014, suffering from blunt force trauma to her head and serious traumatic brain injuries. The child was pronounced dead one hour after she arrived at the hospital. James Hammond was found guilty of Murder by Abuse Second Degree by a jury in November 2017. A Superior Court judge sentenced Hammond to 25 years in prison, suspended after serving 15 years, followed by 6 months of work release and 2 years of probation. Deputy Attorneys General Stephen Welch and Stephen Smith prosecuted this case.

Richard White, 41, of Wilmington faces 25 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to rape charges. White began an inappropriate relationship with an underage female and had sexual intercourse with her repeatedly over the course of 5 years. Deputy Attorney General Diana Dunn secured a guilty plea to Rape Second Degree. New Castle County Police Detective John Adams investigated the case. Sentencing is scheduled for April.

Deputy Attorney General Kathleen Dickerson secured a guilty verdict on all counts from a jury trial in Superior Court for William Reynolds, 45, of Millington, Maryland. Reynolds raped and assaulted a woman in her home in Clayton in November 2016. Reynolds was found guilty of 5 counts of Rape First Degree, 1 count of Rape Third Degree, and Strangulation. During jury deliberation and when the jury returned its verdict, Reynolds did not appear in court and was reportedly found dead, but identification has not been completed. DOJ Investigator Pete Fraley and Social Worker Lorraine Freese assisted with this case.

Deputy Attorneys General Zach Rosen and Nichole Warner secured a guilty plea from a New Castle man for a weapons charge, and he now faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. Michael Garnett, 43, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited and agreed that he is eligible for habitual offender status in Superior Court. In December 2015, Garnett was pulled over in a traffic stop for suspicion of drug dealing in the New Castle area. During the vehicle search, he was found to have a loaded handgun. A motion will be filed to declare Garnett a habitual offender based on previous convictions of Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon, Burglary Second Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping Controlled Substances. Sentencing is scheduled for April 20.

 


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 15-21

Reminder for the week: Deer seasons are ending

DOVER – 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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 15-21 made 1,308 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 39 citations. Officers responded to 45 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

  • On Jan. 15, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Sean K. Moore, 37, of Millsboro, for 14 counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited and four counts of possess or transport antlerless deer that was unlawfully killed, after contacting him while hunting near Dagsboro. Moore was arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on a $28,800 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance in Sussex County Superior Court. As part of the case, 13 firearms and ammunition were seized.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Possess or transport antlerless deer that was unlawfully killed (4), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), hunting on a refuge (1), spotlighting (2), hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic lead shot (1), and must wear hunter orange (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (14), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (2), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vessel (1), Possession of drug paraphernalia (1), and failure to yield right of way (1).

Other: Littering on a public highway (1), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (3)*, damaging state property (1)*, and trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

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 http://de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police want to remind hunters that the deer seasons are coming to an end.

  • Archery and Crossbow seasons end Jan. 31
  • Muzzleloader season ends Jan. 27

Although deer seasons are ending, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police still encourage the public who witness or has information about a game law violation to report the violator as soon as possible so we can investigate immediately. Some violations that may be witnessed and should be reported include:

  • The use of an artificial light to illuminate wildlife, also known as spotlighting, from a motor vehicle for the purpose of hunting or observing, which is illegal.
  • Target shooting on state wildlife areas is illegal at all times; target shooting on private property is allowed seven days a week, within the parameters of local, county and state ordinances.
  • Witnessing shots fired across a public road or right-of-way, or within 15 yards or closer to a public roadway. (NOTE: Carrying a loaded weapon in a vehicle or vessel also is illegal.)

For more information on the 2017/2018 hunting seasons – including hunter education, licensing, hunting and trapping seasons, limits, regulations, wildlife area information and more, with sections devoted to deer, small game, turkey and migratory birds – click on 2017-2018 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide. Newly updated wildlife area maps with area-specific regulations are available online at Wildlife Area Maps.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913