Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney Celebrate Groundbreaking for New Harrington Public Library

Project kick-started by American Rescue Plan Act funding

HARRINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney today joined State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman, Harrington Public Library Director, Marleena Scott, and elected officials for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Harrington Public Library.

Currently, the Harrington Public Library is the only public library in the state that doesn’t have a purpose-built facility. After construction is completed, they will finally have a space built specifically for library services.

The Harrington Public Library is one of nine libraries in Delaware to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester – included $40 million in funding for library improvements throughout all three counties.

The projects within the Capital Projects Fund must meet strict criteria to be eligible for funding. That includes funding projects that specifically enable work, education, and health monitoring – and respond to issues created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For far too long the Harrington Public Library has been limited by their space. The children and families of the area will soon enjoy a new, purpose-built building,” said Governor Carney. “Delaware’s libraries serve our communities with resources, collaboration, and creativity. The last few years have reinforced the central role libraries play in our communities as hubs for job training, employment searches, and education. I’m glad that we can use these ARPA funds to invest in the communities that need it most. I want to thank the Congressional delegation and the General Assembly for their advocacy and look forward to attending the ribbon-cutting at this site in the future.”

“When we invest in our libraries, we are helping someone find a job, providing a safe place for the community to gather, and giving people access to resources that they wouldn’t normally have,” said Senator Tom Carper. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, Delaware’s libraries are helping educate and connect more people than ever, including right here in Harrington.” 

“Libraries have always been social and educational hubs for our communities, and the pandemic only reinforced just how much they ensure Delawareans of all stripes can access the tools needed for success in the 21st century,” said Senator Chris Coons. “Every corner of Delaware deserves a well-maintained library with the latest technology available, and I’m glad to see federal funding coming to the First State to invest in our library system.”

“Libraries provide so much to our communities – from books and internet access to employment services and health care,” said Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I am so proud to have secured funding for our state’s libraries through the transformative American Rescue Plan Act – and am even prouder to see the impact of this funding already at work helping expand and develop these critical spaces for young people, students, families, and seniors across Delaware to continue utilizing.”

“Our families and children rely on our libraries for helpful information, books, and internet access, especially our young people as they enter the summer months,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “These are the kinds of investments we need to create a cradle to grave support system for Delawareans’ social and emotional wellbeing, strengthening our communities and uplifting our quality of life.”

“Delaware’s libraries provide vital services to our communities,” said State Senator David Wilson. “The new Harrington Public Library will enhance and expand the already great level of service the current facility and staff provide.”

“Our state and communities benefit greatly by the wonderful public libraries here in Delaware,” said State Senator Dave Lawson. “Investing in libraries is important and I’m happy to see the Harrington Public Library is receiving this much needed new facility.”

“This is a great day for the citizens and families of Harrington,” said State Representative Shannon Morris. “The new, state-of-the-art facility will help serve our community in a way that is aimed at enhancing people’s overall quality of life. I am thrilled to see this project begin.”

“The Harrington Public Library is a priority on my Library Bucket List to achieve a professional library facility,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware State Librarian. “Many thanks to Governor Carney, Secretary Jeffrey Bullock, and all the public officials who matched Bond Bill and ARPA funds to finally make this possible!”

“This long-awaited event will be a boon for Harrington and all the surrounding communities,” said Marleena Scott, Director of the Harrington Public Library. “We are so very grateful for all of the support that we have received and feel extremely blessed that we will be able to offer to our community a facility that is meant to be a library, and that can grow with future generations.”

The other Delaware Libraries receiving funding from ARPA are:

  • $7 million to the Selbyville Library for a new building
  • $750,000 to the Lewes Public Library for a new outdoor pavilion
  • $900,000 to the Milford Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
  • $250,000 to the Georgetown Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
  • $7.8 million to the Friends of Duck Creek Regional Library to build an expanded library
  • $11 million to the North Wilmington Library for a new building
  • $4 million to the Newark Public Library for a new building
  • $3 million to the Rehoboth Beach Public Library for upgrades

View photos and video from the ceremony.

Summer learning opportunities are now available in the State of Delaware.


Delaware Ag Week Returns To In-Person Experience in Harrington

DOVER, Del. (December 15, 2022)— Delaware’s agricultural producers will return to the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington from January 9-12, 2023, for an in-person Ag Week experience. For the past two years, participants have been attending sessions virtually. The much-awaited return to an in-person event will allow attendees to explore the latest and most valuable innovations while networking with other producers, industry experts, and agricultural vendors and exhibitors.

“Ag Week is an ongoing partnership between the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the University of Delaware, and Delaware State University to provide educational sessions and meetings to members of the agricultural community to help improve profitability for the upcoming year,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “Additionally, farmers can connect directly with local agribusiness under one roof in between sessions and during lunch, which saves a lot of time doing business.”

The event offers a wide array of sessions over the four days, featuring agronomy, animal science, beekeeping, fruits and vegetables, woodland management, and more. Attendees can earn continuing education credits for nutrient management, pest management, and Certified Crop Advising for Delaware and Maryland.

For the first time, the annual Delaware Farmers Market Managers Summit will take place during Ag Week instead of in March. Being held on Tuesday, January 10, from 10 a.m. – Noon, market managers from across the state will be able to network, learn about the program and regulatory changes, and review the challenges and achievements of the 2022 market season. The featured education segment will be “Effective Public Relations Hacks for Farmers Markets.” Following the Summit beginning at Noon, a ‘Meet and Greet Session’ for market managers and fruit and vegetable growers will commence helping increase the number of family farms participating in Delaware’s farmers markets.

Registration for the 2023 Delaware Ag Week will go live on December 15. People interested in attending Ag Week are encouraged to pre-register online at https://sites.udel.edu/delawareagweek to ensure an accurate count for food and logistical purposes.

Environmental stewardship spearheaded by farmers around the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays has made them leaders in practices that protect and promote healthy soils. These practices also safeguard working lands against extremes posed by climate change. A special screening and panel discussion on the film, Delmarva and the Ground for Change, will be hosted in the Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, January 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. This film follows three family-owned farming operations on the Delmarva Peninsula to protect soil health.

This event is brought to you by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, and Delaware State University Cooperative Extension. These organizations are equal opportunity providers. If you have special needs requiring accommodations, please contact us two weeks before the event at 302-856-7303.

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Harrington PD & OHS Delaware State Fair Non-Traditional Distracted Driving Operation

Harrington Police Department

Chief of Police Norman R. Barlow

Harrington Police Conduct Traffic Initiative for 2019 Delaware State Fair

For Immediate Release

Harrington, DE (August 2, 2019) – During the 10 days of the 2019 Delaware State Fair, the Harrington Police Department conducted several patrols within the city limits targeting distracted driving. These patrols were in conjunction with the Office of Highway Safety 2019 Delaware State Fair Initiative. Officers on patrol worked 4 hours a day and 3 officers were assigned to each patrol. 183 tickets were issued over the 10-day course of the fair.

“The Harrington Police Department is committed to ensuring drivers are keeping their eyes on the road through these non-traditional techniques to enforce the law and provide education. We want people to have fun in Harrington at the Delaware State Fair, but we also want visitors to travel to and from as safely as possible,” Captain Earl K. Brode, Public Information Officer, Harrington Police Department.

With the increase of both pedestrian traffic and motor vehicle traffic during the Delaware State Fair, the Harrington Police Department’s primary goal is to ensure the safety of all the citizens who live in Harrington and those who come to visit the Delaware State Fair.

Totals for Delaware State Fair 10-day patrols are listed below:
Total Cell Phone Citations: 105
Speeding Citations: 22
Other Traffic Citations: 41
Seatbelt Citations: 14
Drug Arrests: 1

 

“With the increased traffic activity surrounding the Delaware State Fair, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety was pleased to partner with the Harrington Police Department in support of their Distracted Driving efforts. Drivers need to be hyper-vigilant and truly focus on road changes where traffic patterns differ due to events like this.  Events aren’t an excuse to use your phone and lose sight of the road,” Sarah Cattie, Distracted Driving Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

 

Media Contacts:

Captain Earl K. Brode

Public Information Officer

Harrington Police Department

Earl.Brode@CJ.State.DE.US

Marketing Specialist Cynthia Cavett

Public Information Officer

Office of Highway Safety

Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov 

DE OHS logo

About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. FAQs can be found at ArriveAliveDE.com.


Greenwood man arrested by DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit for illegal dumping in Harrington

HARRINGTON – Natural Resources Police Officers with DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit arrested a Greenwood man Aug. 21 for illegal dumping in Harrington.

Raymond H Wood, 32, was charged with causing or contributing to the disposal or discharge of solid waste materials, and transportation, storage, or collection of solid waste without a permit. Wood was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, Delaware and released on $200 unsecured bail.

His arrest comes following an investigation into a dumping complaint along Fisher’s Bridge Road in Harrington. Through investigative measures, Wood was identified as having been hired through a contracting company to remove and dispose the refuse that was later found dumped off Fisher’s Bridge Road.

The minimum fine for dumping is $500, up to $1,500 maximum. The fine for transportation, storage, or collection of solid waste without a permit is $100 for a first offense, plus the cost of an annual permit, $350.

Delawareans are asked to report illegal trash dumping to DNREC’s Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit by calling the 24-hour environmental complaints line at 800-662-8802.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 234


Tickets now on sale for Kent Conservation District’s 19th Annual Barn Dance fundraiser on Oct. 12

The logo for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlDOVER – The Kent Conservation District invites everyone to a rompin’, stompin’ good time at its 19th Annual Barn Dance fundraiser to be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 at the Harrington Fire Company, 20 Clark Street, Harrington, DE 19952. The event features a down-home meal including beef and dumplings, fried chicken, and all the fixings, plus live and silent benefit auctions, and dancing to DJ music.

Tickets are now on sale for $20 per person or $35 per couple. Tickets for children 12 years and under are $10 each, while children under two are admitted free. Reserved tables seating eight are available for $150, and must be reserved in one name and paid by a single check.

Funds raised through the Barn Dance support the Delaware Envirothon, an annual competitive, problem-solving, natural resource challenge for high school students which is co-sponsored by DNREC. Additionally, DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship guides the Conservation Districts staff in providing technical and financial assistance to Delaware’s farmers, landowners, and homeowners to protect and enhance the state’s soil and water resources.

For tickets or more information, please call the Kent Conservation District at 302-741-2600, ext. 3.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 226