Saturday, Feb. 26, 1977 --

• Residents near High Banks and the Koppers Co. plant near Upper Ferry are concerned about the plight of a dog that has been observed for several weeks along the Wicomico River. Witnesses say the dog is maintaining a vigil and may have fallen off a tug boat or barge using the river. It is presumed the dog, which appears to be a collie, is waiting to once again see its master. The dog was seen on an ice floe last week, but was also observed escaping to shore.
• Wi-Hi Coach Butch Waller said his Tribe basketball team “got caught looking ahead to the Districts” on Friday night and lost 72-66 on the road at Cambridge-South Dorchester. Emory Morris and Kevin King were the only Indians to score in double-points. With an 18-3 record, Wi-Hi is a favorite in the upcoming playoffs.
• Salisbury State College has opened its new $5 million Physical Activities Center on the south end of campus. SSC President Norman Crawford said the facility has been sorely needed because of rising enrollment. There were 1,000 students in 1969 and there are 4,000 students on campus this year. The facility includes a pool and racquetball courts.
• Salisbury and Ocean City Catholics were mourning the passing of the Right Rev. Msgr. Eugene T. Stout. Known to everyone as “The Apostle To The Shore,” Msgr. Stout served on the Lower Shore for 40 years. One of his major accomplishments was construction of the mammoth St. Francis de Sales Church on Riverside Drive.
• Maryland Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein was in Salisbury to meet with local State Tax Office Director Milton “Bill” Ward in preparation for tax filing questions the office would likely be receiving as tax season begins. Because of changes in this year’s tax forms, the local office will offer expanded hours through April 15.