Coastal Point • Submitted : Sussex Central High School is rocking the Mock Trial. The 2015 team includes (front row, from left) Coach Tom Murphy, Helen Gonzalez, Hallie Smith, Holly Williams, Anya Klimitchev, Attorney Coach Ashley Bickel, Coach Helen Elliott, (back row) Faith Kinsler, Derya Sen, Danny Keenan, Charlie Megginson, Nathan Greenlee, Bryce Molnar, Devon Lynch, Maaz Nasir and Emily Ritter.

“The courtroom is a stage,” a judge once told a local mock-trial team. If that’s the case, then Sussex Central High School is putting on a show. SCHS was the top-ranking public school at the 2015 Delaware State Mock Trial Competition, earning sixth place behind five Wilmington-area private schools and among 24 teams total.

Annually, teams are judged at the New Castle County Court House by a panel of attorneys and other legal professionals. Actual justices preside over the mock-trial courtroom.

A relatively young team, SCHS worked hard for four months, as well as the previous four years.

“Five years ago, we were ranked 25th in the state,” noted coach Helen Elliott.

On average, the school has improved by five spots every year, including taking 11th place in 2014.

Each school has two teams: plaintiff and defense. Both halves compete against other schools in the courtroom, arguing a pre-written case.

Both SCHS teams had two days of competition in late February. They don’t get to watch each other, but they learn from each round.

This year’s civil case involved a fictional insurance company’s case versus a business owner who had possibly burned down a shop for insurance benefits.

Center stage

When students go through the motions of a court case, they act as either lawyers or witnesses.

“You study everything that’s in your witness statement and try to become the character,” said sophomore Danny Keenan. “You and your attorney will create a series of direct examination questions, and you’ll create some answer for them.

“The other school, they’ll cross-examine, and you will have to make up answers based on your statement and the knowledge you have about your character,” Keenan said.

That means reading between the lines.

“You’re not going to memorize your statement and then say it word-for-word. You’re kind of bringing your own touch to it,” said senior Helen Gonzalez.

Being a good actor means dealing with ridiculous witness statements.

“My … character speaks about another character being struck by a meteorite,” noted Gonzalez.

Each attorney is assigned a witness for direct and cross-examination.

“You have to make a scenario of what you think they’re going to say and create follow-up questions in an attempt to get that information,” explained senior Maaz Nasir. “And, most of the time, the witnesses aren’t just going to incriminate themselves and say something they don’t want to say.”

“Cross-examination for the witness is very difficult,” said Gonzalez. “You don’t know how they’re going ask you the question. Sometimes, depending on the school, the lawyers will be aggressive and they won’t give you a chance to respond. Other times, you’ll get to talk for as long as you want.”

Even making objections is an art, employed to prevent a witness from giving out information.

Student attorneys discover their own style, even when making objections. For instance, junior Hailee Smith is a stickler for the rules of evidence, while senior Charlie Megginson appeals to the judges’ emotion and reason.

Winners in the courtroom

Sussex Central earned five Gavel Awards for the “most effective” students in each trial. (Megginson received the Best Attorney gavel twice, while Best Witness gavels went to Danny Keenan twice and Emily Ritter once.)

The presiding judge gives no verdict, because the case is usually skewed.

“I think they can probably determine which side was going to win beforehand, but they judge how you deal with that,” Megginson said. “They judge you on how you deal with those obstacles … or how convincing you were in saying that, ‘This person was struck by a meteorite.’”

Besides learning public speaking, confidence and composure in stressful situations, the students also know what to expect if they ever find themselves in the courtroom.

Most work is done in winter, “when the team is really analyzing the case,” said coach Tom Murphy. “Having that good analysis of the case really allows you to effectively defend or prosecute that case in the courtroom.”

But game day brings curveballs, whether the students make a mistake or the judges intentionally deviate from the expected course. “They’re throwing angles at you that we hadn’t considered all year,” Murphy said.

That’s why local attorneys, including Ashley Bickel, helped SCHS students examine the case from a professional perspective.

Bickel is the managing attorney of the Gonser & Gonser law firm’s Georgetown office.

The team’s eagerness made it easy for Bickel to mentor them through three-hour practices.

“They’re really dedicated students, and the teacher-coaches were really dedicated,” she said. “The kids this year, I think, just soaked it up.”

Having a professional to advise them really added to their legal understanding, which Bickel said her own high-school mock-trial team lacked.

“It’s not really like it is on TV. It’s not as dramatic. You don’t win every objection. … You still have to thank the judge,” Bickel said, “and be courteous to opposing council.”

She also admired the team’s collaboration, such as when the plaintiffs had a good idea and shared it with the defense team.

“It was so impressive. They’re little lawyers. They said all the right things. … They conducted themselves very professionally,” Bickel said.

SCHS was also the only school to represent Sussex or Kent counties.

“People don’t take Sussex County seriously — or they haven’t in the past,” said Megginson, who has legal aspirations himself. “Every year, we get better. And they know who we are now.”

“For me as a coach and teacher, it’s a source of pride, because this school is offering the opportunity for students to be successful that’s not athletic,” Elliott said.

They hope their success opens the door, encouraging other Sussex County teams to compete. (Cape Henlopen High School has attended in the past but was unable this year.)

Sussex Central graduates have even joined collegiate mock-trial teams.

“There’s a pride that we have as coaches to see students go through this experience here and then carry their success forward,” Murphy said. “That’s why we do what we do.”

The team members said they are grateful to their coaches, school and district administrators for their support, as well as to attorney Steve Welsh from the Law Office of Edward Gill.

But they become a family every winter, and a stronger team every year.

The intellectual competition is sponsored by the Supreme Court of Delaware and the Delaware Law Related Education Center (DLREC).

Washingtonians first learned on the morning of April 3, 1865, that the Civil War would soon end after four long years, when a telegraph operator in Washington excitedly shouted out a war department window that “Richmond has fallen!” President Abraham Lincoln, who was at Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s City Point headquarters near Petersburg, Va., at the time, decided to visit the captured Confederate capital.

Carl Sandburg relates in “Lincoln: The War Years” that Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his entourage had fled Richmond the previous day for safer locales in the South to avoid capture. Over the next two weeks, Davis, several cabinet officials and support personnel hauled their belongings, as well as the government archives and treasury, by rail and wagons, attempting to reach the safety of residual military forces to continue the war.

As Burke Davis describes in “The Long Surrender,” Davis’ contingent traveled by train to Danville, Va., and remained there until April 10. Moving on to Greensboro, N.C., they stayed there until the 15th. There, they learned the devastating news that Gen. Robert E. Lee had surrendered his army to Grant at Appomattox, Va., on April 9.

Fear and chaos raged in the small town of Greensboro, clogged by straggling soldiers from the Confederate armies. Davis and his fellow travelers “were shocked by the cold reception they found there.” They continued to flee southward, passing through Lexington, Va., and Salisbury, N.C.

Meanwhile, as cited in Roy Basler’s “Collected Works,” Lincoln officially congratulated Grant for his “magnificent success” in capturing Richmond. He accepted Grant’s invitation to visit the capital and, along with his youngest son, Tad, stepped ashore in Richmond on April 4, which happened to be Tad’s 12th birthday.

The Lincolns, father and son, strolled through a seemingly deserted city with only a few sailors accompanying them. Sandburg explains, however, “Suddenly sprang out black folk, some silent and awe-struck, others turning somersaults and yelling with joy as though their voices and bodies could never tell what they wanted to tell.”

Driven to make personal contact vicariously with the fugitive Davis, Lincoln trekked to the executive mansion at 12th and Clay Streets. One of the military aides noted that he acted in “a boyish manner” as he went through the rooms and sat in a chair where Davis had held meetings with his advisors.

Following his “vacation” away from Washington and his experiences in the Confederate capital, Lincoln arrived back in the capital on April 9, amid the stirring news from Appomattox about Lee’s surrender. Two days later, a crowd gathered at the White House, demanding comments from their president. He responded with conciliatory words toward the South.

Among the crowd outside the White House that evening was John Wilkes Booth. Michael Kauffman writes in “American Brutus” that Booth listened carefully for signs that the president intended to pursue a radical policy toward the dissolving Confederacy. When Lincoln spoke of “the elective franchise for the colored man,” Booth vowed, “Now, by God, I’ll put him through.”

New York World correspondent George Alfred Townsend reported in exhaustive detail the events that resulted from those words. The Georgetown, Del., native published a series of “letters” to the public concerning the assassination of Lincoln, a description of Booth the assassin, the pursuit of the conspirators, their capture, Booth’s death in Virginia while attempting to escape, and the execution or imprisonment of his collaborators.

When Davis learned of the death of his enemy and counterpart at the hands of Booth, he reacted cautiously at first. Later, he commented that, if the story were true, “I fear it will be disastrous for our people, and I regret it deeply.” As William C. Davis pointed out in his biography of Jefferson Davis, the Rebel president was well aware of the “malignant feeling” toward him and the “old-line Southern aristocracy and its leaders” that then-vice-president Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s successor, had expressed.

Davis flight in search of security would continue, for that portion of the South that had yet to capitulate. His wife, Varina, and their children joined him along the escape route. Their fate was in the hands of Union cavalry under the command of Maj. Gen. James Harrison Wilson, which was driving deeply into Alabama and Georgia. Fate intended that their paths would soon cross.

Bethany Beach resident Thomas J. Ryan’s latest book is “Spies, Scouts, and Secrets in the Gettysburg Campaign” (May 2015). Contact him at pennmardel@mchsi.com, or visit his website www.tomryan-civilwar.com.

Mid-Atlantic survey first step in oil/gas drilling
Two Texas companies have requested permission to perform surveys off the Delaware coast for potential oil and gas reserves. GX Technology Corporation and Spectrum Geo Inc. applied for permits to do deep-penetration seismic surveys on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf.

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) hosted open houses on April 2 in Dover, as part of the geological and geophysical (G&G) permitting process on the Atlantic Coast.

Eight companies in all applied to scan the underwater terrain of the Mid- and South-Atlantic Ocean.

Both based in Houston, GXT and Spectrum requested to survey offshore (sometimes hundreds of miles away) of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina (plus Florida, Georgia and South Carolina for GXT).

They plan to use two-dimensional (2D) deep-penetration seismic surveys.

Public comments on the applications can be made to BOEM until April 29.

What seismic surveys look like

During the survey process, each company has a ship with airguns towed behind it. The airguns shoot sound waves strong enough to penetrate the undersea rock. Those sound waves echo back to streamers that stretch behind the ship. Based on the “reflection” of those waves, they show the different layers of rock, creating a picture of where oil may be located.

Ships travel in a grid pattern anywhere from 2.5 to 70 miles wide.

“This type of survey is used to … study the regional geology over a large area,” both applications read. It’s a more economical way to gather data, they said. “The information acquired is then used to determine potential areas of interest, as well as areas that are not of interest, for further exploration.

The ship moves continuously, even if the air guns are silenced. It’s pulling 10 miles of “streamers” (a half-mile wide) that pick up the airwaves, collecting data that will produce the underwater map of the undersea sediment.

The goal

As part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, BOEM “manages the sale and responsible development of off-shore mineral energy resources on the outer-continental shelf.”

But BOEM isn’t the only agency reading this paperwork. The permits are officially reviewed by at least a half-dozen governmental agencies, including National Marine Fisheries Service.

“Permits have not been issued. There is no drilling authorized yet. That’s important to know,” said Marjorie Weisskohl of BOEM Public Affairs.

The applications may get a response as early as this summer, she added.

Between their results and federal research, BOEM may create an underwater lease site. Gas companies could bid on that site, and the winner may be permitted to get rights to that site, determining if it wishes to drill for oil.

“You don’t know what’s on the ocean floor. We’re here today to talk about [the technologies used to do that],” Weisskohl said.

“We do not have an oil and gas program in the Atlantic,” Weisskohl emphasized, although the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico have had these “for a long time.”

Before that could ever happen, BOEM needs to find out what is there, and the environmental impacts.

Every five years, BOEM publishes a schedule of lease sales.

“Ultimately, in 2017, we should be publishing for the areas that will be offered up for lease sale in 2017 to 2022.”

Eventually, one lease site will open somewhere between the middle of Florida’s eastern coast and the Delaware Bay, but Weisskohl couldn’t say how large that site could be. (“It depends on what the companies find.”)

From 1976 to 1983, Atlantic lease sales were held nine times, said Michael Celata, deputy regional director for BOEM. Although companies found reason to pay the U.S. government for a right to bid on the sites, only a fraction of underwater sites ever produced what they were looking for.

Applications and comment forms online

“We want people to understand what that entails,” Celata said of the process. “We want people to have factual information.”

All 10 applications are located online at www.boem.gov/
Currently-submitted-Atlantic-
OCS-Region-Permits.

To comment on applications, visit www.regulations.gov and search for (use application code “E14-003” for GX Technology and “E14-009” for Spectrum).

To learn more about the Atlantic G&G process, visit www.boem.gov/Atlantic-G-and-G-Permitting.

Delaware has a say

With potential impacts to fishing, the Delaware Coastal Management Program will also comment on the applications.

Delawareans were invited to share information on commercial or recreational fishing that may be impacted by seismic surveying.

The State of Delaware has already stated that it wants no offshore gas drilling, noted DCMP’s Tricia Arndt.

“There is to be no drilling for oil and gas in next five years” in Delaware waters, she said.

At this point, the permits would just be to look around, not necessarily drill.

DCMP is also working with its Maryland counterparts on this issue.

The deadline has passed to participate in Delaware Coastal Program’s comment process, but additional Delaware maps and impacts are available at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/Pages/CoastalPrograms.aspx.

Avoiding sealife

Sea animals can be impacted by seismic technology, so several mitigation tactics are employed to try to prevent excessive harm to sealife, based on decades of BOEM research.

Every species reacts differently to the seismic blasts, according to Stan Labak, of acoustics and modeling. Generally, big baleen whales are the most susceptible (because their hearing is in the same range as the seismic gun), followed by toothed whales and dolphins, pinnipeds including seals and manatees, then sea turtles. Those latter animals might hear the noise but are less likely to change their behavior because of it.

Labak said seismic guns are different from Navy sonar, which has been the source of concern for inadvertently traumatizing whales with loud sonar pings that disorient the whales, sometimes causing mass beach strandings.

Besides a visual lookout watching for marine life, the survey ships listen for underwater animals. Based on the intensity of the survey equipment, ships must immediately stop the seismic guns if mammals or sea turtles come within 200 or 500 meters of the ship (with possible exceptions of dolphins that voluntarily approach to ride the ship’s wake.)

Air guns are also ramped up incrementally, allowing marine life to clear the area.

Opposition already voiced

Not everybody wants deep-water surveys and drilling.

“Do we want an industrial park in the ocean?” asked John Weber, Surfrider’s Mid-Atlantic regional manager. “The risk doesn’t outweigh the reward.”

The tax revenue that might come in from gasoline sales is less than the risk if another BP Deepwater Horizon spill occurred, Weber said.

Plus, powerful seismic cannons can’t help but to injure sea life, others said.

“It’s gotta penetrate two miles into the earth. That’s how deep it’s gotta go,” added John Doerfler, vice chair of the Delaware Surfrider Chapter.

Special to the Coastal Point • Brittany Young: This bus caught fire on the morning of Monday, April 13, on Careys Camp Road.Smoke was pouring from its engine just before a school bus caught flames near Millsboro on Monday, April 13.

East Millsboro Elementary School’s bus No. 64 had already picked up two students at 6:45 a.m. when it turned onto Careys Camp Road (located off Route 24, west of Route 113).

According to the 41-year-old female driver, the engine suddenly cut out, so she pulled off the roadway.

When she smelled smoke and saw flames coming from the engine, she hustled the students off the bus to a nearby house, where the authorities were called.

There were no injuries to her or the two children, ages 9 and 11.

“The bus driver did a great job getting the students off the bus and to safety,” said David Maull, Indian River School District spokesman. “She did exactly as she was trained to do and took the kids out of the back exit.”

“I heard someone say, ‘It’s on fire, I’m afraid it’s gonna blow!’ I literally woke up to that,” said Brittany Young, who lives nearby. “I saw, right in front of our driveway, a school bus on fire.”

Young and her baby kept their distance from the blaze, just in case. Her future mother-in-law helped the children call their parents as the fire department arrived.

“Everyone was fine, that’s what matters,” Young said.

The cause of the fire on the 2004 International School Bus is believed to be a mechanical issue.

Dim the lights and get dolled up for the 30th Anniversary Gala of the Friends of the Selbyville Public Library. The Friends will bring the party on Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cove Bar & Grille at Bayside.

“We started in April of 1985. It’s our 30th anniversary of being around and helping the library,” said David Nilsson, Friends president.

The public is being invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a full buffet, silent auction and cash bar. This month’s party is the jumping-off point for Selbyville’s future. Proceeds will fund children’s programs, technology upgrades and future expansion of Selbyville Public Library.

“New developments are mushrooming up all over,” Nilsson said. “The library’s got a challenge in front of it, to not only meet the needs of those that are using it now but the needs 10, 20 years into the future.”

The first library opened in a borrowed room in 1932. Although it grew, the free library didn’t get its own space until U.S. Sen. John G. Townsend Jr. died in 1964. Townsend’s family donated the entire house to serve as Selbyville’s library.

“It’s a wonderful town asset. It’s an historic structure,” Nilsson said. “But like any other hundred-year-old building, it needs a lot of care and love.

“The population has grown, and the needs have grown to the point where the physical facility” is not keeping up, Nilsson said.

First, the building will undergo a needs assessment study “by a professional who gleans … what the future needs of the community are, what the library currently has, and can we do what we want — and what we need — with what we have?”

That’s a long, expensive process to get a good read on the library’s future.

Is there enough room to build more? Should the library brainstorm a new facility altogether?

“There’s great sentiment in town to continue using the current location and structure as best we can,” Nilsson said. “We want to do everything we can do to stay there.”

“It should be a fun evening,” said Nilsson. “It helps support the library and its programs. That’s what the Friends do. Unlike other libraries, we support 100 percent all of the programming here in Selbyville.” (Some of the area’s libraries are at least partly County-funded, while others — including Selbyville and Frankford — are reliant on Friends groups and other donations for all of their funding. “That allows the library to commit its resources to other places.”

Selbyville has an active children’s program, from preschool events to summer reading, a huge after-school population and more.

“We’re glad to have friends like that,” said Library Director Kelly Kline, who was looking forward to a fun gala. “Also, people might learn a little bit more about what the library does, or what the Friends do. I look forward to … getting to know the people who support the Friends of the library.”

Gala tickets cost $65 per person and can be purchased at the Selbyville Public Library on Main Street in Selbyville. They won’t be sold at the door. Call the library at (302) 436-8195 for more information. The Friends is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are appreciated, even if people cannot attend the gala. Learn more at www.SelbyvilleFriends.org.

Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : Little Leaguers at last year's LSLL Opening Day show what the event is all about … fun!

While the Lower Sussex Little League may have kicked things off with their first game of the season last Monday night at the Pyle Center, they’ll celebrate the occasion this Friday, April 17, with their annual opening-ceremonies event. The festivities are set to begin at 6 p.m.

“The first hour is gonna be the opening ceremonies,” said LSLL President Tracey Littleton, “the flag-raising ceremony and recognizing the people we need to recognize. It’s just a fun night for the kids.”

Also honored at the ceremony will be former LSLL players who went on to serve the country, as well as the LSLL Big League team that made it to regionals last year, coached by Sam O’Shields.

“We’ll be honoring them,” Little explained. And, “We had some Pat Knight teams that won first place in their tournament, so we’ll be recognizing them.”

While the LSLL teams will have the chance to walk out on the field, there will also be activities for all kids, including obstacle courses, bouncy houses, homerun derby contests and even a D.J. for everyone to enjoy. Charlie K’s BBQ of Ocean View will be catering.

“No games scheduled, no pictures scheduled,” said Littleton. “Once we do the opening ceremonies, it’ll just be fun.”

The Friday-night festivities are designed to help the community in the groove for what Littleton said will be the biggest night of the week throughout the season.

“Friday night’s gonna be a big night for us,” he explained. “We usually have a lot of doubleheaders Friday night. We’ll have a different restaurant every Friday night that donates food.”

While parking shouldn’t be an issue, Littleton suggested that everyone try to arrive a half-hour early, and he also noted that the rain date for the event is set for the next day, Saturday, April 18.

New this year to LSLL will be the Challenger League, for players who face different types of physical or mental challenges.

“Kids … anywhere from 5 to 18 years old can play together,” explained Littleton. “There’s no criteria.”

That league is being spearheaded by Kevin and Meghan Brown, who bring experience with the program.

“They’re very familiar with it,” said Littleton. “They actually helped coach this division back in Maryland.”

The idea for the division was welcomed by the district and met with encouraging support.

“We presented it to the district, and all the district presidents are on board,” he said. “It’s really a district league — it’s not just a Lower Sussex league. We chartered it as a district league so we can draw kids from every Little League in District 3 — Seaford, Laurel, wherever they come from.”

Littleton said he hopes for enough players to field at least two teams for the Challenger League’s inaugural year at Lower Sussex. They will travel around to various ball parks throughout the area during the season. They even got support for allowing the teams to play at the Little League World Series this July.

“Hopefully, we’ll get more [teams],” he said. “The plan is, once we get teams formed, we’re gonna plan on playing at our place; then we’ll play at Georgetown. The district World Series committee has already committed to two games that they can play during the World Series.”

For more information on Lower Sussex Little League, or to sign up for the Challenger League, visit www.lowersussexlittleleague.com/register.

The Millville Town Council has decided that there’s no reason to increase fees this year.

Before passing the Town’s 2016-fiscal-year budget on April 14, the town council unanimously passed the fee schedule for items such as business licenses, building permits and other fees.

“Nothing had to be increased this year. In fact, it hasn’t been increased in several years,” said Town Manager Debbie Botchie.

The 2016 budget also passed, with a few last-minute amendments, such as an increase in state health insurance premiums, office technology and IT support.

The current budget is doing swimmingly, as revenue is up, but the Town has only paid 55 percent of the projected expenses, “and we only have one month more to go of our fiscal year,” Botchie said.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we are way under budget on many of our line items, due to the fact our staff is so frugal,” she added.

Coming up, the Delaware State Police and Town will be reviewing the second draft of plans for he new municipal building. The finalized draft will come to Council for approval at an upcoming workshop.

Linda Kent reported that the main 15 active Millville Volunteers donated at least 1,086 hours of service last year. They haven’t stopped, either, recently cleaning and renovating Camp Barnes with the Delaware State Police, although Kent said there is plenty more to do. The group will also help at Ocean View’s Homecoming.

Botchie also reviewed some current events for some new town residents. She encouraged newcomers to visit Town Hall to chat with her one-on-one. There, they might get details about the expanded Town buildings, updates on business and stormwater expansions, plus a welcome basket.

A late-night fire demolished six apartments and left one person dead in Oak Orchard last week.

Firefighters were called to a structure fire at 3:05 a.m. on Friday, April 10.

The building was already heavily aflame when the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company arrived at 28420 Delaware Avenue, just a block off the Indian River Bay.

All six units at the Haddix Apartments — repurposed from an old hotel — were occupied. The fire began in Unit 2, where the fatality occurred.

All of the apartments are too damaged to be inhabitable, but there were no other injuries. The American Red Cross was deployed to help the residents.

Delaware’s Division of Forensic Science will conduct an autopsy and provide positive identification of the victim. The agency did not provide identifying details before Coastal Point’s April 15 press deadline. The Delaware State Fire Marshal was still investigating and would not speculate on the fire’s cause.

Delaware has had four fire fatalities this year and had seven in all of 2014.

“One is too much for me,” said Michael Chionchio, assistant state fire marshal.

The physical fire damage was estimated at $100,000.

“Emergency response units from Millsboro and Lewes were actively deployed with fire suppression responsibilities, including … roof ventilation, fire-suppression activities and water-supply operations,” according to the IRVFC’s report.

Frankford and Georgetown fire companies were on standby, while “Dagsboro’s stand-by assignment was upgraded to assist with water supply.”

Sussex County paramedics and the electric supply provider were present on the scene, as well.

Fire photos can be viewed online at www.irvfc.com/gallery.

As a young father, Coastal Point • Submitted : Gregory “Greg” Goldman is one of three candidates running for the Indian River School District's District 4 candidate. wants to be involved in his children’s education and give a voice to other parents. That’s part of his reasoning for entering the Indian River School Board’s 2015 election.

Goldman is one of three candidates for a single District 4 seat, representing Frankford, west Dagsboro and points east. (Two candidates have already withdrawn from the race.)

“I noticed, on the school board itself, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of representation from people with families, with the children in the school district,” he said.

Goldman expects to spend the next 20 years as an IRSD parent. The Ocean View resident has 4-year-old twins and a 1-year-old baby.

“The girls will be enrolling in kindergarten a year from this fall. I wanted to start getting involved,” said Goldman, who moved to the area in 2008.

“I think that there needs to be more involvement from parents,” he said. “I think the future of the school district needs to have a voice from parents.”

Although he’ll be a new district parent, “Experience is not necessarily the most important thing. It might be time for a new voice, since it seems a lot of people on the board have been on the board a long time,” Goldman said.

He commended the incumbent board members but said he wants to play a part in the district’s future.

“I just think it’s time for a fresh start. And being able to have children in the schools and having a hands-on approach is what needs to happen,” Goldman said.

“I know how important, obviously, education is just for the general economy,” he said. “The better the educational system, the better the economy generally gets.”

Goldman has bachelor’s degree and said his father was a university professor, “so I’ve always been involved in education. I want to be involved in my own children’s lives and their own educational process.”

With three children, his hobbies are his kids’ activities, but as a real estate agent, Goldman can be flexible with his time.

“I can dedicate the appropriate time needed to be a good quality school board member,” he said.

Today, Goldman works for Long & Foster. Before that, he worked for national homebuilders at the senior administrative levels.

Goldman brings political experience, having worked for the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. He was at the Capitol on 9/11 and helped draft legislation for the Aviation & Transportation Security Act of 2001.

“Most of it is working behind the scenes,” he said. “[But I] was involved firsthand in watching that legislation go through the process.”

He was also on the Commerce Committee’s investigative team when Enron collapsed.

“It’s not necessarily about putting out new legislature, but understanding the issues and understanding the day-to-day … how that affected people on such a grand scale,” he said, “working together to find common ground and not just find [what’s in the] best interest for me, but the best interest for everybody going forward,” he said, “to compromise and work for the betterment of the schools.”

Having seen how “unfair” corporate America can be, Goldman said, he believes education is “equalizing.”

“There are people being left behind,” said Goldman, whose goals include “anything that can support the teachers to ensure they have the equipment they need, the technology they need.”

He also aims to “make sure the teachers don’t have to pay for supplies out of their pocket. … In corporate America, nobody expects the employees to pay for those types of items.”

He plans to research the best way to fund that.

“I think the budget needs to be evaluated to see where there can be room for those types of things. I don’t necessarily agree that it needs to just come out with a tax increase … but make sure funds are being allocated correctly,” Goldman said.

“There might have been … a lot of money spent on lawsuits in the past,” he added. “That might not necessarily be the best course to make sure schools are property funded for the teachers.”

Election scheduled

for May 12

The election for the Board of Education will be Tuesday, May 12, at local schools. Board member terms are now five years, as of 2013.

Voters in District 4 will choose between Goldman and two others: incumbent Charles Bireley of Dagsboro and Judith “Judy” Ladd Teoli of Millville. (Mary E. Langan and Lloyd Elling have withdrawn from the race.)

In Georgetown, Miguel A. Pirez-Fabar is challenging incumbents James E. Fritz Jr. and James E. Hudson for the two seats in District 1.

In District 2 (north Millsboro to southern Georgetown) incumbent Shaun Fink was the only candidate to file and will keep his seat.

A qualified voter must be 18 or older and a resident of Delaware and the school district. Residents may only vote within their IRSD election district. View district maps online at electionssc.delaware.gov/school_district_maps.shtml.

Last week, representatives of the Ocean View Historical Society attended a hearing before the Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation, following the nomination of the Evans-West House to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Evans-West House is to be donated to the historical society by the Brunner family, which has owned the home since it was built in 1900.

“They have decided they are donating this property to the historical society. We’re going to take this property and turn it into the Coastal Towns Museum, and it will be a joint effort between the Towns of Fenwick Island, South Bethany, Bethany, Ocean View and Millville,” said Richard Nippes, president of the historical society.

“It will be a museum that will tell the story of the life and culture in Baltimore Hundred. We would never have been able to do this without their generous donation.”

Madeline Dunn, National Register coordinator for the Division of Historical & Cultural Affairs, presented the application to the board and noted that the property contains the home, a barn and a woodshed.

“Something that I’m so excited about that I’ve never seen anywhere else in the state of Delaware is a star-shaped daffodil garden that was actually planted in 1904,” she said of the garden planted for Mary C. Evans-West by her husband, James, for her birthday, per family tradition.

Dunn said an architectural analysis has been done of the building and its interior and comparing it with other remaining cross-gabled homes in the town. She noted that the family has collected a great deal of history related to family memories, as well as photographs related to the home.

Dunn said the Evans-West home, which is located one mile from Bethany Beach, across from John West Park, was “the cultural center of Ocean View, where they have all their historic and community gatherings.”

The Town was incorporated in 1889 and, shortly after, a survey was drawn that defined the communities.

“When you look in the Town records, you begin to see, as a newly incorporated community, they’re going to be establishing rules and regulations for social behavior,” said Dunn.

“They’re going to make sure that the few people who own cars would not exceed the speed limit, which was established at six miles per hour. They were also going to make sure that no firearms could be discharged in the city. And they there would absolutely be no horses on sidewalks.”

Dunn said that, in the Town’s minutes from 1900, authorization was given for a trolley to run through the central road.

“It finally made sense why the 1900 U.S. Census said there was a streetcar conductor living in Ocean View.”

She noted that the community at that time did not allow African-Americans to reside in the Town, unless they were in the employment of someone and lived on their employer’s property.

Dunn said the West-Evans house was designed in a side-hall parlor plan and has its original clapboards, windows, sills, trim and original porcelain sink.

She said it was interesting to note that, of the tax assessments from about 1905 to 1915, the Evans-West house was only one of eight, which were given an assessed value of $700.

“The majority of the 252 properties that were recorded in the assessments during that time period usually were valued at about $300.”

Dunn said the original deeds show that the property was conveyed to the wife, Mary C. West-Evans, not her husband.

“That was kind of interesting to read, because usually at this time everything belonged to the man.”

James West was a surfman for the United States Lifesaving Service during the winter months.

“During the summer months, the men were furloughed,” said Dunn. “Mr. Evans would return to Ocean View and be engaged in farming activities.”

Dunn said the complex helps to characterize 20th-century vernacular buildings and retains architectural integrity.

“If we are successful in getting this property listed in the National Register, it will help the Ocean View Historical Society with the development of that Coastal Towns Museum by enabling the society to apply for preservation tax credits.”

Dunn said working with the historical society through the process “has been a treat.”

“I’ve learned more about Ocean View than I ever knew before.”

Brunner, who was in attendance at the hearing, along with her son Dan, shared with the board some of her memories of the house.

“I have seen the ocean from the attic window when I was a little girl. My mother made sure of it,” she said.

The board voted unanimously to place the Evans-West house on the National Register of Historic Places.

Selbyville memories and history filled the sunny parlor recently as neighbors chatted over coffee and cookies. The Selbyville Public Library’s Selbyville Reminisce — an informal discussion held on Saturdays — recently kicked off, open to anyone who wants to come.

“People love to talk about Selbyville past, and there are so many people who lived through it and love sharing their experiences,” said Library Director Kelly Kline.

“Also, there are so many people moving to Selbyville who don’t know the history of their town,” she said.

The Reminisce is a way to get people talking.

Despite being a sparse crowd on April 11, people were chatting as soon as they arrived. Another man joined after hearing the conversation from outside. They lost track of time, discussing old stories and scandals.

“It was just interesting to hear the ‘behind the stories’ of stories that you’ve heard,” said Maria Bertram, librarian and town resident. “There’s more to the history than what you would know. … The people who lived there made it ever more interesting.”

Georgia Ash couldn’t wait to attend Selbyville Reminisce. She moved to town in the 1970s, smitten with it from the start.

“This would be the place that was my hometown, that I was happiest,” she said.

Ash talked to the old-timers when she first arrived, such as the woman who had played hostess for her father in Washington, D.C.

“She was a wealth of information, and funny,” Ash recalled.

(Coincidently, the library is now housed in the historic home of that father, the late U.S. Sen. John G. Townsend Jr.)

Victor Murray has spent the first and the last 18 years of his life in Selbyville. He described the huge water basin found on the library’s top floor, which gravity-fed the old house.

Murray flipped through the Coastal Point’s newly published “The Story of Selbyville” magazine, pointing to historic photos.

“There used to be five grocery stores on Church Street at one time,” which Murray said were doomed by the incoming Acme market.

“I had to got to Wilmington to get a child labor permit,” he said, as a teenage Acme employee who missed every Thursday afternoon of school from junior to senior year.

Ash’s son was a firefighter when a hardware store burned down, so hot that firefighters had to duck the exploding aerosol cans that rocketed by.

The discussion didn’t stay in town limits, either. The group shared stories from Frankford to Virginia.

They also touched upon World War II.

“I was 7. I remember it like it was yesterday,” Ash said of the Pearl Harbor attack.

“It’s hard to think this is all in our lifetime,” Bertram said of major wars and racial segregation.

The Selbyville Public Library will continue Selbyville Reminisce on Saturdays at noon.

“It’s informal. It’s a nice discussion. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, even if you didn’t grow up in Selbyville,” Kline said. “It’s about shared experiences, and you might have had a similar experience in another place.”

The Saturday afternoons could also lead to an expansion of the Selbyville Oral Histories collection. Around 20 residents were interviewed in 2002 about their lifelong experiences in town.

The library still houses the recordings and transcripts.

“It’s available to the public anytime you want to come in and listen to it,” Bertram said.

The Selbyville Public Library is on South Main Street and can be reached at (302) 436-8195.

Parade to stay at night into the future

Having heard a presentation from the Delaware Department of Transportation on plans for improvements to Routes 113 and 24 prior to the official start of their April 6 meeting, the Millsboro Town Council covered a number of issues from around the town.

The council approved an updated list of residential planned community (RPC) standards. The compilation included the various agreements that the Town and developers of Plantation Lakes have approved, but all in one place.

While reviewing plans at Plantation Lakes, Councilman Ron O’Neal asked about stormwater drainage being used for irrigation. Several ponds also store water that is pumped from a well, but the development still buys thousands of gallons a year just to irrigate the golf course holes that are open.

Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Simmons reported a successful business coffee event and Easter egg hunt. However, the council was unenthusiastic about her suggestion to move the Christmas parade back to daytime. Simmons said it’s harder to get volunteers on a Wednesday night than a Saturday morning.

Mayor Robert “Bob” Bryan said the “pretty” nighttime displays really swayed his opinion in favor of nighttime parades.

In that case, she said, the public and parade marchers had requested more lighting throughout the route.

“We’ll keep it as a night one more year, see how things go,” Simmons acquiesced.

The public can also attend a free business expo Thursday, April 23, at the Millsboro Town Center. The Chamber is inviting people to network and learn more about the local business community, ask questions and listen to guest speakers, from 1 to 6 p.m.

Another parade is coming to town — on May 2 at 2 p.m., as part of the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association’s 2015 convention. The Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company also has a new fire boat that will come into service in May. Training has begun for firefighters.

Several members were invited to a Washington, D.C., congressional dinner to meet Delaware legislators and discuss emergency and other issues.

In other Millsboro news:

• The mayor commended the Millsboro Police Department for wintertime snow patrols.

• Seashore Striders was approved for its annual charity 5K run on Aug. 1 from 6 to 10 a.m. at Cupola Park.

• Council approved renewal of John Atkins’ lease for a produce wagon along the tracks at Railroad Avenue.

• The election board will remain unchanged, with Sandee Brigandi, Peg Buzzelli and Helen Jackson serving.

The next regular Town Council meeting is Monday, May 4, at 7 p.m.

After being called to a residence on Parkview Street in Millville by the Sea around 9 p.m. on April 2 for a reported domestic incident, Delaware State Police subsequently arrested a 62-year-old Ocean View man on drug charges.

According to M. Cpl. Gary Fournier, public information officer for the DSP, Gerald K. “Jerry” Mueller, 62, and his wife had become involved in a verbal altercation over a black duffle bag he was allegedly hiding from her, which led to a physical altercation between them.

Police said that, when Mueller’s 44-year-old wife attempted to see what was in the duffle bag, he allegedly “pushed her to the ground and pulled her hair, before releasing the duffel bag and leaving in his car.”

Fournier said that, upon opening the bag, Mueller’s wife reportedly observed drugs and drug paraphernalia inside and called state police to the home. Troopers seized the bag, which contained 342 grams of suspected marijuana.

Mueller turned himself in to police on April 3 and was charged with Possession of Marijuana, three counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Offensive Touching — all misdemeanors. He was released on $2,500 unsecured bond.

The civil trial of former Sussex County councilman Vance Phillips began early this week in the Kent County Courthouse, dealing with allegations that Phillips had sexually assaulted and threatened a young woman who had worked on his political campaign.

On May 6, 2013, a civil complaint was filed in Kent County against then-County Councilman Phillips by attorney Nicholas Rodriguez, on behalf of Katelynn Dunlap.

Dunlap, a Lincoln resident, alleged that she met Phillips in March 2010, at the age of 16, at a Republican Party meeting in Sussex County. The complaint stated that Phillips had allegedly encouraged Dunlap to work on his political campaign. It also details Dunlap’s allegations that Phillips sexually assault her multiple times, and threatened and shamed her.

At Tuesday’s hearing, B. Brian Brittingham — an attorney with Schmittinger & Rodriguez — addressed the plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment as to Phillips’ liability in the case.

Brittingham said that Phillips’ decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in response to every question posed to him in previous depositions, allows the Court to make an inference as to his guilt. Those questions included “Why did you and your wife divorce?” and “Had the plaintiff ever been to your property?”

“The defendant, when given ample opportunity, he wholly failed to address the claims at issue,” said Brittingham. “It is merely an avoidance to an answer.”

Defense attorney Kurt M. Heyman said that Brittingham was asking the Court to draw an impermissible inference. He stated that, because Phillips has not testified, Dunlap’s story is the only one is in evidence, which presents “fundamental problems.”

Rule 512 (a) of Delaware Uniform Rules of Evidence states, “Comment or inference not permitted. The claim of a privilege, whether in the present proceeding or upon a prior occasion, is not a proper subject of comment by judge or counsel. No inference may be drawn therefrom.”

Heyman argued that Rule 512(a) would not allow for the Court to make an inference from Phillips’ refusal to answer, be it guilt or innocence. (Unlike in a criminal trial, in a civil trial, a defendant does not have the opportunity to refuse to take the stand, so if the case proceeds to trial, Phillips would be required to take the stand.)

Heyman went on to state that, in Dunlap’s testimony, which was admitted into evidence, she contradicted her current story. He said that, when the initial criminal investigation into the allegations (in which the State did not bring charges) was being conducted, Dunlap had told the investigating detectives that Phillips did not assault her and that they never had sexual contact, which he said are “critical” details in the case.

He noted that Dunlap’s phone records show that she contacted Phillips before, during and after the alleged incidents took place.

“As a matter of law, [Brittingham] wants Your Honor to pretend the earlier statements were never made… A jury should decide.”

While Philips did not attend the hearing, Dunlap was present, along with her family. Before recessing, Witham did not say when he would rule on the motion; however, following the hearing, Heyman said a ruling would be made within 90 days.

If Witham does not grant the motion for partial Summary Judgment, the case would continue to trial. Dunlap is seeking punitive damages and legal fees.

The South Bethany Town Council will see some new faces after the May 23 election. Six residents are currently competing for three seats, but councilmembers Tony Caputo, Jim Gross and Al Rae did not file for reelection. The positions carry a two-year term.

Pending their eligibility reviews on April 17, candidates include Elizabeth Baker, Don Boteler, Joel Danshes, Wayne Schrader, Carol Stevenson and Frank Weisgerber. (William Bombright withdrew shortly after filing.)

Absentee ballots are available for any resident unable to vote at Town Hall on May 23. To request an absentee ballot, residents should contact Town Hall for an affidavit. After that is returned, a ballot will be mailed. They can also visit Town Hall in person to complete both forms during regular operating hours. Absentee ballots must be filed with the Town no later than 3 p.m. on election day.

Voters must be at least 18; a U.S. citizen; and be either a resident of the town for nine months in the last year or longer, or freeholder (property owner) in the town or a freeholder’s spouse. The spouse of a freeholder may vote regardless of whether their name is on the deed.

For more information, contact Town Hall at 402 Evergreen Road, e-mail townhall@southbethany.org or call (302) 539-3653.

Coastal Point • Submitted by Delaware State Police : Delaware State Police are looking for help in identifying three suspects from a Dagsboro home invasion this winter.

Delaware State Police continue to investigate a Dagsboro home-invasion robbery that occurred in late January.

According to police, on Jan. 23, about 11:15 p.m., a 26-year-old woman returned from work to her home on Piney Neck Road and parked in her driveway. There, they said, three black men confronted her as she exited her vehicle.

At that time, police said, she was forced to the ground, with one of the suspects allegedly displaying an unknown make and model of handgun. Two of the suspects then allegedly forced her into the residence and demanded money.

According to the DSP, the victim complied and gave one of the suspects an undisclosed amount of money. The victim reported that a third black man stood next to the residence.

Police said all three suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The 26-year-old victim was not injured during the encounter.

At the time of the incident, surveillance photos were not available; however, some were recently released.
Coastal Point • Submitted by Delaware State Police : Delaware State Police are looking for help in identifying three suspects from a Dagsboro home invasion this winter.
The suspects depicted in the photos appear to be wearing masks over their faces, with their hoods from their sweatshirts pulled over their heads. The car shown in the photos is not the suspects’ vehicle, police noted.

Law-enforcement officials suggested that those who feel uncomfortable or hear suspicious noises contact police by calling 911. Although not all precautionary measures can completely protect residents from crime, they said, having motion-sensing outdoor lighting, as well as a home alarm system, can help in such incidents.

Those who may have any information about the January incident are being asked to contact Detective Doughty at (302) 856-5850, ext. 216. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, gave Sussex County Council members an update on the Freeman Stage at Bayside earlier this week. Grimes said “the arts are alive” in Sussex County while sharing the progress the foundation has made.

According to its website, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, “aims to create opportunities to elevate the human spirit through the arts, for residents of Sussex County and the surrounding area, by partnering to present memorable performances and provide inspired arts education for all.”

“We are a foundation on a mission,” she told the council. “Our mission has been consistent with partnering to present memorable performances and inspire arts education for all… Those last two words are very important to us: ’for all.’

“Having access for everyone in Sussex County, including guests that are coming into the county to enjoy high-quality arts experiences.”

Going into its eighth year, Grimes said the stage has had 205,000 patrons, with 50,000 being children and students, or under-served groups who would not otherwise have the opportunity to see high-quality arts performances.

“We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers,” she added, noting that the Freeman Stage has approximately 100 volunteers logging 14,000 volunteer hours. “That is $300,000 that saves us that we can put into our programmatic activities.”

Grimes said the stage has had ticket-buyers from 30 states and has contributed an estimated $6 million dollars to the local economy just from performance nights alone.

In 2014, the Freeman Foundation received the Governor’s Award for the Arts.

“We were the only presenting organization in the state of Delaware to receive that, and the governor usually gives the awards out every four years,” said Grimes. “So we were very proud to represent Sussex and to receive that award on behalf of the State of Delaware.”

The foundation held a total of 87 events in 2014, including hosting 10 national recording artists. Grimes said that more than 51,000 patrons attended the year’s events. More than 14,000 students were able to enjoy the arts through the foundation’s efforts in 2014 alone.

“That was a record-breaking year for us… With your efforts and success, we’ve been able to continue this great program for children to come and see the arts,” said Grimes. “We actually received a letter from a teacher who said that the experience brought her to tears because, when they boarded the buses, there were children who said they had never been not only to an arts performance, they had never been to a movie or the boardwalk.”

Some of the outreach activities directed to Sussex County school children include Shakespeare plays and the Washington National Opera.

“We were the only Delaware organization last year to receive a NEA Challenge America grant, which is a federal-funded program, so that we could collaborate in Frankford, so the elementary students there were able to work with Julien Benichou, the maestro for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. They had a choral program where they were on our stage for opening night last year.”

As for 2015, Grimes said the foundation announced its season line up in March, which includes 54 events just at the stage, including 16 national recording artists. Currently, four outreach programs are planned for the season.

“There’ll be a few other surprises that come in,” she added.

The Freeman Stage can accommodate 2,400 people when hosting a national recording artist.

“But the fact of the matter is we’re bursting at our seams,” said Grimes. “Right now, our board is leading us through a due-diligence process. We’re getting feedback and doing all kinds of work to see if the community will financially support a larger outdoor center.”

Grimes said the foundation can’t and won’t do it alone.

“We are excited about what that future may hold, and next year I hope to be back in council chambers talking to you about what that might look like.”

Councilwoman Joan Deaver asked Grimes if the foundation had considered a covered venue.

“In our initial feedback from what we’ve done, what we’ve heard from our patrons is they actually love being outside,” she said. “Our plans do have a covered roof area for probably about a thousand seats.”

Deaver also asked how involved Michelle Freeman is in the foundation. (Michelle DiFebo Freeman is Josh Freeman’s widow and has long ties to the local community.)

“She is our president and chair,” said Grimes. “She has taken an idea out of grief and just has created a wonderful vision and opportunity in Sussex County.”

Councilman Sam Wilson asked if children could attend any of the foundation’s events.

“All of our performances, except for those 16 [national recording artists’ performances] are free for any child 18 and under.”

Councilman George Cole said that many counties have an arts program, which requires a department and staff. He suggested that the next time the foundation presents to the council they provide an estimate as to how much money is saved from the public sector funding arts programs.

“You may in the future want to impress upon us… tell us how much money the council is possibly saving by your arts program, the impact of savings to the taxpayers by providing this through volunteers. It would just be an interesting number for us to see.”

Grimes said in her presentation that next year’s presentation will include that number. She added that the foundation has a multimillion-dollar budget and has its financial statements available online, as it is a nonprofit organization.

“I think exposure to the arts is an important thing, and we thank you guys for all you’re doing,” said Councilman Rob Arlett, noting he is sometimes able to enjoy the musical performances from his home, depending on the wind.

For more information about the Freeman Foundation, community members may visit www.freemanstage.org.

Council introduces revised ordinance on vendor stands

Also at the April 14 meeting, the council unanimously voted to introduce an ordinance to amend County Code relating to temporary removable vendor stands.

County Administrator Todd Lawson said the draft was changed per council direction to include the B-1 Neighborhood Business District as property where such temporary vendors may be located.

The proposed ordinance language specifies that the property must be zoned C-1, CR-1 or B-1 only; the structure must be temporary and removable (including food trucks, selling food, food-related or agricultural products only); must be in operation for six months or less; have only one stand per parcel, at a maximum size of 8.5 feet wide by 45 feet long; the activity must be approved, in writing, by the property owner; a drawing showing the stand location be submitted to the County; and a valid State of Delaware business license must be provided to the County.

Additionally, if Planning & Zoning Director Lawrence Lank feels it is necessary, he may do a “kick-out” of the process and require the applicant to seek Board of Adjustment approval.

“The intent of this ordinance is to streamline the efforts so that a temporary removable vendor, which includes food trucks and similar trailers, located on premise no more of six months for only the sale of food, agriculture products and other food-related goods” can be permitted, said Lawson, “allowing them to go through a simple permitting process in lieu of what is currently required, which is a conditional-use process.”

The proposed amendment will have to go through two levels of public hearings before the Planning & Zoning Commission before returning to County Council.

Coastal Point • Maria Counts: Carol Bodine will be sworn in as Ocean View Town Council District 4 council person on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m.Following eight hours at the polls, Ocean View residents had made their voices heard by electing Carol Bodine to serve as District 4 councilperson for the next three years.

Bodine was one of four candidates running for the council seat held by term-limited councilman Bob Lawless.

Bodine, a Wedgefield resident, won the seat with 133 votes. Candidate Kent Liddle received 85 votes, Jon DeBuchananne received 23 votes, and Don Walsh received 14.

“I’m thrilled at the results,” said Bodine. “I’m honored that I was with such a qualified group and that I still won. They were all good people and would’ve done a good job.”

During the campaign, Bodine, along with friends and family, campaigned throughout the town and were able to knock on the door of every voter.

“We didn’t miss a house… I had a great team. We knocked on every door in three weeks. We covered all of the Ocean View voters. … When people were coming out to vote, they told me, ‘You were the one who came to the door, and I appreciated that.’

“If they weren’t home, I left my material and would write on it, ‘Sorry I missed you.’ Several people would say the same thing to me — ‘We got your note, and we’re sorry we weren’t there.’”

At the polls on Election Day, Bodine — who was there from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — said her efforts to reach Ocean View citizens were recognized.

“That’s what people want. They want you to ask for their vote. That’s a precious thing to them. When you ask for their vote, they’ll listen to you and they’ll respond you.”

Bodine said she plans to read up on the Town’s rules and regulations before being sworn in, as to best prepare herself for her new role.

“New things will come up that you’re not expecting, and that’s when you have to dig in and do the best you can.,” she said. “I will also be asking to do a ride-along with the police department so they can give me their perspective, too.”

Bodine, a retired registered nurse, currently serves as state secretary for the Republican Party. She said she is looking forward to serving her friends and neighbors.

“I hope to continue the work of the present council. They’re organized; they’ve done a great job. I’ve gotten to know them all. They’re to be respected,” she said. “Bob Lawless should be commended for the six years he put in there.”

Bodine will be sworn in at a reorganizational meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 28, at town hall, beginning at 6 p.m.

Lawless reflects on time on council

At this week’s Ocean View Town Council meeting, councilman Bill Olsen suggested the Town request that the two temporary traffic signals at the intersections of Windmill Avenue with Central Avenue and Cedar Drive with Central Avenue remain in place following construction.

When Route 26 was closed in two spots for bridge repairs, from January through March, the temporary traffic signals were installed to improve traffic flow on the designated detour route.

With the detour ended, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has allowed construction crews to use lane closures on Route 26, even during the morning commute, until May 14. (Previously, two lanes had to be open from 6 to 9 a.m.).

DelDOT officials have said that the temporary traffic signals will remain in place until May 15, when the summer construction schedule begins.

“Then they will come out, immediately following the end of daytime lane closures,” said Ken Cimino, project manager for AECOM, at Tuesday morning’s Route 26 construction advisory group meeting.

At the meeting, Jill Frey, a lead designer for Century Engineering, said drivers should not get used to the signals.

“Those intersections don’t warrant traffic signals. The traffic manuals have pretty specific cases. … They do not meet those [standards], and the longer we leave them up operational, the harder it is to take them out…”

During Tuesday night’s council meeting, Olsen said drivers have already gotten used to using the back roads during the construction.

“I can’t see why we can’t say to DelDOT ‘keep them up,’ because we have two more years of [Route] 26 traffic. All they have to do with the temporary lights is put them on more even. I think the timing is just a little off right now.”

Outgoing Councilman Bob Lawless and Councilman Tom Sheeran both agreed with Olsen’s suggestion.

“The one at Windmill from the east can be handled without it, but when you’re coming off of Windmill or coming from the west, the traffic is coming at a fairly good clip as they’re coming into the Bear Trap area, and it forces them to slow down a little bit,” said Sheeran of an area where the posted speed limit drops from 40 mph to 30 mph.

He added that a house located on the corner of Windmill and Central can make it difficult for drivers to see traffic.

“I think the part-timers or visitors we get every year have become accustomed to the back roads and will continue to use them.”

Councilman Geoff Christ said that, even though Route 26 has been reopened, with temporary lane closures, “It’s almost just as bad as having it closed.”

“The traffic backs up rather quickly. I don’t even use Route 26. I’ve gotten so used to back roads… I think it’s a great idea, because I don’t think the traffic has thinned out on those roads yet because of the state of 26.”

Mayor Walter Curran said he also liked the idea of the lights remaining at those intersections.

“We cannot mandate this. We have to go to DelDOT and request it. It’s entirely up to DelDOT,” he said.

Curran asked Ocean View Police Department Capt. Heath Hall if the OVPD has any opinion on the lights.

“We’re in favor of the lights. We like them,” he said. “I do agree with Mr. Olsen that the timing needs to be tweaked… I’m not really getting too many complaints on the lights — I’m getting complaints on the timing of the lights.”

He said the lights could be switched to flash in the off-season, if deemed appropriate for traffic flow.

“Another thing to think about is, look at your growth area,” said Hall. “We’re just going to keep getting more and more people, more and more traffic back in that area.”

The council voted unanimously to send a letter to DelDOT requesting that the two traffic signals be made permanent.

The Town also held its annual municipal election on Saturday, April 11, for the District 4 council seat currently held by Lawless.

With 133 total votes cast, Wedgefield resident Carol Bodine won the seat. Kent Liddle received 85 votes, Jon DeBuchananne received 23 votes and Don Walsh received 14.

“Congratulations to Carol Bodine for winning the election,” said Curran to Bodine, who was in attendance at the council meeting. “I personally want to thank the other three candidates for coming up to the plate and coming out and doing this. It was a very good election cycle.”

At the meeting, Lawless was presented with a plaque in recognition of his service to the Town. He spoke to the council and those in attendance at the meeting and shared his thoughts on the past six years.

“I’ve gotten to know three Ocean View mayors since moving here — Gary Meredith, Gordon Wood and Walt Curran. All are fine men and have been superb leaders. As long as such people are willing to step forward and invest their effort, the Town’s future is assured.

“Further, term limits are a good thing. After two terms, a person begins to think he is the repository of good ideas and knows how best to get things done. We see the result of this dangerous thinking in towns where councilpersons remain in place for decades. Thank god it doesn’t happen here.”

Lawless said that, during his tenure on council, he was able to see the creation of a public works building, the Town’s staff is paid based on objective data, and street maintenance follows a professionally managed plan, among other things.

“Challenges remain for the next and future councils. Unexpected regulatory burdens will be imposed by county, state and federal governments. Our neighbors will continue to resist the Town’s best intentions and refuse easements. Property owners who are not fulltime residents will continue to need outrage to feel themselves to be part of our town. Business owners must be made to feel like they have a voice in our town’s governance.

“It has been an honor to represent the people of the Fourth District. I now join the Ocean View alumni association. The fact that four excellent candidates contested to replace me makes me certain our town is in good hands.”

Lawless added that he hopes the “Lawless rule” that has been said at every council workshop will continue following his departure.

“At a workshop, the person whose cell phone rings buys pizza for all present.”

Christ acknowledged Lawless’ time, and his ability to have the most citizens turnout for a meeting, when he suggested Woodland Avenue be made into a one-way street.

“It was Mayor Curran, who had the first suggestion, and I made a motion essentially so we would get people to come to our meetings,” noted Lawson. “The good part of having an effective council is people aren’t angry, so they’re not motivated to come out and attend meetings.

“The bad part of that is we get complacent. We begin to think we’re doing everything right and we have all sorts of wisdom, and we don’t. We really need the townspeople to be involved… We should have more people here. We must be doing something right.”

Resident Steve Cobb said that Lawless brought stability back to the council.

“People still disagree, but they disagree with honor,” he said. “Thank you.”

In other Town news:

• In his report to council, Hall noted that Chief Ken McLaughlin had received a letter from Charles Tennermann, a paramedic with Sussex County EMS, commending Officer Justin Hopkins for his response to an incident at the end of March.

Tennermann said emergency personnel were dispatched for a cardiac arrest reported at World Gym on March 28. Hopkins arrived to the scene before any other units were able to. Tennermann said that, according to World Gym staffers, Hopkins took over CPR measures from bystanders and administered two shocks from an AED machine on-site.

“The patient had pulses back by the time I arrived on scene and regained consciousness during our time with him. By the time we arrived at Beebe Medical Center, the patient was fully conscious, with stable vitals and neurological function, with no memory of the incident. By all signs, the patient appears to be headed toward an extremely favorable outcome, thanks in large part to the actions of bystanders at World Gym and Officer Hopkins.”

In his letter, Tennermann wrote that he did not speak with Hopkins much on scene but wanted to reach out to the chief to share how impressed he was with Hopkins’ professionalism and actions.

“As you may know, up to approximately 90 percent of out of hospital cardiac arrest patients die, and more still have unfavorable neurological outcomes. This patient was very much on the lucky side of statistics today, and much of that outcome comes from Officer Hopkins’ prompt and skillful actions.”

The council voted unanimously to officially commend Hopkins for his actions and that it be made a part of his permanent personnel record.

• Hall reported that an epoxy and sealant had recently been applied to the floors in the OVPD cellblock and sally port. He said that, along with enhancing the appearance of the floors, the epoxy is 10 times stronger than concrete and is slip-resistant.

Sheeran said he had heard about a young woman who had since been brought into the department and who had previously been in the cellblock.

“When she walked in, her comment was, ‘Oh, I like the way you fixed the place up.’”

“I guess we can take that as a comment,” Curran said with a laugh.

• The council unanimously approved the annual operating budget for the 2016 fiscal year, as well as an ordinance establishing the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years ending April 30, 2016, to April 30, 2020.

• The town council will hold its reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, April 28, at 6 p.m. at town hall.

• The town was recently named a 2014 Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. An Arbor Day celebration will be held at the Wallace A. Melson Municipal Building on April 24 at 10 a.m., where a river birch tree, provided by the Delaware Forest Service, will be planted.

• Ocean View’s annual Homecoming event will be held Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between April 6-12 made 1,254 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 110 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 41 complaints and issued 26 citations.

Citations issued included: three citations for operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area; two citations for damaging state property; five citations for hunting wild turkeys over bait; hunting with an unplugged shotgun; six citations for hunting without a license; three citations of possession of undersized largemouth bass; possession of undersized white perch; and illegal use of cast net in tidal water within 300 feet of a dam or spillway (1); as well as operating an unregistered vessel and no boating safety certificate.

The turkey hunting violations involved not having a required turkey hunter education course and carrying a loaded weapon in or on a motor vehicle.

Hunting over bait for game birds, including wild turkeys, is illegal in Delaware. Each of the five individuals cited this week for hunting wild turkeys over bait was fined $342. An area is generally considered baited if grain or other feed has been placed as a lure or attraction for game birds.

With spring fishing season gearing up, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police reminded recreational anglers that it is now unlawful in Delaware to harvest or possess river herring — long a popular baitfish in the striped bass hook-and-line fishery — and that an alternate type of bait must be used. Signs giving notice of the fishery closure are posted at various fishing locations. Fines for illegal possession of river herring begin at $50 for a first offense, and increase to $100 to $500 for a second offense.

Also, as fish begin entering the spillways this spring, anglers are being reminded that using any type of net to catch fish in tidal water within 300 feet below a constructed dam or spillway on a tidal river, stream, canal, ditch or tributary is illegal, with the exception of using a landing net on a fish caught with hook and line.

Anglers are also being reminded that during spawning season for striped bass in Delaware, which began on April 1 and continues through midnight on May 31, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C&D Canal, or the C&D Canal or its tributaries. Anglers are required to practice catch-and-release fishing during this season, with no harvest allowed in these areas.

In addition, regulations require anglers fishing on any striped bass spawning ground during the closed spawning season with natural bait to use a non-offset circle hook. The Division of Fish & Wildlife recommends that circle hooks always be used when fishing natural baits because of their proven ability to reduce hook-and-release mortality for striped bass and other fish species. The circle hook’s design usually results in fish being hooked in the mouth, simplifying hook removal and reducing injury to the released fish, they said.

Most anglers are required to have a Delaware fishing license. Licenses are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call (302) 739-9918.

The public is encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling (302) 739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 1-800-292-3030 or online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/OpGameTheft.aspx.