By Greg Bassett

Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000 --

• The flu has its grip on the Eastern Shore and hospitals were scrambling Wednesday to find beds for the seemingly endless stream of patients. “We’re at the mercy of whatever bed is flying around out there,” said Karen Poisker, a Vice President at Peninsula RegionalMedical Center. Hospital officials from Berlin to Baltimore were reporting packed Emergency Rooms and no empty beds.
• Airport expansion, Wallops Island and Health Maintenance Organizations were topics on U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s mind when she paid a visit to the Wicomico County Council on Wednesday. The Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport needs to expand a runway to allow for jet service and Mikulski said she would help county officials with a request for federal aid. The Democrat said more commercial flights will be needed in Salisbury, especially if Wallops keeps expanding its defense programs.
• City Councilwoman Lavonzella Siggers held a public meeting this week to gather more opinions about suggested changes to the City Charter. The council is considering a proposal to hire a city manager and make the mayor a voting council member without executive power. Council President Robert Cannon attended the forum and announced he will likely vote in favor of the change. Siggers said she remains opposed.
• Salisbury building officials are backing away from a decision to shut down a Salisbury State University housing development over concerns of faulty construction and fire hazards. The City Council informally agreed to issue a cease-and-desist order to halt construction at University Park Apartments on Milford Street. City Housing Director William Holland said at least one of the buildings has numerous code violations. A meeting between the city, the contractors and state officials has been scheduled to resolve the matter.
• Wicomico Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Gary Mackes said a new five-year, $9 million recreational land use plan will “enhance the county’s quality of life.” Among the purchases on Mackes’ list is land for a West Metro Core park southwest of Salisbury.
• Holly Center will hold a 25th anniversary celebration this week with a musical performance and ceremony. The Mardela Middle and High School Choir is expected to be one of the performance groups at Friday’s event.
• Movies playing in Salisbury this week include “Galaxy Quest,” “The Green Mile,” “Toy Story 2” and “Deuce Bigalow” at the Centre At Salisbury 10, and “The Sixth Sense,” “The World Is Not Enough” and “Man On The Moon” at the Salisbury Cinemas 6.