Murray, a longtime environmental reporter, honored for her contributions to Delaware

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday presented the Order of the First State posthumously to Molly Murray, a longtime environmental reporter for The News Journal, who passed away in July. The Murray family accepted the Order – an honor bestowed for meritorious service – at Woodburn, the Governor’s official residence.

“Molly had the respect and admiration of generations of Delawareans for her commitment to storytelling and to our state. Like many Delawareans, I learned so much about Delaware and our natural environment by reading Molly’s stories in The News Journal. She was full of enthusiasm for Delaware and our natural world, and shared that enthusiasm with her readers. I was proud to join Molly’s family this week to honor her legacy on behalf of the State of Delaware.”

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Justice Holland is longest-serving Justice in Delaware history

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday presented the Order of the First State to retired Delaware Supreme Court Justice Randy J. Holland.

Justice Holland, who retired at the end of March, is the longest-serving Justice in Delaware history. Governor Carney presented Justice Holland with the Order of the First State – an honor bestowed for meritorious service – during a retirement dinner in Wilmington on Wednesday.

“Justice Holland is an expert on the Delaware Constitution, a student of Delaware history, and has been a steady source of wisdom on Delaware’s highest court for more than three decades,” said Governor Carney. “It is a great honor to present Justice Holland with the Order of the First State. On behalf of the people of Delaware, I thank him for his commitment to public service.”

Justice became the youngest person to serve on the Delaware Supreme Court when he was nominated by Governor Michael Castle in 1986 and confirmed by the Delaware Senate. He was re-appointed twice to additional 12-year terms, by Governor Thomas R. Carper and most recently in 2011 by Governor Jack Markell. In 2009, he became the longest serving Justice in Delaware history.

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