State Auditor Kathy McGuiness Unveils Delaware CARES Act Fund Tracker

DOVER, DELAWARE – Today, Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness unveiled the Delaware CARES Act Fund Tracker.

In March 2020, the federal government passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, its purpose was to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses and to preserve jobs for American industries.

“Transparency is key,” McGuiness said. “This Dashboard provides Delawareans with an opportunity to see where their monies are being spent.”

The CARES Act established the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund, which provided payments to State, Local, and Tribal governments. Delaware’s share of CARES Act funding totaled $927,233,331. New Castle County received $322,766,669. Governments have until December 30, 2020, to distribute the funds.

The Dashboard is located on the State Auditor’s website at https://auditor.delaware.gov/fundtracker/ and is updated every Monday.

Contact: Alaina Sewell, Executive Assistant, Alaina.Sewell@delaware.gov, 302-857-3931

Learn about the Delaware Auditor’s Office at https://auditor.delaware.gov

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Delaware students thrive during in-person learning

Note: This article originally appeared in the Delaware Department of Education’s November Take Note E-Newsletter. For more information on the great things happening in schools across Delaware, sign up to receive Take Note: Education in the First State at http://www.doe.k12.de.us/takenote. Take Note is published the final Wednesday of each month.

 

Thanks to the hard work of educators and school staff across the state, including careful planning and conscientious following of needed safety measures and protocols, students in most schools across Delaware have been given the option to return to some form of in-person learning if their families so choose. The Delaware Division of Public Health reports that school faculty and staff’s hard work has paid off with low COVID-19 case numbers in schools and –  similar to what has been found nationally and internationally – no significant spread in schools.

Delaware educators have been working hard to provide rigorous, relevant instruction regardless of students’ learning format. We asked them to help us share some of the good stories happening in our schools. Have another story to share? Email it to Take.Note@doe.k12.de.us so we can feature it in a future newsletter.

 

Christina School District Shue-Medill Middle School music teacher Bill Storck starts each class period with a meditation practice and discussion of mindfulness-related concepts. “Many students are finding it tremendously helpful for dealing with stress and heavy emotions, especially during crazy 2020,” said Storck. Check out these student testimonials.

 


Shue-Medill Middle School‘s 6th Grade Chinese immersion teacher Andrea Li’s led presentations for students on this year’s presidential election. “Students have been doing good work during in-person learning,” she said.

 


EastSide Charter School in Wilmington has been offering a weekly COVID-19 testing program for all staff and students.

EastSide Charter has also been hosting safe events for students and families, providing a way to continue engaging their school community during hybrid learning.

 

 


New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District has been offering in-person instruction to its high school students since Oct 19.  NCCVT’s hybrid plan is built around career and technical education instruction, with students who choose to do so attending in-person classes one day a week and virtual instruction the remaining four days. “No hybrid schedule is going to be ideal,” said Superintendent Joe Jones, “but we were committed to developing a plan that would offer our students valuable in-person instruction with their teachers at least one day a week.” Jones said students remain in the same learning pod and do not mix groups which, in addition to following all safety practices, has helped keep the district’s students and staff safe.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006

Numerous Delaware Hunting and Trapping Seasons Open in December

Numerous Delaware hunting and trapping seasons are open in December, including the third and final duck hunting season split that opens Friday, Dec. 11 and the special antlerless deer hunting season opening Saturday, Dec. 12. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective deer hunting season, with more information available online at de.gov/sundayhunt. Hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) to help manage the size and quality of the deer population.

Hunting and trapping seasons opening in December:

Hunting:

  • Beaver: Dec. 1 to March 20, 2021, private land only
  • Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 5 to Jan. 19, 2021
  • Ducks, coots and mergansers: Dec. 11 to Jan. 30, 20
  • Brant: Dec. 11 to Jan. 30, 2021
  • Antlerless deer: Dec. 12 to 20, including Sundays Dec. 13 and 20, 2020*
  • Canada geese (migratory): Dec. 19 to Jan. 18, 2021

*Archery and crossbow hunters may hunt deer during the December antlerless season, but they may NOT harvest antlered deer.

Trapping:

  • Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria:
    • New Castle County: Dec. 1 to March 10, 2021 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
    • Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 to March 15, 2021
  • Red fox and coyote: Dec. 1 to March 10, 2021
  • Beaver: Dec. 1 to March 20, 2021, private land only

Continuing hunting seasons include:

  • Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 2, 2021
  • Mourning dove: through Jan. 30, 2021
  • Sea ducks in the Special Sea Duck Area: through Jan. 30, 2021
  • Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 30, 2021
  • Snow goose: through Jan. 30, 2021, and Feb. 6, 2021
  • Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2021, including all Sundays
  • Gray squirrel: through Feb. 6, 2021
  • Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 6, 2021
  • Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021
  • Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021
  • Raccoon and opossum (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021**
  • Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 27, 2021
  • Crows: through March 27, 2021, and June 24-26, 2021 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
  • Groundhog: through June 30, 2021

**Special hunting hours for raccoon and opossum during the December antlerless, January handgun, January shotgun and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7p.m. until midnight (reference the hunting and trapping guide for these deer season dates).

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. For more information, including wildlife area maps and rules, visit de.gov/hunting. Sunday deer hunting information specific to individual wildlife areas is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a federal migratory bird (duck) stamp. All migratory game bird hunters except crow hunters, including duck, goose and dove hunters, also need a free Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the ePermitting system or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). If using the ePermitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/hunting or from hunting license agents statewide. New this year, hunters obtaining a LEN should create a profile using the ePermitting system or at a hunting license agent. Federal migratory bird (duck) stamp are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online.

More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2020/2021 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. More information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/hunting or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Governor Carney, DPH, DEMA Announce Community COVID-19 Testing Sites

State agencies encourage COVID-19 testing

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware this week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites.

“Getting tested after you’ve been with others outside of your household will help us track the spread of COVID-19, but it’s also necessary to follow basic prevention measures that we know work,” said Governor Carney. “Wear a mask. Avoid social gatherings with folks outside of your household. Stay home if you’re sick. We need everyone to double down on their efforts in order to limit the spread of this virus.”

DEMA has coordinated community sites this week in addition to sites at Walgreens and at various hospitals and health care locations. Delawareans can view COVID-19 testing locations and reserve a spot at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans are encouraged to check the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for testing location updates due to inclement weather.

 

New Castle County Pop-Up Testing Locations

  • Monday, November 30 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Frawley Stadium (801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801)
  • Monday, November 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Warner Elementary School (801 W 18th Street, Wilmington, DE 19802)
  • Monday, November 30 from 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: P.S. duPont Middle School (701 W. 34th S, Wilmington  DE 19802)
  • Tuesday, December 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: University of Delaware Laird Campus, Lot 6 (David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE 19716)
  • Tuesday, December 1 from  12 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Prices Run Park (29th and Pine Streets, Wilmington, DE 19802)
  • Tuesday, December 1 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Glasgow High School (1901 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19702)
  • Tuesday, December 1 from 2:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: William Penn High School (713 E. Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720)
  • Wednesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Middletown High School (120 Silver Lake Rd, Middletown, DE 19709)
  • Wednesday, December 2 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital, Portal 1 Parking (4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd, Newark, DE 19718)
  • Wednesday, December 2 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Kirk Middle School (140 Brennen Drive, Newark, DE 19713)
  • Thursday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Wilmington University Athletic Complex (1365 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702)
  • Thursday, December 3 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.: The Bancroft School (700 N. Lombard Street, Wilmington, DE 19801)
  • Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Delaware Park (777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19804)
  • Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Woodlawn Library (2020 W 9th St, Wilmington, DE 19805)
  • Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Townsend Fire Company (107 Main Street, Townsend, DE 19734)
  • Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Newark Charter School (200 McIntire Drive, Newark, DE 19711)
  • Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: University of Delaware Star Campus (540 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713)
  • Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: New Mount Olive Baptist Church (4412 Washington St., Wilmington, DE 19802)

 

Kent County Pop-Up Testing Locations

  • Monday, November 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Milford High School Football Stadium (1019 N Walnut St, Milford, DE 19963)
  • Tuesday, December 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Hartly Fire Company (2898 Arthursville Rd, Hartly, DE 19953)
  • Thursday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: First Pilgrim Baptist Church (27 S Caesar Rodney Ave, Camden, DE 19934)
  • Thursday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Transformation AME Zion Church (702 Maple Parkway Dover, DE  19901)
  • Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Centennial United Methodist Church (44 E Mount Vernon St, Smyrna, DE 19977)

Sussex County Pop-Up Testing Locations

  • Monday, November 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Woodbridge Middle School (307 S Laws St, Bridgeville, DE 19933)
  • Tuesday, December 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Ellendale Fire Department (302 Main St, Ellendale, DE 19941)
  • Wednesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Indian River High School (29772 Armory Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939)
  • Wednesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center (400 Governors Ave, Greenwood, DE 19950)
  • Thursday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Delaware Technical Community College – Owens Campus (21179 College Dr, Georgetown, DE 19947)
  • Friday, December 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Laurel Elementary School (815 South, N Central Ave, Laurel, DE 19956)
  • Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Epworth United Methodist Church (19285 Holland Glade Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971)

 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Download COVID Alert DE in the App Store or Google Play. 

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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Director Schall Tests Positive for COVID-19

Smyrna – Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Director AJ Schall was tested for COVID-19 on Monday, November 23, 2020, along with one of his sons. Both tested negative. On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, Director Schall developed minor, cold-like symptoms and was again tested. He received a positive test result on the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020. Director Schall is home in isolation and remains in contact with the Governor’s Office and DEMA leadership. His sons and mother are following guidance from the Division of Public Health.  Director Schall said, “I am fortunate to have minor symptoms so far and appreciate the well wishes. I am following all guidance from the Division of Public Health and encourage you to do the same. Wear a mask, physical distance, and get tested.”  To see all guidance from the Delaware Division of Public Health and for the list of testing sites state-wide, go to de.gov/coronavirus. 

 

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.