By Greg Bassett

Wednesday, April 7, 1999 --

• With more than $100 million in requests and barely $86 million in potential revenue, the Wicomico County Council might need to raise more revenue, said County Administrator Matt Creamer. While Creamer avoided using the word “taxes” in his comments Tuesday, more tax revenue would most likely be needed to close a budget gap of such a projected size. Most council members have been adamant that a tax increase should not be considered this budget year.
• A federal appeals court has rejected most of the claims made by Jersey Heights residents who said they were discriminated against when state and federal officials decided to build the Route 50 Bypass through their neighborhood. While federal Judge Robert B. King wrote that while he had “serious concerns with the shabby treatment the African American residents of Jersey Heights have suffered,” he could not back claims of discrimination.
• This month’s 19th annual Salisbury Dogwood Festival will feature many new and exciting things this year, including a second block party, two old-fashioned ice cream socials, a U.S. Navy Seals demonstration and a jazz benefit featuring food and wine tasting. Event spokesman Paul Kratzer said the event, which kicks off for three days on April 30, will feature 30 food vendors and 34 arts and crafts vendors. It will be held throughout Downtown Salisbury, primarily on Main Street, the Downtown Plaza and along the Wicomico River.
• A Salisbury City Council-appointed panel has recommended that a municipal manager be hired to replace the city’s mayor in running the city’s day-to-day business. Charter Review Committee member Bob Cook said a city manager form of government would go a long way toward eliminating conflicts between Mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and the five council members.
• The future of the proposed drill academy for juvenile offenders is in jeopardy because Wicomico Council members are balking at spending more than the already promised $513,528. Sheriff Hunter Nelms has said he needs an additional $750,000 to get the facility up and running, which includes money to hire 20 drill instructors and pay their salaries. Councilman Richard Adkins, normally the council’s budget hawk, said he supports awarding Nelms the funding because the drill academy is needed to save the lives of youngsters immersed in crime.
• Wicomico schools Superintendent William T. Middleton, recovering from a heart attack he suffered March 8, was in good spirits this week when he attended an event marking Pemberton Elementary School’s 50th anniversary. Pemberton Principal Judylynn Mitchell presented Middleton with a model replica of the school. Middleton declined to say when he might return to work full time.
• The Delmarva Shorebirds will open their 1999 season Thursday night in Macon, Ga., as they face the Macon Braves. Pitcher John Stephens will be on the mound for the Shorebirds, with Jimmy Ostring pitching for the Braves.
• A new WaWa store opened this week on South Salisbury Boulevard on the site where Johnny’s and Sammy’s restaurant operated for years. The store features a deli and large coffee bar and also includes gas pumps which dispense WaWa gas.