By Mike Finney

DOVER — The city of Dover successfully released its first free electronic newsletter, “The Dover Dispatch,” via email March 30.

The first edition opened with, “It is our hope to cover a variety of topics that interest each of you. We are also going to use this as a communication piece if we have a change to our schedule.

“Maybe due to inclement weather, we have to postpone trash or recycling — we will send out an announcement through this type of notice that you can receive in your email inbox. The service is free to all who would like to receive it!”

To subscribe to the newsletter, residents should text DOVER to 42828.

The first issue provided information on city offices reopening and a personal letter from new City Manager Randy Robertson.

“As we unveil our new electronic newsletter, I want to take this opportunity, to introduce myself and tell you how excited, my spouse, Darlene and I are to be here,” Mr. Robertson wrote. “In my first few weeks I’ve seen some of the tremendous capabilities and potential Dover and its citizens have to offer.

“I’ve been blessed to have 30 years of time with the United States Army, followed by 15 years of municipal leadership in several cities from Alabama to Alaska. I believe those skills and experiences have prepared and equipped me to serve you, our citizens, as we collectively continue to move our community forward.”

He continued, “I sincerely appreciate the vote of confidence the Dover City Council bestowed in me to carry on the mantel of progress and thank my predecessors for the outstanding job they’ve done helping make Dover the first-class city it is. At the same time, I’m truly anxious to explore the possibilities of new programming and service delivery. Progressive communities embrace change and don’t rest on their laurels.”

There was also a reminder of the upcoming municipal election April 20 and a segment called, “Caught you doing something great!”

The city thanked John Boole, a local resident, who was “caught” collecting trash along New Burton Road on March 2. He does this regularly to give back to the community. “Thanks, John, for helping make Dover a place where people want to live!” the issue read.

Mr. Robertson said the city will publish the electronic newsletter twice a month — every other Tuesday — and will see how things progress from there.

“If there’s something you believe should be reflected in an upcoming edition please shoot us an email (publicaffairs@dover.de.us or rrobertson@dover.de.us),” Mr. Robertson wrote. “The more information sources we have the better. Please understand though, we probably won’t be able to publish everything sent to us. We need to keep the newsletter informative and related to the broader topics affecting the city.

“The Dispatch isn’t a Facebook-like platform, but more of a tool to help keep you informed about what’s happening in Dover. Again, we need your input. Finally, if you ‘opt-out’ tell us why you decided to do so.”

Spring Clean Up time arrives in Dover

The Dover Department of Public Works has designated Monday through April 23 as its Spring Clean Up time.

Spring Clean Up is intended to encourage all Dover citizens to clean up and beautify their premises, and Public Works staff is ready for the extra work.

Spring Clean Up items should be put out on one’s regular trash-pickup day. Public Works is asking residents to set out trash by 7 a.m. on the day of collection. Large bulk yard-waste items will be collected the same day recycling is.

Large bulk household items will be collected on one’s trash day the week recycling is not picked up. There will be no charge during Spring Clean Up for bulk items.

The city will not pick up items such as cement, tires, bricks, sand and concrete blocks. Anyone with questions regarding particular items for pickup should call 736-7025.

Spring Clean Up is designated for residents of Dover and does not apply to commercial accounts or out-of-city areas.

Loose leaves along the curb or in the alley will be collected during the event, weather permitting. Leaves cannot be in bags or contain litter or yard waste, including sticks.

The schedule for leaf collection will be the day after one’s regular trash-pickup day. If one’s collection day is Friday, leaves in that area will be collected April 12 and 19.

Questions concerning the program should be directed to the Department of Public Works at 736-7025.

City to host job fair

The city will be holding a job fair April 29 from 2-6 p.m. at the John W. Pitts Recreation Center, 10 Electric Ave.

There will be jobs available from a variety of local industries, and it will offer a chance to get in front of recruiters with resumes in hand.

Social-distancing guidelines will be enforced for all attendees, and masks will be required.

For more information, visit here.