Thursday, Feb. 19, 1976

• Schools Superintendent Harold Fulton reported that contract negotiations with the Wicomico Education Association were at an impasse. Teachers’ negotiator J.C. Parker said he and his group had sought an impasse verdict a week prior, but had not heard back from school officials. Teachers were demanding a pay increase of between 17 percent and 18 percent.
• Seeking to follow a recommendation made a special local commission headed by Public Defender Alfred T. Truitt Jr., the Maryland General Assembly appeared likely to approve a change in Wicomico County’s liquor laws. Under legislation submitted by state Sen. Homer White and Delegate Joe Long, the county could add additional liquors stores and keep its dispensary system.
• Wade H. Insley Jr. reported that the state Board of Public Works was supportive of a plan to turn over 20 acres occupied by the Pine Bluff Sanitarium to be converted to a medical facility for the elderly. Some 100 units uld be constructed at a cost from $2 million to $3 million.
• Miss Patti Sue Gravenor, 16, was named “Buddy Poppy Queen” at the VFW Post 194 in Salisbury. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Gravenor, she is a junior at the new Parkside High School.
• “Three Days Of The Condor” was the featured attraction at the Mall Cinema. “The Hindenburg” starring George C. Scott was at the Boulevard Theater. “Buddy And The Playboys” were appearing at the Moose Lodge on Snow Hill Road.
• An exciting night was expected at the Civic Center, as Jimmy Connors, Illie Nastase and Vitas Gerulaitis were all scheduled to play matches in the National Indoors. Connors was the Salisbury tournament’s top seed.
• First District Congressman Robert Bauman announced he had raised $7,126 to launch his re-election campaign account. The Republican spent $41,955 in his 1974 bid.