THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
VOL. 12 NO. 12
50 cents
NEWS HEADLINES Seaford will hold Riverfest July 13 and 14 See story on page 2 SKATEBOARDS - Bridgeville discusses an ordinance banning the use of skateboards. Page 4 NEW SERIES - A series to introduce readers to area fire-fighters continues this week. Page 8 HIGHER FEES - Driver’s licenses and registration fees are going up. Page 9 WINNER - Find out the winner of the first annual Riverfest Downtown Decorating Contest. Page 16 7-7-07 - Saturday, July 7, could be the biggest day ever in terms of marriage ceremonies. Page 20 NEW HOPE - Delaware Hospice’s Camp New Hope works magic in the lives of children. Page 30 HARRY POTTER - Libraries have events planned for the release of the final Harry Potter book. Page 32
TUESDAY STORM - This large tree on Allen Street, Seaford, was downed Tuesday afternoon as a result of a fast moving storm that swept through the area. Homeowner David Knowles, who wasn’t home at the time, said he felt fortunate the tree fell away from his house. A nearby warehouse also suffered damage to a section of the roof. Photo by Cassie Richardson
POLICE JOURNAL - Police are stepping up efforts against DUI and aggressive drivers. Page 43 LITTLE LEAGUE - Local teams compete in the all-star tournaments. Page 45 SWIM TEAMS - The SG&CC and Seaford Swim Association teams meet. Photos start on page 45. MILITARY - Two area residents have assumed key roles in the military. Page 5, 61
INSIDE THE STAR BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD CHURCH CLASSIFIEDS EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT FRANK CALIO GENE BLEILE GOURMET HEALTH HONOR ROLL LETTERS
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LYNN PARKS MOVIES OBITUARIES ON THE RECORD OPEN HOUSES OPINION PAT MURPHY PEOPLE POLICE JOURNAL SPORTS TIDES/WEATHER TODD CROFFORD
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A cool July 4th festival With evening parade and entertainment in shady Janosik Park, annual event escapes typical heat By Lynn R. Parks On a warm July 4th afternoon, Gwen and Bill Messenger, Blades, sat in the shade of a tree, enjoying the sounds of the classic rock group The Funsters. Each was dressed in red, white and blue; each thought that the Janosik Park on the banks of Broad Creek was a great place for Laurel’s annual Independence Day celebration. “This is a beautiful park,” Gwen said. “This is just like you know it had to be years ago, when all small towns had their own July 4th celebration. “And look at how many people are wearing red, white and blue,” she added, waving her hand in the direc-
tion of the crowd. “This is a really nice place to have the festival,” added her husband, a native of Ohio. “This is how July 4th was when I was a kid, with all the small towns celebrating.” For the first time in its 13-year history, the Laurel Fourth of July celebration was held on the shaded banks of Broad Creek. Food and craft vendors were set up along Laureltowne Street, from Central Avenue to Laureltowne, and the bandstand was set up in Janosik Park. “I love it here,” said Stacy Tripi, Seaford, who was lying on a blanket under a tree on the creek bank. “It is very relaxing.”
Tripi and her boyfriend, Ron Wheeler, also of Seaford, planned to spend the whole day in Laurel. They had just finished a pizza and wanted to get some kind of dessert — “I have to have my sugar,” Tripi said — before the evening’s fireworks. They had also spent the evening before in Laurel, watching the traditional Red, White and Blue Parade and enjoying the sounds of rock band Route 1. “I hope we can do this every year,” Wheeler said. Al Turchin, president of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event, said Tuesday that the Continued on page 4