BETHEL

Senior Resources from Sen. Blunt-Rochester’s Newsletter Pages

Senior Resources from Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester’s Newsletter Page:

 

Below are some helpful resources for you:

• Lower Energy Costs: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped pass last Congress, there are opportunities to lower your energy costs through tax credits and rebates. Check out energy.gov/save to learn more. 
• Look Before You Book: Are you thinking about booking a trip? Before you do, you should ensure that your passport is up to date! You can go to state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.
• Need a Passport Appointment?: The Department of State is encouraging travelers to go to travel.state.gov to schedule passport appointments within 14 days of their date of travel.
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): The State Department recently launched a new version of STEP. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP also makes it easier to contact U.S. citizens during an emergency. You can sign up for these alerts at login.gov.
• 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988, the 24/7, free and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
• Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more, call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline. 
• Department of State’s Exchange Programs: The State Department sponsors several programs across the world that can give Americans educational, cultural, and professional experiences. Find out more about at exchanges.state.gov/us.
• Protecting Your Data: Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act, legislation protecting the personal data of Delawareans, went into effect on January 1st. You can go to this website from the Delaware Department of Justice to find out how it will impact consumers, parents, and businesses in our state.
• Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will be able to spread prescription drug costs across the year. These payment plans will include zero-interest installments as well as a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan. 

DE Launch of Agricultural Financing Program

Delaware Launches Agricultural Financing Program

 

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 3, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), in partnership with the Division of Small Business, officially launched the Delaware Agricultural Financing Program (DAFP) today. This new program aims to increase the viability of Delaware’s agricultural industry by broadening lending opportunities across the agricultural sector.

“Attracting new farmers and producers into our number one industry is a critical need for Delaware,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We are excited to offer this new loan program, in cooperation with the Division of Small Business, as a way to help farm and aquaculture producers purchase the equipment they need to get started or expand their operations.”

Delaware farmers, producers, and food processors actively engaged in crop, livestock, aquaculture, and/or food production in Delaware are eligible to apply. Low-interest equipment loans will be available for supporting activities, including production, processing, packaging, aggregation, and distribution for small and large operations.

“Agriculture is such an important industry in our state, and we are proud to partner with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to ensure it continues to thrive and grow,” said Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell. “DSB prides itself on being a good steward of state funding and is honored to lend its financial expertise to help Delaware farmers, producers, and food processors meet their needs to sustain their livelihood and contributions to Delaware’s economy.”

The DAFP currently has $1.5 million in funding available. The program will provide loans of $25,000 to $250,000 with a maximum loan amount of 50% of a project’s total cost. Applicants must demonstrate eligibility from a private lender for the balance of project costs. Final closing will be contingent on the approval of all participating lenders. All loans will have a term of up to seven (7) years, with interest-only payments due in the first year, followed by full amortization. Interest rates will be fixed at 3.35% for first-time farmers and aquaculture projects and 4.25% for all other projects.

According to Jimmy Kroon, DDA Administrator, “Agriculture and aquaculture financing tends to be more difficult to obtain through traditional banks. Producers may not have formal business training, the industry has thin margins and higher risks, and specialized equipment sometimes doesn’t provide good collateral. Yet, according to nearby state agriculture financing programs, farm loans tend to be safer investments than non-farm business loans. We want to lend a hand to that first time farmer or aquaculture producer who is trying to overcome these hurdles to get started in the business.”

The applicant must provide proof of farm or food business or an IRS Schedule F tax form from the previous year. DAFP requires that all work be performed by experienced and qualified contractors licensed by the State of Delaware, whose primary business location is in Delaware.

Those interested in applying for a DAFP loan can find more information and an application online at https://de.gov/dafp.

Delaware Forest Service Partners with Delaware Libraries to Promote Smokey Bear Reading Challenge

Delaware Forest Service Partners with Delaware Libraries to Promote Smokey Bear Reading Challenge

DOVER, Del. (January 3, 2024) – From January 1 through November 28, 2024, the United States Forest Service and state library systems across the country are celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday by participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. The challenge is designed to complement the 2024 National Summer Library Reading Program theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” which will run from June through August. 

“Delaware Libraries are excited to partner with the Delaware Forest Service and Smokey Bear to bring adventure and nature education to Delaware library users in 2024. Smokey Bear’s Reading Challenge means that Delaware’s children of all ages can learn about wildfire prevention, connect with nature, and have adventures at their library!” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is partnering with all 33 Delaware libraries to encourage children to take up the challenge. Each library will receive a package of forestry-themed books to add to their lending library, Smokey Bear signage, and prizes for those completing the challenge, to better help children and families connect with this iconic forest legend.

The Delaware Forest Service is coordinating a statewide Smokey Bear Library Tour in 2024 to promote the Reading Challenge and deliver programming on wildfire prevention and nature education to Delaware communities. During the tour, Smokey will be visiting local Delaware libraries. Ashley Melvin, the lead trainer/educator for the Delaware Forest Service, will provide educational opportunities for children using their traveling nature center. In addition, Smokey Bear will appear at community events throughout 2024, including the Delaware State Fair and holiday parades.

“We encourage families to spend time outdoors, and Delaware’s State Forests present ample opportunities to make meaningful connections with nature. Wherever your adventure takes you, Smokey’s timeless message reminds us that we all share the responsibility of keeping Delaware’s outdoor spaces safe from wildfire. Wildfire prevention and nature education are local initiatives, and a partnership with Delaware Libraries will continue to benefit Delawareans long after the Reading Challenge ends,” remarked Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd.

With the help of the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, participants will have the opportunity to learn about topics, including:

• Smokey Bear history
• Campfire safety
• Nature exploration
• Careers in forestry and natural resources
• Wildfire science

“Smokey Bear is a national icon, and the Delaware Forest Service is excited to help communities celebrate his 80th birthday. The timing is perfect as a statewide initiative exists to connect Delawareans to nature to increase environmental literacy,” said Ashley Melvin, DFS Trainer/Educator. “A big component of becoming environmentally literate is adopting environmentally responsible behaviors. Since 1944, Smokey Bear’s campaign has actively engaged the public to help prevent wildfires. I anticipate 2024 to be a very busy year for Smokey Bear!”

Families interested in participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge should visit their local library. Visit lib.de.us/libraries for a list of Delaware Libraries. Visit the Delaware Forest Service’s Facebook page periodically for highlights and tips for earning badges. For information on requesting a Smokey Bear appearance, contact Ashley Melvin at ashley.melvin@delaware.gov. To learn more about the Communities in Nature Initiative, visit daeeonline.org. 

About Delaware Forest Service

The mission of the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is to conserve, protect, and enhance Delaware forests and their resources for the public through education, management, demonstration, promotion, and providing technical services in a timely and efficient manner. DFS offers a wide range of services to help Delawareans manage and improve their forest resources. These services are divided into three categories: conservation, protection, and education. For more information, visit the website de.gov/forestry and connect with DFS on Facebook, Twitter/X, or Instagram.

DE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANDATES

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT FROM THE DE HoR Newsletter regarding Electric Vehicle Mandates:

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced late yesterday that it has finalized regulations mandating the aggressive, increasing sale of new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) – predominately battery-electric vehicles. The rules, to be published in tomorrow’s issue of the Delaware Register of Regulations, are a modified version of California’s controversial Advanced Clean Car II program. Under the final regulations, starting with model year 2027 (Fall 2026), 43% of all new cars and trucks vehicle-makers ship to Delaware will be required to be ZEVs. That percentage will increase annually to 82% by model year 2032. The regulations will expire in model year 2033. The rules do not prohibit the sale of pre-owned internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, nor will they eliminate the sale of new ICE vehicles, as state environmental regulators had previously proposed. However, fuel-powered vehicles are expected to be required to meet increasingly stringent proposed federal emissions standards, and ZEV sales mandates will significantly reduce the supply of available new and used ICE vehicles in The First State. Wednesday’s announcement comes despite broad public opposition to the ZEV sales mandate regulations. Of the 4,426 individual public comments submitted to DNREC as part of the promulgation process, nearly 94.5% opposed the regulatory restriction on selling new fuel-powered vehicles. Approximately 1,500 people participated in five public meetings held statewide to discuss the issue this past spring, with attendees expressing overwhelming opposition to the proposal. The same attitudes were in evidence in a February phone survey by Ragnar Research. The poll of 300 likely voters throughout Delaware revealed that a majority (73%) opposed severely limiting the sale of new cars powered by gasoline and diesel. The study’s margin of error was ±6%. DNREC’s announcement on the finalized regulations stated: Pollution from transportation is a leading contributor to Delaware’s greenhouse gas emissions. Gas and diesel vehicles are also significant sources of nitrogen oxides. These pollutants adversely affect public health and interact with sunlight to form harmful ground-level ozone pollution. The regulations will reduce these forms of pollution and contribute to the improved health of underserved communities that are more likely to be near busy roadways. However, Gov. John Carney — whose directive started the process of promulgating the ZEV sales mandate regulations, seemingly undercut this rationale. In a June 2018 opinion column lamenting the lack of pollution controls on out-of-state power plants, the governor stated that “90% of Delaware’s air pollution comes from other states.”  Under the regulations, zero-emission vehicles can be plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.  Pragmatically, ZEVs will be predominately battery-electric vehicles. The rules dictate that hybrids can account for no more than 20% of total ZEV sales. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not widely available, have no supporting infrastructure, and are unlikely to be obtainable or practical anytime soon.  State Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, who has twice successfully challenged DNREC actions in court, believes the agency is again on thin legal ice. “The rules they announced yesterday are not the same rules they unveiled for public discussion earlier this year,” he said. “Under the state Administrative Procedures Act, they should be resubmitting this altered proposal for review, not finalizing it.” Rep. Collins added that DNREC’s actions are a slap in the face of Delaware citizens who clearly told the agency they did not support this proposal. “Thousands of Delawareans submitted comments, came to public meetings, and responded to polls, and they overwhelmingly told DNREC they did not want them to pursue this. This is an action of profound disrespect to all Delawareans. Essentially, DNREC is following their agenda at the expense of citizens’ rights and then having the gall to tell them they are doing it for their own good. DNREC is the embodiment of hubris.” The automotive industry and consumers are pushing back against state and federal initiatives to force electric vehicles onto American car lots and driveways.  Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new emissions standards effectively requiring that 67.5% of U.S. vehicle sales be electric by 2032 – an initiative less ambitious than that proposed by DNREC.  In response to the EPA rule, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents automakers, stated that the federal regulation is “neither reasonable nor achievable in the time frame provided.” Last month, the National Automotive Dealers Association issued a statement on the EPA proposal, noting that it “ignores real-world consumer demand and goes too far, too fast.” NADA maintains the plans are fundamentally flawed because conditions that are needed first to make electric vehicles broadly attractive to consumers – i.e., vehicle affordability, a sufficient and reliable charging infrastructure, and acceptable charging speeds – do not yet exist. The group also noted the federal rule’s hyper-focus on EV sales, to the exclusion of other alternatively-fueled vehicles, reduces consumer choice and increases cost, creating a barrier to the adoption of other types of less polluting vehicles. Consumer demand for EVs has diminished sharply due to consistently high prices, the limitations and concerns associated with the technology, and higher auto loan interest rates. According to a CNBC article published November 1, selling an EV in the U.S. this past August took about twice as long as it did in January. According to U.S. Department of Energy registration data for cars, trucks, and SUVs in Delaware for 2022, there were 5,390 electric vehicles, 2,800 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and 0 hydrogen vehicles. In the same year, the DOE reports there were 66,200 E85 vehicles, 795,400 powered by gasoline, and 14,500 using diesel in the state.

RELATED NEWS: A Bill That Would Give Legislative Discretion Over Zero-Emissions Vehicle Sales Mandate Awaits Consideration in Senate A bill that cleared the House of Representatives earlier this year seeks to empower lawmakers to reverse yesterday’s announced decision to impose zero-emission vehicle mandates on the sale of new cars, trucks, and SUVs in Delaware. House Bill 123, sponsored by State House Republican Leader Mike Ramone (R-Pike Creek South), would only allow DNREC to adopt the regulations with the consent of the General Assembly. The provisions of the bill would be retroactive to March 1, 2023. Remarking on the bill in June, Rep. Ramone said that Delawareans seeking a new vehicle should be free to select the one that best meets their families’ needs and means. House Bill 123 narrowly won House approval on June 30 by a vote of 21 to 20. The measure is now in the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation C

CHICKEN OWNERS – PLEASE READ

Anyone who owns chickens PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING – VERY IMPORTANT REGARDING AVIAN FLU!

For Immediate Release

Contact: Stacey Hofmann, 302-698-4542, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

 Delaware Poultry Owners Urged to Take Precautions Due to HPAI on Delmarva

 Dover, Del. (November 21, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry owners, including commercial producers and backyard flock owners, to take precautions to protect their flocks from disease after a commercial broiler flock in Caroline County, Maryland, was preliminarily confirmed to have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Further confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending.

Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among chickens through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Avian influenza can infect poultry, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, pheasants, geese, and guinea fowl, and is carried by some wild bird species, such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

Wild birds typically do not show signs of illness but can shed the virus at high levels in their manure or droppings if infected. In fact, one gram of contaminated manure, enough to cover a dime, can infect one million birds. Therefore, Delaware poultry is at risk from exposure if they can access areas where free-flying waterfowl and wild birds are in the environment. Additionally, if a person steps in contaminated manure while out and about, they can bring the virus back to their domesticated birds, where the birds can eat it, causing infection.

Biosecurity refers to everything people can do to protect their flock to stop anything that causes disease away from the birds, property, and people. Anyone raising or working around poultry should follow these key biosecurity practices:

• Wear designated farm clothing and shoes when working with your birds, or use disposable shoe coverings each time you enter your flock area. If you have multiple chicken houses, have a dedicated pair of footwear that you keep in each house. Use footbaths before entering a chicken house.
• Wash your hands before and after working with your birds to reduce the chance of spreading infectious particles.
• Clean and disinfect any equipment or bird housing/coops before bringing them onto your property. Avian influenza can survive in manure for several months, especially with high moisture and low temperatures.
• Starlings, songbirds, vultures, and other raptors can be carriers of avian influenza and not show signs of disease. Consider hanging a bird deterrent in the poultry house doorway when working in the poultry house while doors are open.
• Wash your vehicles and trailers after visiting other poultry facilities and go through a car wash before you return home.
• Keep visitors to a minimum. Only allow those responsible for caring for your flock to come in contact with the birds. Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off your farm using a logbook. If visitors had contact with other poultry, have pet birds, or had contact with wild birds (e.g., hunting), do not let them come in contact with your flock.

When adding birds to your flock, purchase them from a reputable source. The baby chicks purchased at local farm stores come from NPIP-certified flocks tested and shown to be free from avian influenza. When they are two weeks old, these chicks will typically leave the store with their new owner, so they are considered low-risk for having the disease. However, they are more susceptible to contracting the virus from their new environment once they are about three weeks old. Make sure to keep new birds or returning show birds separated from established home flocks for 30 days.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture requires the registration of all locations where live poultry is kept. This allows timely information on disease incidents to be sent to all producers. If you have not registered your flock, please visit https://de.gov/poultry to access the Backyard Flock Registration Form.

No matter the size, all poultry farms should be monitoring flocks for any signs of increased mortality. Pay particular attention to see if any birds show signs of respiratory illness or distress, such as sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and/or runny nose. Other signs of HPAI in poultry can include swelling around the eyes, neck, and head; purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs; tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or any combination; watery, green diarrhea; lack of energy, poor appetite; and a drop in egg production, or soft or thin-shelled, misshapen eggs.

If You Have Sick Poultry or Experience Increased Mortality in Your Flock:

• Commercial poultry producers should follow the procedures of contacting the company they grow for when they notice signs of disease.
• Delaware backyard flock owners who notice any signs of HPAI in their flock should call the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at 302-698-4507 or email poultry.health@delaware.gov and provide your contact information, flock size, location, and concerns.
• Backyard flock owners will be contacted if a sample needs to be taken. Do not take dead or sick birds to a lab to be tested or move them off-site.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Community Development Block Grant Program

For CDBG Information please contact TC President, Pat Kough.

 

The following contact information for the Community Development Block Grant Program:

Mike Jones – Rehabilitation Program Coordinator for Sussex County Gov’t

302-855-7777

mjones@sussexcountyde.gov

There are Program Application forms available at the Town Office.  

Please contact Mr. Jones with questions regarding this program;

TC Meeting Recordings

Zoom will no longer allow the recording link to be accessed here.  If you would like to review a Town Council Meeting recording, pleae email betheltownclerk@gmail.com and I will directly share with your email through Zoom.  Thank you.

COMMUNITY HALL RENTAL INFORMATION

Our Community Hall is available for rental.  For further information regarding Hall rental please contact Mark Shaver at 302-448-9656.

UPDATED ZOOM TC MEETING INFO

1/1/2025  NOTE:  If you have trouble signing in, please send an email to betheltownclerk@gmail.com with an email address so can “invite” you to the next meeting while in progress. Thank you

 

Please note the updated information below for the monthly Bethel TC Meetings via Zoom; the Meeting ID and Passcodes are new and updated.  If you have any questions, please email betheltownclerk@gmail.com.  Thank you.

 

Town of Bethel is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Bethel TC Meeting

Meeting ID: 886 1425 4584
Passcode: 455211

—

One tap mobile
+13092053325,,88614254584#,,,,*455211# US
+13126266799,,88614254584#,,,,*455211# US (Chicago)

—

Dial by your location
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 646 931 3860 US
• +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 886 1425 4584
Passcode: 455211

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kVSSXYun6

 

Agendas and Minutes

You will now be able to find the current Town Council Agendas and Minutes under the “Agendas and Minutes” listing on the headings on our website.  Agendas will be noted with “BTCA” and Minutes with “BTCM” designations.    Thank you.