Thursday, May 23, 1996 --

• Wicomico Sheriff’s deputies were seeking clues in the theft of a 200-pound lead chicken they believe to have fallen victim to “fowl play.” The bird, a yard decoration, was stolen last weekend. Officials were not releasing the owner’s name, to protect the individual from harassing calls and possible ransom demands. The object is approximately 2-feet-tall and gray in color.

• Three new members have taken their seats on the Salisbury City Council. Sworn in this week were Palmer Gillis, Robert Cannon and Frank Himelright. The new members immediately selected Carolyn Hall to serve as Council President. Mayor W. Paul Martin Jr. noted it was the first time in his 38 years in local politics that he had spoken the words “Madam President.”

• Wicomico County has opened its new Tourist Information Center on Leonard’s Mill Pond in north Salisbury. The 5,000-square-foot facility will serve as the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s home base and assist motorists entering the county on southbound Route 13. Director Lewis R. Carman said the county will continue its push to attract visitors; tourism generated $57 million in 1994.

• The Wicomico Republican Central Committee has forwarded six names to Gov. Parris N. Glendening for consideration to the county’s school board. Two positions are expiring: one held by John C. Seipp, whose second term is expiring, thereby making him ineligible for reappointment; and Marie B. Calafiura, who is on the committee’s reappointment candidates list. Also on the Central Committee list: Eric Edstrom of Fruitland, Louise D. Harcum of Mardela Springs, Nan DeVincent-Hayes of Salisbury, Ann Brittingham Suthowski of Salisbury and George L. Whitehead III of Salisbury.

• Departing City Council President Bob Gladden left a to-do list for the new council. Incoming Council President Carolyn Hall said she hadn’t reviewed Gladden’s memo yet, but would do so as a group with other council members. Among Gladden’s suggestions: Give the mayor a vote on the council, rein in council travel expenses and implement nonpartisan elections in the city. Gladden failed to win re-election this month by 25 votes.

• The Wicomico Board of License Commissioners, which regulates alcohol sales in the county, said it is fielding complaints from Shorebirds-game customers at the new Arthur W. Perdue who are miffed by the everyone-must-show-an-ID policy governing beer sales. Chief Inspector Greg Rickards said the policy will continue, regardless of whether the customer appears young or old.

• Cpl. Mike Lewis of the Maryland State Police is urging motorists to use extra caution tomorrow night on Route 50 in the area of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Lewis said Shorebirds game traffic, when mixed with heavy beachbound traffic, will make for traffic headaches in the Hobbs Road intersection. The game is at 7 p.m. which is also the time that peak traffic headed to Ocean City is expected.