Reminder for the week: Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police hiring full-time officers

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, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Nov.19-25 made 1,063 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 40 citations. Officers responded to 36 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 in the Community

• On Nov. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions during a Hunter Education Class at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Facility.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

• On Nov. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Shannon D. Cockrell, 49, of Newark, for one count each of trespass to hunt, killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunter’s choice deer tag, failure to tag antlered deer, and possession or transport of an unlawfully taken antlered deer, following an investigation into trespassing to hunt on private property near Newark. Cockrell was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 9 in Middletown, where he plead guilty and was fined $4,319, including court costs.
• On Nov. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Edward R. Wyatt, 69, of Harrington, for one count each of unlicensed hunting, killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunter’s choice deer tag, failure to tag antlered deer, failure to retain tag on antlered deer, failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours, unlawfully removing antlered deer parts prior to checking, and possession or transport of an unlawfully taken antlered deer near Felton. Wyatt was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, where he transferred his case to the Court of Common Pleas, and was released on his own recognizance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespass to hunt (2), hunting on a refuge (1), unlicensed hunting (1), failure to tag antlered deer (2), failure to retain tag on antlered deer (1), killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunters choice deer tag (2), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), unlawfully removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (1), possession or transport of an unlawfully taken antlered deer (3), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic lead shot (3), hunting migratory waterfowl after established shooting hours (3), federal rules adopted – no federal waterfowl stamp (1), possession of unlawful game (2), and wildlife area map violation (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Commercial: Failure to attach oyster harvesting tag to bushel containing oysters (6).

Boating and Boating Safety: No navigation lights (1) and operating a motor vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (3).

Public Safety: Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vessel (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3).

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 are hiring full-time officer positions. If you are interested in joining the agency, don’t wait, submit your application today! The application deadline is Dec. 5, 2018.

To submit an application, visit the State of Delaware Employment link here. For questions about Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police or the role of officers, contact Sgt. Brooke Mitchell by e-mail at brooke.mitchell@delaware.gov or by phone at 302-382-7167.

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 Mitchell, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

Other defendants face prison time on robbery, weapons, rape and drug dealing charges

A gang-related shooting in 2015 that left a 17-year-old dead resulted in a 20 year sentence for the shooter. Alexander Fitzgerald, 22, of Wilmington, a member of the Touch Money Gang (TMG), received his sentence from a Superior Court judge. In February 2015, officers answering a call of shots fired found Deshon Sellers near the intersection of East 24th and Lamotte Streets suffering from gunshot wounds. In June 2018, Fitzgerald pled guilty to Murder Second Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Illegal Gang Participation. A judge sentenced Fitzgerald to 20 years in prison, followed by 18 months of probation. Deputy Attorneys General John Downs, Periann Doko and Daniel McBride prosecuted the case. Detective Tom Curley of the Wilmington Police Department served as lead detective.

Deputy Attorneys General Amanda DiLiberto and Marc Petrucci secured a guilty verdict in a jury trial for a 33-year-old Philadelphia man who now faces decades in prison on several charges relating to an armed home invasion. In July 2015, a man living in a home on Faulk Road opened his door after a man with a pizza box knocked on the door. Andrew Allen forced his way inside the home, shoving a gun into the victim. Allen restrained the victim with duct tape, and beat him while rummaging through the home, eventually taking cash before leaving the house. A Superior Court jury convicted Allen of Robbery First Degree, 4 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Home Invasion, Burglary Second Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Conspiracy Second Degree. A Superior Court judge will hold a sentencing in March 2019, where Allen faces a minimum of 22 years in prison. Retired Detective Steven Rizzo of the Delaware State Police served as the chief investigating officer, with DOJ social worker Kristen Fluharty-Emory and paralegals Lisa Loikith and Julie Caputo assisting with the prosecution.

A 29-year-old New Castle man was sentenced to prison for his guilty plea on rape and weapons charges. Deputy Attorney General Jan van Amerongen secured the sentence for Kharak Singh. In August 2017, Singh bound, terrorized, beat, raped, choked and threatened to kill a woman over a period of several hours. In July 2018, Deputy Attorney General Diana Dunn secured a guilty plea to Rape Third Degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony from Singh. A Superior Court judge sentenced Singh to 15 years in prison, followed by 6 months of either home confinement or work release, then 2 years of probation, registering as a Tier 3 sex offender. Detective Jon Adams from New Castle County Police Department was the lead detective on the case.

Deputy Attorney General Michael Cooksey secured a guilty plea and prison sentence for a New Castle man found with hundreds of bags of heroin. In February 2018, a New Castle County Police Officer stopped a car driven by Allen Lister, 22, for illegal window tinting. After noticing a strong smell of marijuana coming from the car, police conducted a search of the vehicle and found 659 baggies of heroin in the center console of the car. Lister pled guilty in Superior Court to one count of Drug Dealing Tier 4 (Heroin), and was immediately sentenced by a judge to 2 years in prison, followed by 18 months of probation. Paralegal Gaven Plump assisted with the prosecution.

DOVER – Environmental Finance within DNREC’s Office of the Secretary and the Division of Public Health will host a State Revolving Loan Fund public workshop Wednesday, Dec. 12 in preparation for the development of the 2019 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving (DWSRF) Project Priority Lists. The workshop begins at 10 a.m. in the Kent County Administrative Complex, Conference Room 220, 555 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901.

The workshop will inform and provide municipal government representatives, privately-owned businesses, wastewater and drinking water utilities, consultant engineers, and other interested parties with detailed overviews of the CWSRF and DWSRF programs. The combined-program workshop will provide attendees with an accurate and efficient source of information for requesting financial assistance for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure project needs.

Notices-of-Intent (NOI) for wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, and related infrastructure projects will be solicited starting Wednesday, Dec. 12 and are due by Friday, Jan. 11 to prepare the 2019 CWSRF and DWSRF Project Priority Lists (PPLs). Projects must be listed on the CWSRF and DWSRF PPL, respectively, to be considered for funding. Workshop attendance is required by applicants and/or their consulting engineering firms who plan to apply for CWSRF and DWSRF assistance.

Workshop participants will learn about the following CWSRF and DWSRF program changes and infrastructure financing tools:
• One-stop loan application process for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure project assistance
• Land conservation and water quality improvement loan sponsorship programs
• Source water protection loans for drinking water supplies
• Wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater facilities matching planning grants
• Community water quality improvement grants
• Asset management plan development incentives
• Project planning advances
• Expanded eligibilities for privately-owned businesses

In addition, detailed information will be presented at the workshop about how and when to submit projects for funding consideration, project ranking criteria, project construction requirements, and how to apply for infrastructure planning grants.
To reserve a place at the workshop, please contact Laura Rafferty, DNREC Environmental Finance, by emailing Laura.Rafferty@delaware.gov or phone: 302-739-9941. Applicants who are ready to proceed with their notices of intent and require assistance prior to the workshop may contact Greg Pope of EF by phone at 302-739-9941, or by emailing Greg.Pope@delaware.gov.

Vol. 48, No. 329

-END-

DOVER (Nov. 29, 2018) — December 1, 2018, marks the 30th annual World AIDS Day. For three decades, this day has united people around the world in the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and AIDS. World AIDS Day encourages support for those living with HIV and remembrance for those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses. HIV continues to have a significant effect on Delaware’s population. There are approximately 3,520 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Delaware – a state with less than 1 million people. While HIV is declining overall in the United States, an estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV, and one in seven don’t know it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone in the United States aged 13-64 get tested at least once as part of routine medical care. People at high risk for HIV should get tested at least once a year. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy.

Over the years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of HIV. Antiretroviral medications, when taken as prescribed, can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in the blood. Recent research has shown that those with undetectable levels of HIV in their blood are at very low risk of transmitting HIV sexually. Antiretrovirals can also reduce the risk of HIV-negative people becoming infected when taken as “Pre-exposure Prophylaxis” or PrEP. PrEP is taken daily to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

It is clear that HIV treatment now enables people to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. While these accomplishments should be recognized and celebrated, stigma and discrimination remain pervasive in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. The harmful effects of stigma and discrimination impact the emotional well-being and mental health of those infected, as well as hinder testing, treatment and other prevention efforts for those not aware of their status. Fear of stigma may prevent an HIV-positive individual from obtaining the essential medical care that he or she needs and those at risk from seeking testing. Fighting HIV-related stigma and discrimination is as important as ever.

On World AIDS Day, it is important to also remember those who have died from the illness — approximately 2,400 Delawareans since 1981.

It is critical that we remember and honor those who fought the courageous battle against AIDS and carry their legacy with us, not only as we make additional advances in treatment, but also as we continue to fight the stigma and discrimination related to living with HIV/AIDS.

The following events are being held to mark World AIDS Day 2018 in Delaware:

New Castle County
World AIDS Day Summit
Presented by AIDS Delaware, Brandywine Counseling and Community Services, Duffy’s HOPE and Janssen
Dec. 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Delaware Technical Community College, 300 N. Orange St., Wilmington
Contact: Frank Hawkins, 302-652-6776
An educational awareness event consisting of exhibitors and a panel of individuals living with HIV and those who have been affected by HIV. Free and confidential HIV testing will be available.

Outreach and Testing Events
Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (BGOC)
Nov. 30, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
BGOC office, 604 N. Walnut St., Wilmington
Contact: Suzanne Tait, 302-472-3002, suzannebgoc@aol.com
A special outreach and testing event at the BGOC office. Random door prizes will be given to those who have never been tested.

Kent County
Free confidential HIV testing
Brandywine Counseling and Community Services (BCCS)
Dec. 1, 2018, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
John Wesley Community Center, 217 West Division St., Dover
Contact: Lynn Fahey, (302) 225-9269
BCCS will provide information, support and free confidential HIV testing. The event is open to the public. This year’s theme is “Know your status.”

Sussex County
The Rehoboth Beach Candlelight Walk and Service of Remembrance and Hope
Camp Rehoboth
Dec. 1, 2018, 6:15 p.m.
The walk starts at the Rehoboth Bandstand and the Service of Remembrance and Hope is at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on 18 Olive Ave.
Contact: Salvatore Seeley, 302-227-5620, salvatoreseeley@aol.com
A candlelight vigil and walk, followed by a Service of Remembrance and Hope, including a reading of the names of those lost to AIDS. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Service of Remembrance and Hope begins at 7:00 p.m., followed by a light supper.

For more information about World AIDS Day, visit https://www.worldaidsday.org/. For more information about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Delaware, visit https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/hivaidsprogram.html.

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 http://delawarerelay.com.

The Department of 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, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Secretary of Education Susan Bunting will recognize 16 schools from across the state for their students’ academic achievement on Monday, Dec. 10.

The students showed exceptional performance on state tests or made remarkable progress in closing the achievement gaps between student groups, including those from low-income families, racial minority groups and students with disabilities.

Each building named a 2018 Recognition School will receive an $8,000 award. Funding for the awards comes from the state’s School Improvement funds. One building was named a School of Continued Excellence because it earned Recognition School honors last year and had outstanding performance again this year. It is not eligible for a financial award again until 2019. Two buildings also will be recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools.

The Recognition School awards were created by legislation passed by the Delaware General Assembly in 2009.

Representatives from all of the honored schools will gather at 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at Clayton Intermediate School for the award ceremony. The event is open to the media. The school is located at 86 Sorrento Drive in Clayton.

2018 winners:

• Campus Community Charter School, Dover, Recognition School
  • Heidi Green, Head of School       
• Clayton Elementary School, Smyrna School District, Recognition School
  • Katherine Wood, Principal         
• Clayton Intermediate School, Smyrna School District, Recognition School
  • David Paltrineri, Principal 
• Robert S. Gallaher Elementary School, Christina School District, Recognition School
  • Erin Cassel, Principal
• Albert H. Jones Elementary School, Christina School District, Recognition School
  • Shevena Cale, Principal
• Long Neck Elementary School, Indian River School District, Recognition School
  • Clara Conn, Principal
• Marbrook Elementary School, Red Clay School District, Recognition School
  • Melissa Phillips, Principal
• Millsboro Middle School, Indian River School District, Recognition School
  • Jessica Jackson, Principal
• Mispillion Elementary School, Milford School District, Recognition School
  • Teresa Wallace, Principal
• Nellie Hughes Stokes Elementary School, Caesar Rodney School District, Recognition School
  • Darisa Everett, Principal
• North Smyrna Elementary School, Smyrna School District, School of Continued Excellence
  • Stephanie Smeltzer, Principal
• Seaford Central Elementary School, Seaford School District, Recognition School
  • Becky Neubert, Principal
• Silver Lake Elementary School, Appoquinimink School District, Recognition School
  • Christy Boyd, Principal
• Sunnyside Elementary School, Smyrna School District, Recognition School
  • Michael Grant, Principal
• West Park Place Elementary School, Christina School District, National ESEA Distinguished and Recognition School
  • Ledonnis Hernandez and Tracy Novack, Principals
• Etta J. Wilson Elementary School, Christina School District, National ESEA Distinguished and Recognition School
  • Natalie Birch, Principal