Editorial

The shoulder season is now in full swing, and downtown Bethany Beach will be the center of attention this weekend.

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end to the summer season down here in our little slice of coastal paradise.

It would seem our sleepy little community is becoming a little less sleepy. And, thankfully, local law enforcement has stepped up to the challenge.

There is little doubt that technology has had an intense impact on nearly every facet of our lives.

Beginning with the invention of the wheel, continuing on with cars and airplanes and exploding in recent years with the computer chip and Internet, society has always looked for “The Next Big Thing.”

We knew when we stopped running the television listings a few months ago, there would be some reaction from our readers. That being said, we probably underestimated the response.

Just getting into town for a week of vacation at the shore? Or, do you live here year-round, and you’re just looking for something fun to do that doesn’t require you battling beach traffic?

Trust me, we have the perfect event for you.

The group announcement Tuesday morning that three Sussex County Council members would not be seeking re-election this year has certainly grabbed headlines and facilitated conversations throughout the community this week, and with good reason.

As the Senior League Softball World Series in Roxana nears, it’s important to stress once again what a feather this is in our collective caps.

In response to residents’ concerns about not having an adequate say at town meetings, the Ocean View Town Council voted Tuesday night to try a four-month experimental change at its meetings that would allow for more participation from residents on current issues.

For what’s perceived to be a little beach community, we certainly can do the small-town patriotic event as well as anybody.

The State Senate and House recently passed SB 235, a bill that would disclose specific information about the eight “cancer clusters” in the state recently identified by the Division of Public Health. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has reportedly disagreed with releasing this information because she feels it violates confidentiality and privacy issues.

The tragic ambulance crash Tuesday morning that claimed the lives of an 82-year-old patient and a 31-year-old paramedic sent shockwaves throughout our entire community.

It appears the acrimony still exists in Ocean View.

Though the recent town council and mayoral elections caused many to believe that the town was heading down a less-confrontational road, public sentiment over the proposed gas station in the town has stirred up bad feelings and worse behavior. Only now, it’s not the officials squabbling.

A slate of dignitaries was on hand last week for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Georgetown Veterans’ Outpatients Clinics, and smiles and optimism were shared by all.

It’s inspiring, really.

Three young men from this community, a year removed from walking the halls at Indian River High School, decided to walk some 400 miles from North Carolina to their homes in Sussex County. The trek seems to be the stuff reserved for young men full of vigor — a grueling test of the mental and physical limits of man.

This is a big summer season for this community.

As is the case in the majority of the nation, the real estate market has cooled. Gas prices could hinder some of our day-trippers and weekend visitors. And a general slow-down in the national economy leaves us somewhat vulnerable, if for no other reason many of our visitors come to us from locations hit hard by the downturn.

The Indian River School District is holding a referendum on Thursday, May 22, to generate funding for operating expenses, salaries and the implementation of full-day kindergarten.

As voters in the Indian River School District head to the polls this Tuesday, May 13, to elect representatives for three seats on the school board in Districts 4 and 5, it’s pretty clear that these candidates have the potential to have a tremendous impact on the lives of those in coastal Sussex County.

Prom night carries with it the notion of magic. It’s the formal ball, the last go-around with your classmates, the mystical night with that special person. It’s about high school kids putting on their formal best, dining at that special restaurant and generally being the stars of the show for that one unique evening.

For parents, well, there are indeed other emotions.

It’s really no secret that the town of Ocean View has been filled with acrimony over the past several months.

There comes a time in each man’s life when he must look himself in the mirror, take an honest appraisal of himself and come to terms with what he truly is in the grand scheme of things.

Heading into last Saturday’s Ocean View Town Council and mayoral elections, the major topic of the race was the negativity and differing opinions of the candidates. There was no question as to the importance of this election, judging by letters to the editor and talking to people around town, and we expected there would be a huge turnout.

In one of the most highly-anticipated local elections in recent memory, voters in Ocean View will select a new mayor and council member during Saturday’s election.

We do love it when a plan comes together.

On Friday, April 11, people will gather on Kent Avenue in Bethany Beach at 1 p.m. for groundbreaking ceremonies to celebrate the multi-million dollar expansion of the South Coastal Library.

At our hearts, newspapers pride themselves most on the basic premise of providing information to the citizenry.

We often bemoan the apathy shown during many local elections. There are often not enough candidates in the towns to hold elections and, when there are, voter turnout is often very low.

When news began circulating that Gary Taylor was contemplating retiring from his position as town administrator of Selbyville, a collective gasp could be heard coming from that town. Taylor had been a fixture in Selbyville for 10 years, putting his financial acumen and personal touch to improving the quality of life for that community.

When plans were first announced for the sewer work along Route 26 in Millville, businesses dotting that area were understandably concerned. There was fear that the road work would not only cause traffic problems in front of their businesses, but that, more importantly, it would prevent customers from getting to their businesses.

With the deadline approaching for Sussex County to complete its 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update, county leaders are meeting with state agencies and holding public hearings so they can move forward with having the plan ratified.

If there’s one town that has seen plenty of debate over the past few years, it’s Ocean View. Be it long-range financial questions, debates over the town’s police presence or just rancor amongst a few of the town’s council members, Ocean View has seen its share of conflict amongst its leadership.

And now it’s looking at a coming election.