By Greg Bassett

Saturday, Oct. 17, 1970 --

• A blaze at the J.I. Wells Creosote Plant southwest of Salisbury destroyed the facility’s maintenance shop and parts storage area, and caused more than $100,000 in damage. Six companies from across the region were called to the fire. Battling the blaze was especially difficult, officials said, because acetylene tanks and gasoline tanks were exploding as the fire spread, making it dangerous to access the flames.
• Four of the five Democratic candidates running for Wicomico County Council were quizzed at a forum held by the National Taxpayers Coordinating Committee. About 75 people, mostly NTCC local chapter members, attended the event at a meeting room in Salisbury Mall. On the panel were incumbents Wade H. Insley Jr. and George Burnett, as well as hopefuls Hermus W. Lowe and Patrick Hannon. Candidate Albert J. Bailey could not attend. The contenders were divided on one of the NTCC’s pet issues: Implementing an elected county school board to control educational overspending.
• The County Council has deferred action on the final phase of an improvement program for Salisbury-Wicomico County Airport. The county will proceed with installation of a $200,000 Instrument Landing System that will allow properly equipped aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions, but will hold off on a $405,000 runway extension plan. Councilman David Grier said he was convinced the current 5,000-foot runway was long enough and meets federal criteria.
• Maryland State Police are investigating two weekend thefts from boats docked at the Wicomico Yacht Club. Items valued at more than $1,000 in total were stolen from the “Paper Doll,” owned by Raymond E. Hudson of Woodland Road, and “Six Pack,” owned by Douglas Maxwell of Hebron. Among the stolen items was a kitchen blender, portable television, CB radio, binoculars, whiskey, a tape player and a multi-band radio.
• Nationally renowned wig designer Mr. Geray will visit Marilou’s Salon De Fashion on Friday to offer free wig consultations, Marilou’s is located at 920 Cooper St. in Salisbury.