Sports
Fun
Lacrosse team takes division title
LB to host Fit & Fun Field Day
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MAY 19, 2023
THE LOCAL VOICE OF YOUR COMMUNITY.
Volume 20, Issue 20
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Fenwick will not renew Devlin’s contract By Kerin Magill Staff Reporter Fenwick Island Police Chief John Devlin was informed earlier this month that his contract with the Town will not be renewed. Devlin, 61, has been a member of the Fenwick Island Police Department for a total of 23 years, the last three as chief. The two-paragraph letter — a copy of which was provided to the Coastal
Point by a town resident with Devlin’s permission — informed him that, pursuant to the Sept. 1, 2020, contract between him and the Town, and extended on Aug. 5, 2021, “The Town exercises its option, in its discretion, not to renew or extend the term of the Employment Agreement,” which the letter said “will therefore terminate on Aug. 31, 2023.” Devlin said the letter was hand-delivered by Magdeburger and Town Manager Patricia Schuchman, who were
accompanied by two members of the Town’s police force. Both Magdeburger and Schuchman signed the letter, which also included this passage: “Please note that the Town’s discretionary option not to renew or extend the Employment Agreement is not, and should not be construed as, a termination of your employment under the Employment Agreement or otherwise, although the Town reserves all rights with regard to any such grounds for termination.”
Devlin said this week that he had been out of town at a law enforcement conference at the end of April, and returned in time for the town council meeting on April 28, during which he was honored for 20 years of service to the Town. “I spent 23 years of my life in this town,” Devlin said, adding that he felt he was “pretty well-liked,” by residents See DEVLIN page 3
TidalHealth building Millsboro campus By Susan Canfora Staff Reporter Additional health care options are coming to Millsboro to serve the growing population, with the construction of a new TidalHealth campus. The first of three buildings in the 150,000-square-foot complex is expected to open in about two years on 40 acres just north of town. The first building will offer specialty services, including cardiology and orthopedics, according to TidalHealth Vice President of Strategy Chris Hall. Plans are still being made for the other two buildings, but services are likely to include labs, urgent care, surgery and rehab. Hall said it is too soon to know what the complex will be named or how many jobs it will provide. “The over-65 population uses three times more health care than any other age cohort. Having a family medical complex with the services we will provide will complement what is already Special to the Coastal Point • Marian Downing
See CAMPUS page 2
Our favorite roaving photographer found this amazing sight at Bowers Beach, and wanted to share it with our readers.
Replenishment schedule raises concerns for businesses By Mike Smith Staff Reporter The ubiquitous Steen’s Beach Service umbrellas and beach chairs have been dotting the sands of Bethany Beach for more than 65 years, and Ron Steen is
still active in the business. His daughter, Paige Steen, is now the primary business operations executive, busy hiring up to 15 workers for the summer season. But DNREC’s and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ recent decisions on deployment of beach replenishment re-
sources — sending a newly-hired third dredge crew and equipment to Fenwick Island before Bethany Beach, while the start of the summer season looms — has brought the Steens out in force to voice their concerns. That includes not just Paige Steen, but Ron Steen and his
wife, Tempe — a municipal and real estate attorney. “We are shocked that the State of Delaware and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have chosen to prioritize for See BEACHES page 2