July 13, 2007

Thursday, July 19 - OC Police Proud Of Underage Compliance Check

OCEAN CITY - With the summer in full swing, the Ocean City Police Department recently conducted an undercover compliance check and reported only one business sold to an underage cadet. Barry Neeb, Ocean City Police spokesman, said he was pleased with the recent compliance check performed in the city. The operation was conducted through the R.A.A.M. Program, which stands for Reducing the Availability of Alcohol to Minors, and works as a community policing initiative to control underage drinking...READ MORE

Wednesday, July 18 - OC Plans To Purchase Land For Park

OCEAN CITY - In an effort to rectify the situation for all parties involved, the Mayor and Council has approved an emergency ordinance to purchase the Caroline Street property that was destroyed in a fire in April. The house, located at 111 Caroline Street, will be purchased by the city for a price of $235,000. At the City Council meeting Monday, the Mayor and Council approved the ordinance to purchase the property in hopes that the vacated, burnt house could be torn down and replaced with a...READ MORE

Tuesday, July 17 - Network Brings Morning Show To OC

BERLIN - 'Your Morning' on CN8, The Comcast Network cruises into Ocean City for its second live broadcast featured in the four-month 'Nissan Waterfront Tour' highlighting renowned settings ideally located at the water's edge.  'Your Morning' host Greg Coy, along with CN8 reporter Jill Horner, invite beachgoers and local shore residents to join them in a live audience, Wednesday, July 25 from 7-10 a.m. at Ocean City hotspot Seacrets on 49th Street. 'Our Ocean City broadcast continues our...READ MORE

Monday, July 16 - Records Falls In Ocean City Tuna Tourney

OCEAN CITY - The 20th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament, which wrapped up Sunday evening at the Ocean City Fishing Center, was one for the books with a record number of boats participating and a record payout to the winners in several categories. The suspense built all weekend as the teams that weighed big fish early in the tournament watched as boat after boat unloaded their catches at the scales. When the drama ended, a mere single pound separated first place from second place in the heaviest...READ MORE

Cop Attacker Draws A Crowd

OCEAN CITY - An incident that began with the discovery of two men sleeping in their car on Edgewater Ave. last weekend led to the discovery one of them was wanted on an arrest warrant from Baltimore City and ended with the suspect attacking Ocean City police officers in front of a large crowd of onlookers before he was subdued. Around 8:15 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City police bike officer was on routine patrol in the downtown area when he noticed a silver Lexus parked on Edgewater Ave near...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Focus Tax Dollars On Attracting Culture Editor: I just sent in payment for my county taxes. Before I sent if off, I happen to look on the back to view where my money was going. I understand the reasoning behind property taxes and haven't any reservations for paying my share. But I do feel that it is unfair since my property is of seasonal usage/nature. We don't use any services for eight to nine months of the year and we have no voting rights in the town of Ocean City. This is enough to have a...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

It's official: Ocean City is cursed when it comes to the fireworks. Three years in a row, the Fourth has been a nightmare for resort officials as it was confirmed once again everything can be prepared for except the weather. In 2005, a mysterious haze lingered over the town and ruined the fireworks. The fireworks went off that Monday night but nobody could see them. In 2006, a thunderstorm postponed the fireworks and chased away most people looking to take in the fireworks. Last week, high winds...READ MORE

What Others Are Saying

Editor: Maryland tourism professionals from both the public and private sectors need to focus on convincing our fellow citizens and our elected officials on the merits of supporting tourism in Maryland. Making the case for Worcester County and Ocean City is particularly important given the fact tourism is the dominant industry in Worcester County and even most local 'non-tourism' businesses and jobs are dependant on a successful tourism industry. The obvious beauty of tourism for Worcester...READ MORE

Action Red Hot at Ocean Downs

BERLIN- The action at Ocean Downs remained as hot as the weather last week with several drivers building on their fast early starts in the summer live meet. Driver Anthony Morgan continued his assault on the Ocean Oval with four wins last Thursday and three more on Sunday, bringing his total to 10 wins in 31 starts in limited action at Ocean Downs thus far this summer. He is currently the leading driver at Harrington in Delaware and races only occasionally at Ocean Downs, but he remains among...READ MORE

Berlin Little League Dominates Early

BERLIN- Two of the Berlin Little League teams competing in the District 8 playoffs are off to fast starts with both the Major League and Minor League teams sitting at 2-0 in pool play after their first two games. The Minor League team, made up of 9-10-year-olds, has given up just one hit and zero runs in two games in Pool B after beating East Wicomico, 10-0, last Saturday and following that up with a dominating 12-0 win over Princess Anne on Monday. Berlin is now 2-0 in pool play and appears on...READ MORE

Record Turnout in 25th Canyon Kick-off

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club's 25th Annual Canyon Kick-off tournament last weekend was a huge success with one of the biggest fields of participants ever and plenty of fish caught in several categories. The event officially got started with the first day of fishing last Friday, but the remnants of the storm that persisted in the area last week kept just about every boat participating in the Canyon Kick-Off at the docks. With Friday a wash, the scheduled three-day tournament was...READ MORE

Greene Turtle Lacrosse Wins Tournaments

BERLIN- Providing further evidence lacrosse is growing by leaps and bounds on the Eastern Shore and gaining more respect along the way, the Greene Turtle Elite travel team continued to roll through its summer tournament schedule last weekend, sweeping all of its games in the prestigious Gait Cup at Gettysburg College to take its second straight title. The Greene Turtle Elite travel team is basically made up of two teams; one made up of some of the best high school players in grades 9-10 in the...READ MORE

Live Bands And DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Friday & Saturday, June 13 & 14: Patrick McAllorum; Wednesday, July 18: Jon Pheasant; Thursday, July 19: Katie Bragg. All entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. Blue Ox & Babe's Lounge: 410-250-6440, 127th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Call for entertainment. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Every Friday: DJ Wood; Saturday, July 14: Crowded Outhouse; Every Sunday: DJ BK; Every Tuesday: Pirate Radio; Thursday, July 19:...READ MORE

Berlin Council Apologies To Town Fire Department

BERLIN - The Berlin Fire Department is due an apology, the Berlin Town Council concluded this week, over the long running attempts to perform a controlled burn on a deteriorated home on Railroad Ave. 'We have to mend some bridges with the fire company,' Council member Ellen Lang said. Strained feelings apparently arose from the several years long attempt to burn the derelict house on Railroad Ave., which the Town Council blamed, incorrectly, on the Berlin Fire Department (BFD). 'They were...READ MORE

Delivery Man Helps Police Catch Teen Vandals

OCEAN CITY - Two Pennsylvania men were arrested in a north Ocean City residence early last Friday after an alert witness observed the pair smashing the windows of several vehicles on the parking lot of the old mall on 94th Street and another on the municipal lot on 100th Street and helped resort police track the suspects. Shortly after 4 a.m. last Friday, the OCPD received a call from (ITALICS)Baltimore Sun delivery driver Kevin Brown, who had witnessed two suspects break the windows out of five...READ MORE

O'Malley's Budget Cuts Kick Off Long Process

ANNAPOLIS - In what was billed as a necessary first step in the effort to tackle the state's predicted $1.4 billion structural deficit, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley this week announced over $280 million in fiscal year 2008 budget cuts, most of which were directed at inefficiency and waste, but some state departments got slashed further than others and it remains to be seen what the trickle-down effect could mean for local jurisdictions. In May, O'Malley instructed state cabinet secretaries...READ MORE

Friday, July 13 - Website Launched To Expand Effort To Preserve Trimper's

OCEAN CITY - The ongoing effort to find a way to keep Trimper's Rides in business went high tech this week when the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) launched a website encouraging viewers to participate in a two-prong approach to preserve the Boardwalk landmark. Faced with soaring property tax increases following the most recent assessment of the historic site at the foot of the Boardwalk, the family-owned and operated company is considering closing the park after 117...READ MORE

New Bayside Complex Proposed In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - With the approval of the plans for a downtown recreation park and the expansion of the Ocean Bowl Skate Park by the Mayor and Council Tuesday, residents and visitors alike will soon be seeing improvements and enhancements to the bayside area between 3rd and 4th streets. Tom Shuster, director of Recreation and Parks, came before the Mayor and Council on Tuesday, along with John Slater of Slater Associates, to present the master plan for the Downtown Recreation Complex (DRC) and for...READ MORE

Council Okays Public Safety Building Expansion Project

OCEAN CITY - The Mayor and Council approved the 3,600-square-foot expansion of the Public Safety Building on Tuesday, nearly two years after the expansion was first proposed. City Engineer Terry McGean came before the council to request approval of the new plan for expansion of the building located on 65th Street. McGean explained the original plan for expansion was approved in 2005, but was never brought to fruition. The original plan, prepared for the 2005 Bond Issuance, was estimated at...READ MORE

Greene Turtle Owners Sell Majority Share Of Corporation

OCEAN CITY - A landmark Ocean City business that began over 30 years ago with a small corner store in a north end shopping center and has grown to become one of the most recognizable icons in Maryland could be branching out even farther in the near future after company officials this week announced they have sold a majority interest in their franchising corporation to a regional and national investment group. The Greene Turtle Franchising Corporation announced this week it has sold a majority...READ MORE

OC Alters Noise Code To Address Repeat Offenders

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Noise Control Board garnered strength this week after the Mayor and Council agreed to make changes in the noise code that will allow the Noise Board to have a greater impact on repeat noise offenders. Brent Ashley, Acting Chairman of the Noise Board, came before the Mayor and Council Tuesday to request a change in the current noise code. Ashley presented the Mayor and Council with the current issues that the Noise Board is facing. He explained that repeat property...READ MORE

State Tourism Cuts Elevate Local Concerns

OCEAN CITY - As predicted, Governor Martin O'Malley included significant cuts to the state's tourism budget when he announced this week he had slashed roughly $280 million from the state's general budget, but the impact of those cuts on Ocean City and Worcester County remain uncertain. O'Malley on Tuesday announced $280 million in budget cuts as the first phase of an attempt to address the state's burgeoning $1.4 billion structural deficit. The cuts were deep and across the board and effected...READ MORE

Bayscape Planting Added To Beach Program

OCEAN CITY - The pilot program launched this spring to enhance the beach district will see another year of planting and will also see the addition of bayscape planting, after receiving unanimous approval from the Mayor and Council Tuesday. Gail Blazer, environmental engineer, came before the Mayor and Council Tuesday to convey the success of the beach district mini-grant program. She also requested further mitigation funds for continuation of the beach district mini-grant program as well as...READ MORE

Berlin Seeks Big Fines For Dog Ordinance Offenders

BERLIN - A mere four weeks after citizen Pete Cosby went before his elected officials with numerous canine complaints, the Berlin Mayor and Council had the first reading of the new leash law Monday night. The ordinance currently on the books does not restrict dogs to a leash when off the owner's property, including an exception for dogs 'under the control of the owner or authorized agent of the owner.' 'That's the change, now it's strictly on the leash,' said Council member Ellen Lang. Cosby...READ MORE

Berlin, Developer Eye Wastewater Deal Terms

BERLIN - A document outlining the deal between the town of Berlin and Berlin Properties North (BPN) to build a wastewater plant at the old Tyson chicken processing facility north of town has been delayed and is waiting on minor changes for approval. The Berlin Town Council postponed signing the deal this week, tabling the inking of the document during the council meeting Monday night. According to town Administrator Linda Bambary, the memorandum of understanding needs only minor changes before...READ MORE

City Council To Hear 'Boathenge' Proposal

OCEAN CITY - After seven months of floating the Boathenge idea around the town of Ocean City, members of the Kroart family feels they have finally made headway this week with an ever-increasing number of supporters climbing on board. Joe Kroart, owner of Ocean Gallery World Center on 2nd Street and the Boardwalk, recently proposed that the town build Boathenge, an attraction that would resemble the world famous Stonehenge, located in England. Western Nebraska is home to a Stonehenge inspired...READ MORE

Council Advances Bayside Development Changes

OCEAN CITY - The special regulations for bayside development, also known as Bayside Height by Right, underwent further discussion this week as the Planning Commission made its final recommendation to the Mayor and Council. Jesse Houston, director of Planning and Development, came before the Mayor and Council Tuesday to present the final recommendations made by the Planning Commission. The goal of the bayside development regulations has been to allow for taller buildings in the area if the...READ MORE

Delmarva's Biggest Loser Contest Underway

BERLIN - On June 25, six men and six women from the Delmarva community made their official entry into a contest they fervently hope will change their lives. The first weigh-in for 'Delmarva's Biggest Loser,' held at Olympia Fitness Clubs in Salisbury, was the beginning of a competition in which the tables are turned and, in the end, a loser does win. A week into the competition, 25-year-old Salisbury resident Carroll Nicholson Jr., who is a driver for Carey Distributors, was in the lead, having...READ MORE

Heat Wave Leads To Surge In Calls For HVAC Service

OCEAN CITY - With this week's spike in the summer heat and the increased need for air-conditioning, local HVAC companies reported a rise in business. Arctic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Service and 1st Service Company, two of the larger companies in the area, are two businesses who have literally been feeling the heat this week. According to Russell Queen, owner of Arctic, the sudden rise in temperatures meant a sudden rise in the demand for AC unit repairs. 'It definitely puts a strain...READ MORE

Local Crops Pinched By Recent Dry Run

BERLIN - Local farm fields still look green in some of Worcester County, but corn, hay and soybeans are taking a beating from the heat and lack of rain. 'Where you're growing crops you're hurting. The bulk of the county is dry,' said Eddie Johnson, the Wicomico County extension agent who handles crops for the area. Worcester County is down about seven inches of rain since January. Corn is spotty throughout the county, with the northern part getting some rain, but the south seeing none. 'You need...READ MORE

Mayor Wants To See Flag Poles Outside Town Hall

BERLIN - Questions over Berlin Mayor Tom Cardinale's proposal to add larger flagpoles to Berlin Town Hall were quickly dealt with this week, with the Berlin Town Council agreeing to move forward with the change. Cardinale proposed two new 12-foot flagpoles against the brick face of the building to extend seven feet above the roof, which will display larger flags more respectfully. Eastern Shore Flagpoles of St. Michaels, Md. quoted a cost of $3,250 for a set of fiberglass poles that do not...READ MORE

Proposed WOC Project Taps Out Mystic Harbour EDUs

BERLIN - The last of the wastewater capacity sold by Mystic Harbour several years ago is on the road to being used by the Sea Oaks development off Route 611. The Sea Oaks project is in the early stages of Worcester County Planning Commission approval, having just passed the preliminary plat stage last week. The project would use Mystic Harbour sewer and water for 40 single-family homes, said project consultant Bob Hand. 'This is going to be on public water and sewer,' the developer's attorney...READ MORE

Routine Reports From OC's First Summer Heat Wave

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City and Worcester County certainly felt the effects of the heat wave that gripped much of the nation early this week, and although cool ocean temperatures and subtle breezes kept the climate fairly livable around the resort area, more than a few locals and visitors sought medical attention for heat-related illnesses. Temperatures soared into the upper 90s throughout the early part of the week with head indexes creeping past the 100-degree mark for several days during the...READ MORE

Tuna Tourney Celebrates Two Decades

OCEAN CITY - The hunt is on for the big tunas as the 20th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament returns this week with hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers searching for the burly behemoths in the canyons off the coast of the resort. Tuna of all shapes, sizes and species are routinely being found at Ocean City marina and fishing docks, jumpstarting the summer offshore season and setting the tone for what could be a memorable tournament. The event got underway yesterday with a captain's meeting...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Community Service Day OCEAN CITY - As a part of their annual Community Service Day project, agents from both the Ocean City and West Ocean City offices of Long & Foster spent a morning last month picking up trash from the dunes anchoring the beach. Teams of two agents, armed with trash bags, sunscreen and bug spray, scoured the dunes area of the beach from 28th Street to 137th Street collecting debris as they went.  Every year Long & Foster agents from all 259 offices roll up their...READ MORE

"It's Not Easy Being Green"

Sometimes to get a point across, one must do something outlandish and borderline ridiculous. This has got to be the motto for big concert organizers. Why do causes become important when a few bands play or a few celebrities do some PSA's? I was so intrigued by the sheer volume of Live Earth's supposed range that I didn't want to miss something that potentially could go down as a monumental event in musical history. That's the way they were marketing Live Earth, a 24-hour musical event that...READ MORE

My Thoughts

It's been one of those weeks for the Insider. The heat kept the old guy inside all day on Monday. Feeling a bit guilty about being a hermit, Insider went outside first thing Tuesday morning (11 a.m.), only to turn around immediately after getting hit with a wall of hot and humid air. All the news stations tell you during heat waves to stay inside if you are elderly except for early in the morning and late in the evenings. Well, this week not even that advice was correct. According to the trusty...READ MORE

Things I Like

Taking a nap on a raft in a pool A good rain to help the lawn Getting some air after a funeral Eating dinner on the beach at Macky's Fall-like days in the summer A dog that thinks ice is a treat Going to Seacrets by boat A crab dip recipe that includes capers The cast of the movie, 'Bobby' Paying bills online The nice ladies at Venable's  ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Aspects favor socializing with family and friends, but an irksome workplace situation could intrude. No use grumbling, Lamb. Just do it, and then get back to the fun times. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): There's still time for you Ferdinands and Fernandas to relax and sniff the roses. But a major work project looms and will soon demand much of your attention through the 23rd. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your enthusiasm persuades even the toughest doubters to listen to...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Seaside Retreat Daily 10-4 3BR, 2.5BA Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Somerset at Second Daily 10 - 3 3BR Boardwalk Condos Eric Cropper ReMax Premier Properties 443-373-9409 OCEAN CITY The Quay Saturday 2 & 3BR Condos Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302 OCEAN CITY Pelican Perch Weekends 11-3 4BR, 4.5BA, & Loft Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista Daily 12-4 3 & 4 BR Bayfront Condos Della & Joe Wilson ReMax Premier...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Berlin - Ocean Pines - Virginia

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker OCEAN PINES Points Reach Sat & Sun 10 - 4 3BR Luxury Condos Patty Cummings ReMax Premier Properties 410-520-8134 VIRGINIA Captain's Cove Daily 9 - 5 Resort Community With Amenities Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 BERLIN 102 Bay St. Sun 1 - 4 4BR/2BA Backs up to Pond Malia Ricks Sheppard Realty 410-726-2563 OCEAN PINES Beach Court Wed 11 - 2 3BR/3BA Home on Canal Don...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Maude W. Love WHALEYSVILLE - Maude W. Love, 93, of Whaleysville died Monday, July 9, 2007, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Whaleysville, she was the daughter of the late Walter P. and Josephine Dale Whaley. She had been a registered nurse for more than 30 years and retired in 1977 from the Worcester County Health Department as the director of nursing. She was an active member of Whaleysville United Methodist Church and was also a member of Worcester County Women's Club. She is...READ MORE

Shenanigans: A Boardwalk Bar And So Much More

OCEAN CITY - Over the past 20 years, the Boardwalk has seen a lot of changes and even more faces as business and tourism have evolved. One restaurant that has remained a popular spot on the boards for nearly two decades is Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille. Shenanigans has served Ocean City visitors and locals alike with an Irish flair since 1988. Although the name has remained the same for nearly 20 years, it too has seen its fair share of changes. According to owner and operator Greg Shockley,...READ MORE

Staying Up In A Up-And-Down Market

BERLIN - For a lesson in stock market volatility, look no further than the first week of June. After the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500-stock index closed at record highs, those two market benchmarks, along with the Nasdaq Composite Index, each dropped about 3 percent during the next three days before a Friday recovery trimmed the week's losses to less than 2 percent. "We think volatility will increase as the year progresses," said Richard Bernstein, Merrill...READ MORE

Ocean City Marlin Club Awards Scholarships To Local Students

The Ocean City Marlin Club Auxiliary recently awarded two $3,500 scholarships to local students Jana McNulty and Michelle Wellen. The scholarship recipients were selected by the auxiliary based on scholastic achievement and need. The scholarship award is an annual goal of the auxiliary and is normally given to just one student. However, this year the field of applicants was so outstanding and the funds raised sufficient enough that the auxiliary voted to give two scholarships. At right,...READ MORE