Tuesday, May 9, 1978 --

• Betty K. Gardner became the first woman ever to file for a seat on the Wicomico County Council. Currently a member of the county Board of Zoning Appeals, she is employed by her family’s construction business and lives on Atlantic Avenue. Wade H. Insley III, a Salisbury lawyer, will serve as her campaign treasurer.
• The owners of Little Jimmy’s Nite Club on Alexander Street in Salisbury pleaded “no contest” to two charges of serving alcoholic beverages to customers under the age of 18. County Liquor Board Chairman Norris B. Twilley said he and panel members will review Salisbury Police Detective Coulbourn M. Dykes’ four-page arrest report before deciding whether to suspend the club’s Class “D” tavern permit.
• The No. 43 1974 Dodge Charger made famous by racing legend Richard Petty will be on display at Barr Dodge on North Salisbury Boulevard. Petty drove the Charger to 31 victories and 16 pole positions in a four-year span.
• More than 700 people packed into the Delmarva Convention Center for a 79th birthday dinner to honor Avery W. Hall. Dignitaries included former Gov. J. Millard Tawes, Salisbury Mayor Elmer F. Rurak, and an array of business and political leaders.
• Salisbury Realtor William J. Ahtes and builder/developer J. Roland Dashiell presided over a groundbreaking for Canal Woods II, which will add 28 new condominiums to the existing 42 units in south Salisbury. Sales will be coordinated by the Ahtes and Hanna Group
• Choptank Hall on the Salisbury State College campus was heavily damaged by a blaze that took 60 firefighters several hours to extinguish. About 20 student occupants of the dormitory escaped without injury in the blaze, which was reported at 12:30 a.m. Firefighters said dense, gray smoke was pouring from the second-floor windows when they arrived.
• Salisbury Police are investigating a burglary at the 914 Camden Ave. home of state Sen. Mary Nock. Police said the burglar entered the residence through a down - stairs window, stole silverware from the dining room and then went upstairs, where the former senator’s wallet was stolen. The silverware was valued at $1,655, police said.
• Mrs. Donald W. Mabe has been installed as Regent of the Samuel Chase Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Others installed include: May H. Truitt, First Vice President; Mrs. Julius Dilworth, Second Vice President; Mrs. Elmer Lynch, Chaplain; Mrs. Frank D. Smith, Recording Secretary; Mrs. Wayne Davenport, Corresponding Secretary; and Mrs. Charles A. Popp, Treasurer.