Coastal Point — December 29, 2023

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Sports

Season

Taking a look back at sports in 2023

Hair of the Dog hitting the beach

Page 61

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DECEMBER 29, 2023

THE LOCAL VOICE OF YOUR COMMUNITY.

Giltner wins special election for rep seat

Volume 20, Issue 52

FREE

Dedication to service

By Susan Canfora Staff Reporter As newly elected state Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner was campaigning to win the special election to represent the 37th District — during which she also celebrated her 57th birthday — she heard from prospective constituents, many who asked her to stop rapid development. That’s a comGiltner mon concern of locals, as well as those who move to Sussex County, and Giltner plans to discuss rapid growth during a meeting with the Sussex County Council as they outline plans and goals. “I see we are so reactionary, instead See GILTNER page 2

U.S. Wind purchases land around NRG Company plans to onshore wind-farm cables via bays By Mike Smith Staff Reporter U.S. Wind, through a limited liability corporation called Renewable Redevelopment that is linked to its Baltimore corporate offices, has purchased 140 acres of land surrounding the NRG Energy powerplant substation near Dagsboro, reportedly closing the land-only deal on Dec. 20 for $20 million. The seller is NRG Energy Corp. based in Houston. “Connecting offshore wind energy to the electric grid in Delaware will help to lower electricity costs and strengthen See NRG page 4

Coastal Point • Kerin Magill

Roger Hitchens, left, is honored by Millville Volunteer Fire Company Chief Walter Johnson, center, and Company President Greg Hocker, for Hitchens’ remarkable 65 years of service with the fire company. By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter Just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, a line of Millville Volunteer Fire Company vehicles made its way north on Central Avenue in Ocean View. The vehicles, sirens blaring, stopped in front of the home of one of its longestserving members to give tribute to his decades of service to the fire company and the community. Roger Hitchens stepped out on the porch of his home, surrounded by friends and family members, to watch as dozens of fire company members — many in their dress uniforms — descended from the trucks and lined up on Hitchens’ front lawn. Several blocks of Central Avenue were blocked to traffic as the procession made its way to Hitchens’ home. “I don’t know what to say,” the bemused Hitchens said as fire company President Greg Hocker and Fire Chief Walt Johnson stepped forward to present Hitchens with several awards. During the special presentation, Hitchens received an award for his 65 years of service to the department, as well as a tribute sent by the Delaware State Senate on behalf of state Sen. Gerald W. Hocker, father of the fire company’s president. “The Millville Volunteer Fire Company cannot under-

state the contributions of [former] Chief Hitchens in the development and growth” of the fire company, Capt. Doug Scott said. “Chief Hitchens, throughout the years, held many administrative and fire-line officer positions, including the office of fire chief, for many years,” Scott said. “Chief Hitchens,” he continued, “was known for his nononsense and decisive fire-ground command presence, being one of the best fire-ground commanders anywhere. “In addition,” Scott said, “Chief Hitchens was a stern but fair leader and was respected by all that had the privilege to know and work with him. “Chief Hitchens is a true example of what a fire chief should strive to be,” Scott said. Johnson, current fire chief of the Millville company, said, “His impact through the years has guided us to where we are today as a company and that will never be forgotten.” Among Hitchens’ contributions to the company was his help in founding the company’s dive team. “It was great to see the membership turn out in such numbers to support this great man,” said Scott. Scott and Johnson also expressed appreciation to the Ocean View Police Department and the Town of Ocean View for their assistance with the ceremony honoring Hitchens.


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