VOL. 12 NO. 23
THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2008
NEWS HEADLINES SEX OFFENDERS LAW - All registered sex offenders in Delaware must now respond in person for address verification. Page 3 TRUTHFUL LABELING - Perdue Farms, the nation’s third largest poultry producer, has joined the Truthful Labeling Coalition. What does this mean for consumers? Page 6 WWII VETS - When riding in convoy through enemy territory during a time of war, it’s quite possible the worst place to be is sitting on top of an ammunition truck. Page 8 WOMEN’S CONFERENCE - One of the goals of the Delaware Women’s Conference is to bring women of all lifestyles and diverse backgrounds together. Page 9 NEW HABITAT - The State of Delaware announces the acquisition of 1,100 acres of forest habitat in Sussex County. Page 11 FAITH IN ACTION - Short on numbers but long on dedication, a small group of volunteers is putting their Faith in Action. Page 15 VITAL SIGNS - There were seven characteristics that patients want to see in their physician. The first of those is confidence. Find out what else is vital. Page 24 YEAR IN REVIEW - The Laurel Star looks back at the year in sports. Page 39 STARS OF THE WEEK - A Laurel boys’ basketball player and a Sussex Tech boys’ basketball player are this week’s Laurel Stars of the Week. Page 41 FINAL WORD - A new feature starts off the New Year to include brief thoughts from a variety of sources, some serious, some humorous and some perhaps even inspiring. Page 51
INSIDE THE STAR BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD CHURCH CLASSIFIEDS EDUCATION FINAL WORD FRANK CALIO GOURMET HEALTH LETTERS MIKE BARTON
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OBITUARIES 22 PAT MURPHY 45 POLICE JOURNAL 10 SNAPSHOTS 48 SOCIALS 49 SPORTS 39-44 TIDES 7 TODD CROFFORD 21 TONY WINDSOR 12 42 TOMMY YOUNG VETERANS OF WWII 8
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New Town Manager making longterm plans for Laurel community By Tony E. Windsor Laurel’s new Town Manager says he plans to make his new career a long-term effort and will not use his position as a stepping stone to seek “better offers or bigger towns.” Bill Fasano says his goal as Town Manager is simple, “to make Laurel one of the most attractive and well-run municipalities in Delaware.” He feels his goals match very well with his new position. “My own personal career goals fit very well with the size and culture of the Town of Laurel,” he said. “I have always had a long-term goal of being a town manager in a small town close to my home and family, and this is just right for me. I am definitely not looking to "jump ship" when a better offer or a bigger town comes calling, nor will I be pursuing such offers.” Fasano says he is “humbled” and “extremely grateful” that Laurel’s Mayor and Council have chosen him to be the new chief operations officer. “If the Mayor and Council are pleased with my performance, I intend to invest myself fully in the town and community of Laurel and to make Laurel my home for as long as they will have me,” he said. “I am very humbled by my selection by the Mayor and Council and I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play a major role in the development of Laurel's rich culture, small town values, and local economic sustainability.” Fasano assumed his role as Laurel Town Manager effective Jan. 1. Born in Elkton, Maryland, and raised in and around Newark, Delaware, Fasano attended Saint Mark's High School in Wilmington and the University of Delaware for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona in July 2006 to complete an assistant professorship that he was offered at Arizona State University. Prior to taking a position as Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, Phoenix, in 2006, Fasano was Senior Research Assistant, Planning Services Team for the
Laurel’s new Town Manager Bill Fasano toured the town offices last week. He begins his official duties on January 1. Shown with him is acting Town Manager, Jamie Smith.
University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration for five years. During that time he worked with nine Delaware municipalities in helping to develop state mandated Comprehensive Land Use Plans. In the summer of 2002, Fasano worked as assistant to the Town Manager of Bethany Beach, where among other responsibilities, he reviewed and recommended revisions to municipal code and zoning ordinances. He also coordinated the development of the town’s website and comprehensive plan. Fasano has also studied internationally in Nuremberg/Berlin, Germany, The Hague/Amsterdam, and Netherlands and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His studies all related to urban social policy, including studies related to public health, housing and transportation, globalization and culture. Fasano says his interest in serving as Town Manager in Laurel is multifaceted. “Certainly, the history and historic resources of Laurel's downtown are a great example of the things I love about the Town,” he said. “There are a
great number of opportunities for me to contribute to the preservation, maintenance, and education of the larger public about the rich historic fabric that still exists downtown. Second, the natural areas at Broad Creek and the neighboring Trap Pond State Park are fantastic and unique resources that cannot be found anywhere else in the state or the region.” Fasano says he feels the culture of Laurel is distinct and much more attractive than that found in other towns around the state. “The mixture of agricultural surroundings, residents who live and work very close by, and a subtle gentile sense of community is one which lends itself to long-term local sustainability, which is something all town planners and mangers are striving for but already exists here,” he said. “This strong foundation of existing resources, and the existing administrative needs voiced by Town officials, drew me back to my home state and to a position in which I know I can make a significant contribution and, hopefulContinued on page four
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