Ocean View News

Hello, tennis players! Isn't it great seeing this wave of warmer days and nights? As we turn from winter to spring, there are many ways to have fun on the courts and work on your tennis game, too.

OCEAN VIEW -- Three newcomers and a sitting councilman are vying for two open council seats, amid concerns that the town's politics have become too contentious.

Georgetown-area residents opposed to expanding legalized gambling are pressing Sussex County Council to join their cause by issuing a resolution against casino construction in Sussex County.

OCEAN VIEW-- For the next few months, Chantal Bouchard will be spotted in her Ocean View yard, cleaning and pruning her garden in preparation for spring.

The Town Council has met with Rep. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, and Sen. George Bunting Jr., D-Bethany Beach, to propose a set of changes to the town charter that would have to be approved by the state legislature.

OCEAN VIEW -- A final public hearing to address the town's proposed fiscal year 2011 budget raised several community concerns, as residents urged council to reconsider an 8 percent increase in property taxes.

BETHANY BEACH -- The Assawoman Canal Dredging Project, an initiative 25 years in the making, is expected to come to a close this spring as workers make their way through the last half mile of the channel, officials said.

OCEAN VIEW -- Since announcing his bid for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Vice President Joe Biden, Councilman Perry Mitchell has ramped up fundraising efforts in advance of the hotly contested race.

REHOBOTH BEACH -- The Coalition for West Rehoboth has received a $6,000 grant for trash collection from County Council for trash collection and street lights.

OCEAN VIEW -- Although the Town Council voted to continue pursuing a resolution that would have brought one or more chaplains onto the police force, Councilman Bill Wichmann said he is likely to withdraw the proposal.

OCEAN VIEW -- A proposal to rescind the town's July 2006 censure of Councilman Bill Wichmann has reignited debate over how the written reprimand should be used, as well as allegations of blackmail among current council members.

"Strut for a Smile," a charity fashion show to benefit Operation Smile, will be held Friday, Feb.

Sussex County Council denied a proposed office complex on Savannah Road, stressing concerns with sewer capacity and traffic.

GEORGETOWN -- Months after the county assumed the responsibility of dog control, officials are now worried the new program could be costly if more dog owners don't register their pets and pay their dues.

OCEAN VIEW -- After watching the haunting images of the Haiti disaster on television, Lisa DiFebo-Osias knew she wanted to help.

OCEAN VIEW -- Town Manager Conway Gregory's appointment to the position as mayor of Denton, Md., has led some to question his ability to fulfill the administrative duties of both positions.

When she was younger, Christina Trager, 18, sacrificed soda or chocolate for Lent.

OCEAN VIEW -- Amy Rice stood before a hall filled with family, friends and supporters, holding back tears to deliver a message to the community: Hope is alive and strong for Greg Forte.

The following events have been canceled or postponed: * Cape Henlopen schools are closed for the remainder of the week.

First State Community Action Agency recently received donations of clothes and necessities for individuals in need, with more than 10 large bags of men's and women's professional clothing and 40 bags of toiletry items delivered to the agency.