By Greg Bassett

Sunday, March 17, 2002 --

• Looks like Barry Manilow finally made it to Salisbury. The veteran performer appeared Saturday night at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, singing before a sold-out crowd that had expected to see Manilow four months ago. Manilow’s plane had been headed for Salisbury on Dec. 11, but couldn’t land at Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport because of heavy fog. When Manillow first appeared on stage, he acknowledged the long delay by yelling: “Hello Salisbury – finally!”
• Wicomico County officials have agreed to spend an additional $413,000 so contractors can begin work on the Lower Shore Drill Academy, located near the county airport. Construction on the 45-bed juvenile juvenile correction facility has been delayed several times because contractors’ bids have exceeded budget projections. The latest construction cost is pegged at $2.4 million.  
• Though Salisbury Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and challenger Duke Shannahan have yet to even hold a campaign debate, election fever can be seen raging along Camden Avenue in Salisbury. Tilghman and Shannahan live across the street from each other in grand homes along Camden, and their neighbors are weighing in with support. A “sign war” is raging, with the latest count being 20 signs and two banners along the street.
• A 57-year-old Salisbury firefighter was in stable condition after his crew revived him from a heart attack at a fire scene on Saturday. Assistant Chief Gilbert Pusey, a 31-year department veteran, collapsed while coordinating crews at a house fire on Winder Street. Fellow firefighters tried to save Pusey by using CPR, but a defibrillator was ultimately used to revive him.
• Wicomico County officials have agreed to set aside $3 million to begin planning a collector road that will connect Crooked Oak Lane to Naylor Mill Road. County Councilman Philip Tilghmasn said the need for such a road is increasing, as residential growth has added more traffic to Nanticoke Road. Tilghman said the road will help link southwest Wicomico residents with the shopping hubs in north Salisbury.
• Salisbury Police are working to connect with youngsters by visiting schools, and interacting and engaging with young people across the city. Mounted Patrol Officer Lisa Shiells and her horse are popular with youngsters, as is Bicycle Patrol Officer Aaron “Bull” Hudson, who patrols near Pinehurst Elementary School.
• An all-day women’s seminar – addressing the question “Can Women Have It All?” – will be held this week at Salisbury University. Discussing the topic will be SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach, Judge Sally Adkins and Christine Sarbanes, wife of U.S. Sen. Paul Sarbanes. The seminar will be hosted by Kelly Rouse, anchor/producer for WMDT-TV News.
• Salisbury City Council President William Stacey did nothing wrong when he contacted a landowner on the delayed Northeast Collector Road, the three-member City Ethics Commission has ruled. Commission members cautioned Stacey to be careful when speaking with people involved in negotiations with the city. They said all interaction with such parties should be handled by City Attorney Paul Wilber.
• Wicomico Administrative Director Ted Shea said revenue shortfall projections could reach nearly $1 million, forcing precautionary budget cuts beyond the hiring and spending freeze implemented in November. Shea said revenues have been disrupted by recessionary effects related to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. She said the already-implemented freezes will save about $369,000 for the budget year, but at least another $500,000 in savings will have to be found.