Coastal Point • CHRISTINA WEAVER Eric Simons of Ocean View finds a wall of water while surfing on Friday, Feb. 3.

Coastal Point viewpoint 02.10.06

DNREC looks at saltwater fishing licenses
Concerned hunters and anglers traveled to Delaware Tech on Feb. 7 to weigh in on, among other things, a proposed saltwater fishing license that would be the first the state has ever required.

Bush budget proposal eliminates beach funding one more time
It’s become an annual tradition, like the Memorial Day weekend rush to the shore, the Bethany Beach Fourth of July parade or children returning to school in the fall. But the news from President George W. Bush’s annual budget recommendations is less than good again this year for Bethany Beach and South Bethany officials.

Bennett takes open seat on Millville Town Council
Joan Bennett knows a little bit about local government.

Board defers decision on height variance
Sussex County Board of Adjustments (BoA) members put off a decision Monday on the controversial application by NV Homes to allow an additional variance for the height of homes in the Fenwick Shores project, just outside Fenwick Island.

State considers cushioning electricity hikes
With drastic energy rate hikes looming, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner responded this week with an executive order authorizing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct a feasibility study that may lead to deferred electricity rate increases.

Selbyville opens up process for wasewater bids
After more than three years of planning and designing its new wastewater plant, Selbyville opened the bids on Thursday in preparation to construct the state-funded project. All four bids received came in above the estimated construction cost of $1.3 million, ranging from $1.8 million to $3.2 million to replace the outdated, existing plant on Polly Branch Road.

Police station bids surprise Ocean View
When Ocean View town officials opened the six proposed bids to construct the town’s new Police station, their jaws might have hit the floor.

Renewal of vows to highlight Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day will be even more romantic than usual at the CHEER Coastal Leisure Center this year. On Feb. 14, a half-dozen couples plan to renew their wedding vows, with the center and anyone who wishes to attend ready to support and celebrate the happy occasion.

Guest Column--Beach-use regulations get a closer look
No private citizen should have to prepare such a document as the one below. As part of the process to make these changes to the state’s beach-use regulations, DNREC should provide citizens a red-lined document reflecting the old language, new language, examples of what each change is, and is not, and an explanation of the reasons for the changes.

Selbyville police arrest two in theft
Selbyville police officers recently arrested two local women for allegedly using a credit card to steal about $37,000 from Fireplace Specialties, a Selbyville business.

Traffic concerns at center of workshop
Kyle Gulbronson, Millville’s land planner, has concerns about development in the town.

Phobias are true challenges to overcome
A woman in Bethany Beach would like to see her son more often. He lives in Suburban Washington but a trip that takes most people three hours to drive takes him double the time. That is because his route takes him north on I-95 instead of east on Route 50. Her son has a fear of driving over the Bay Bridge. The official name is gephyrophobia.

This date in Delaware history

State consultants visit local libraries
State and county librarians and consultants stopped by three local libraries this week to put out a few feelers, and field some local input.

Historical preservation focus of workshop
Dozens of preservation-minded Sussex Countians came together in at the Georgetown Historical Society on Jan. 30 to meet with experts on historical zoning and building preservation — all toward the end of preserving some of the county’s oldest and most cherished structures.

South Bethany aims to update parking code
South Bethany officials are set to take on an ordinance change regarding the town’s limited parking this week, with a first reading to potentially amend Chapter 92 of the town code set for the town council’s Feb. 10 meeting.

Quiznos coming to Millville
By this summer, people stuck in traffic on Route 26 in Millville will have another place to stop and get something quick to eat.

Selbyville library bridge language gap
About two weeks ago, a Spanish-speaking Selbyville Public Library patron stood near the front door, dangling a set of keys in front of Jill DiPaolo, the director of the library.

Dagsboro planners play project catch-up
Up until a couple months ago, developers looking to build in Dagsboro brought their proposed projects before Dagsboro Town Council and professional planner Kyle Gulbronson of URS (on retainer with the town).

Obituaries

Pottery and more
It gets a little damp and cold by the seaside this time of year, so shopkeeper Kimberly Flynn’s outdoor selections (planters, garden ornaments, benches, statuary) probably won’t get their deserved attention until springtime.

Stories of dolls
When Christina Weaver settled down with husband Ike just outside South Bethany in the late 1990s, one thing she wanted to do was collect some antiques. But a visit to a Rehoboth Beach antique fair in 2000 helped the Englishwoman tie her antiques hobby to a desire to connect her new granddaughter with her husband’s African-American heritage.

Boys turn the tide on streak
Indian River’s boys’ basketball team put a stop to its five-game losing skid and now sports a two-game win streak instead. But none of that will matter come Friday, Feb. 10. Southern conference contender Woodbridge (11-6 overall, 7-2 conference) will lace ’em up against the Indians for a rematch of their mid-December clash, which Indian River (11-7 overall, 8-1 conference) won 82-76.

Indians hang on for win
If given the choice, Indians Head Wrestling Coach Jeff Windish would start a match at the top and the strength of his lineup with Perry Townsend, who wrestles at 189 pounds. Indian River hosted Lake Forest on Feb. 3 and Windish did go with his gut. He gave the nod to the Townsend twin and sparked a “chain reaction,” of pins to defeat the Spartans 47-24.

Cousins do battle on court
The Indian River girls’ basketball team can go toe-to-toe with any team in half-court offense. They have the athletes to penetrate the lane for scoring opportunities and to thwart half-court offenses. But they still have to learn to play all facets of the game.

Warhawks look to regroup after pasting
Losing a game 61-0 means something isn’t working. With that established, Sussex County Warhawks Head Coach John Boyer this week shifted the entire right side of his offensive line after giving up 11 sacks and failing to yield positive offensive yardage. The New Castle Saints’ defensive front won the war of the muddy trenches on Feb. 4, and in the end limited the Warhawks to -50 yards in total offense.

Changes sparks win
Indian River’s boys’ basketball team started the season out hot, with an 8-2 overall record. But five straight losses to Northern Henlopen Conference teams threw the team into a tail-spin and a nearly even record. Head Coach Pat Kelly needed a lift for his team, so he shuffled the starting lineup – and the initial spark has now turned into a blazing inferno.

Friends and foes
One could search all the stories of antiquity and probably not find as fine a tale of two best friends — champions even — pitted against each other in a contest of strength and skill.