Opinions! We’ve Got ‘Em! Jimmie Hollis of Millville remembers S. B. Fuller, “One of the country’s greats.” He wonders “why we hear nothing about him in black communities as a role model for young Americans of African ancestry.” Bruce Allen of Del Haven cites examples of writer’s improper uses of economics. He says “we should not use it to support bias or pre-founded opinions. If you use it, use it properly.” Jack Wilson tells us to proceed with caution regarding fracking. He says, “The gas trapped in this shale has been there for a long time. It’s not going anywhere. Let’s take our time and extract it correctly.” Reporter, Jack Fichter talks about PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY THE SEAWAVE CORP. Ono and son, Sean Lennon, (“Artists Against Vol. 49 No. 9 Copyright 2013 Seawave Corp. All rights reserved. February 27, 2013 1508 Route 47, Rio Grande NJ 08242-1402 Fracking”) touring sites in Pennsylvania where fracking was going on. Ono and Lennon say “Stop Fracking.” Editor Al Campbell, discusses the many Police Target holidays that are observed in our country. Publisher Art Hall explores the effect that ocean rising might have on Cape May County. ‘Hot Spot’ He says, “Given the vast destruction of other seashore communities in our state, realtors Of Township are telling me they are seeing a noticeable increase in demand for Cape May County real By DEBORAH McGUIRE estate. Read all of this and more on this week’s Opinion pages A36-38. COURT HOUSE – A new concept in law en- forcement involving technology that correlates areas of high traffi c incidents to high crime Dept. of Interior areas is being used by Middle Township police to target an area long-known for its safety and Gives Lighthouse crime issues. By using the new program, police hope to have an increased presence in certain To Local Group areas to act as a deterrent as well as putting offi cers in the right place at the right time. By JACK FICHTER Police Chief Christopher Leusner presented DDACTS (Data-Driven Approaches to Crime SCHELLENGER’S LANDING – It looks likely and Traffi c Safety) to Middle Township Com- that the National Park Service will award own- mittee during its Feb. 20 work session. ership of the Brandywine Shoal Light Station, Al Campbell “DDACTS is an operational model that uses located seven miles off the Cape May County Sister Evelyn McClurkin in Mt. Olive Baptist Church dining hall, in Court House, where the integration of location-based crime and coast, to a non-profi t organization headed by walls are lined with a collection of Black History Month memorabilia. See more photos traffi c data to establish effective and effi cient Capt. Jeff Stewart Sr. and Jeff Stewart Jr., own- of church’s celebration of Black History Month on page A22. methods for deploying law enforcement and ers of the Cape May Whale Watcher boats and other resources,” Leusner told committee. The the Miss Chris Marina. program has been in effect in the township Their organization, Brandywine Shoal Light- Mt. Olive Baptist Holds 14th Annual since Jan. 1. house Inc., was selected by the National Park “Few police departments are engaging in Service based upon its application to own the Black History Month Celebration this type of activity,” he said in his explana- lighthouse. tion of the new technology. “We knew we had By AL CAMPBELL day King gave that famed speech, but was too Cape May Whale Watcher has been running to work smart, trying to fi gure out how we far away to see him. Lighthouse Adventure boat trips in conjunc- were going to provide services with limited COURT HOUSE – For the 14th year, the John R. Webb, a lifelong Vineland resident, tion with Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts and resources.” congregation of Mount Olive Baptist Church former history teacher and N.J. Department of Humanities since 1993. Police looked at crime mapping and data in marked Black History Month with an afternoon Corrections retiree, ended his service as mini- The other contender for ownership of the (Page A4 Please) presentation that included songs, dances, a mum unit supervisor responsible for care and lighthouse was the Cape May Maritime Mu- guest speaker and Buffalo Soldiers. supervision of over 300 inmates at Southwood seum and Education Center headed by Kevin Minister Willie J. Chaney of Angel Visit Prison. As he recounted those, like Frederick Blame Tax Hike (Page A7 Please) Baptist Church, gave a passionate rendition of Douglass and Rosa Parks and King, who all Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s famed “I have a played vital roles in history, he reviewed statis- On Ratable Drop, Group’s Goal: dream” speech given in August 1963 on the tics from the 2010 census that showed African steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Americans’ median incomes lag by $20,000 Tax Delinquents Sister Janette Moore, prior to her recitation their white counterparts and 23 percent of Long-Term Aid of a poem by Maya Angelou, told the gathering African Americans live in poverty. By JACK FICHTER that she was there, on the National Mall, the (Page A22 Please) By AL CAMPBELL VILLAS – Due to falling ratables and rising delinquent taxes, Lower Township Council COURT HOUSE – Cape May County’s Long- Use High School Classes Wisely introduced its 2013 budget featuring a 2.9- Term Recovery Group, which is preparing for cent hike in local purpose tax. That translates the aftermath of disasters it hopes will never to an annual increase of $48 for the owner of happen, met Feb. 22 at Atlantic Cape Com- To Trim College Time, Expense a $200,000 home. munity College. It was the group’s fi rst offi cial By AL CAMPBELL that same school. The total budget is $25.9 million, up from meeting, and elections were held. Middle Township High School, too, has pro- $24.5 million in 2012. Township Manager Barry Keefe was elected chairman by unani- COURT HOUSE – The discussion contin- duced attorneys who became judges, at least Michael Voll said mous vote. Marilyn Hughes of Ocean City was ues how best to get the most education for one Navy fl ag offi cer, and others who became 75 percent of the tax increase is a direct result voted co-chair. Claire Galliano was elected the tax dollar. Standards are set ever higher outstanding community members. of an increased amount of unpaid taxes in 2012 secretary. for students to graduate, and while there is All of those individuals had one thing in com- as well as successful tax appeals that reduced Volunteers from faith-based organizations are that mandate “No Child Left Behind” unless mon: a parent or guardian who refused to ac- the township’s total assessed valuation by over needed on the rolls to provide assistance, such students are prepared for college early in high cept mediocre grades from their student. They $23 million. as construction and counseling, are needed. school, their process in higher education may (Page A6 Please) (Page A8 Please) Formation of the group was advocated by be longer, if they don’t depart before attaining Cheryl Brekke, FEMA, volunteer agency liai- a diploma. son, who attended the morning meeting. She Some blame schools and teachers for not Why Was Home Declared Historic? had earlier approached freeholders and Martin preparing students, yet local history reveals By JACK FICHTER Council introduced a second ordinance to Pagliughi, county emergency management that those with serious home support can approve group “B” of the surveys which cov- director to cite the need for such a group. attain high levels of success regardless of the CAPE MAY – City Council passed one ordi- ers 527 properties which were also reviewed While emergency workers can respond im- school. nance and introduced another Feb. 19 approv- by the Planning Board. Of the 527 properties, mediately after a storm or other disaster, the As an example, while some may hold Wild- ing two new surveys of historic properties in 244 resulted in no change from the original long-term recovery team will assist months and wood High School in low regard for academics, the city but some homeowners are questioning determinations, 283 saw a change from their possibly even years later. that school has produced more Superior Court why their homes have been added to the list. original status. Those homeowners will receive For example, there are still victims of Hur- judges for the Atlantic-Cape Vicinage than any City Manager Bruce MacLeod said the city’s a certifi ed letter from the city informing them ricane Katrina who have not been returned to other school. Planning Board reviewed group “A” which of their change in status, said MacLeod. their homes after seven years. A major general who stood shoulder to totaled 349 properties surveyed. Of the 349 Over the past three to four years the city’s The meeting broke into smaller groups to shoulder with President Obama and Vice properties, 272 saw no change from the origi- survey of historic structures has been updated, discuss their goals. President Biden on Inauguration Day graduated nal status while 77 properties had a change in said MacLeod. He said each survey had been re- Keefe, who retired after 22 years as head of from Lower Cape May Regional High School. status. Council approved the surveys by passing viewed by a professional third party agency. (Page A7 Please) Physicians and attorneys have graduated from an ordinance. (Page A9 Please) Happenings! Clip and Save School News Sports & Recreation Dining & Entertainment Weekly Features CoComingming Automotive...................................