March 7, 2008

Friday, May 7--Lee Files For County Seat To Help Minority District

SNOW HILL - Edward Lee made it official Monday - he filed to run for the District 2 Worcester County Commissioner seat. Lee will challenge long-time incumbent Jim Purnell for the District 2 nomination in the Democratic primary on Sept. 14. District 2 is the minority-majority district established by court order to give the county's minority population a greater chance at representation in the county's highest elected body. Lee stepped down last week as the long-time president of the Worcester...READ MORE

Thursday, March 13 - Arrest Made in Pocomoke Homicide

POCOMOKE- A Salisbury man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the murder of a 77-year-old Pocomoke man in his residence last week. On Wednesday, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation arrested Charles Robert Phillips, 29, of Salisbury for the murder of William Nibblett, 77, of Pocomoke. Phillips has been charged with first-degree murder, robbery, burglary and assault. Around 5 p.m. on March 6, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to Nibblett's home in Pocomoke in...READ MORE

Wednesday, March 12 - OCPD Nabs Three in Liquor Store Break-Ins

OCEAN CITY- Three Howard County people including two juveniles this week were charged in connection with a string of commercial burglaries at several businesses in Ocean City in early February. Max Malamphy, 20, of Ellicott City, along with two juveniles, was charged this week with three counts of burglary and nine counts of malicious destruction of property after the Ocean City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division was able to connect the trio to several beer and wine store...READ MORE

Democratic Club of Worcester County

The Democratic Club of Worcester County (DCWC) officers for 2008 were sworn into office by Charlotte Cathell at their monthy meeting.  Pictured, from left, are Tom Wilson, Treasurer; Bill Schaub, Board Member; Evelyn Schaub, Secretary; Kathy Muncy, Vice President; Jean Louis, President; amd Frank Fay, Board Member. Not pictured were Board Members Dan Stachurski and Dave Williams. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School's Connections Group

Members of Stephen Decatur High School's Connections group were recently recognized by Believe in Tomorrow Coordinator Wayne Littleton, far right, for outstanding service. Also pictured are Principal Lou Taylor, far left, and club advisor Laurie Chetelat, far right beside Littleton. ...READ MORE

The Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club

After speaking at the regular Ocean City/Berlin Wednesday Dinner Meeting at the Carousel Resort Hotel and Condominiums, Diakonia, Inc. Executive Director Claudia Nagle accepts a gift from Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club President Jeff Grim. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School's Key Club

Stephen Decatur High School's Key Club sponsored, in coordination with the Delmarva Blood Bank, its annual blood drive last month. Key Club Advisor and English teacher Peggy Hevel promoted the Student Donor Program, which seeks to provide a positive first experience giving blood so that students will be inclined to become adult donors. Above are students Carly Wilkerson, Joe Laque, and Elizabeth Sebastian at the 'canteen'. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary

Students at Showell Elementary donated $654.53 to the Worcester County Developmental Center located in Newark. Students brought in pennies and collected them in their classroom and used the pennies to study estimation, units of ten, sums, and counting. Pictured, from left, are Davidlee Hatfield, Showell Assistant Principal Dee Shorts, students Kyle Dancy, Erin Miller, Andre Nieto, Hannah Suplee, Anastasia Parks, and June Walker, Executive Director of Worcester County Developmental Center. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club donated dictionaries to each third grade student at Ocean City Elementary School. Third grade students were excited to receive the dictionaries, which were given to the students for their personal use. Pictured above are third grade teacher Nan Howe, Nathan Braude, Brianna Beswick, Bill Dugge, representative from OC-Berlin Rotary Club, Ay'Bree Oliver and Zoe Koch. ...READ MORE

High school Seniors

High school seniors Kori Pitts  Katie Nichols, Breonna Miller, and Clayton Perry, Alyssa Scott, Matthew Gladding and Dennis Teegardin recently served as student commissioners during Students in Government Day on Feb. 26. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep

During the month of February, Worcester Prep Grade 9 students took part in sessions featuring manners and the social graces. The unit is a review of information taught in lower school. Above, Cathy Davies-Harmon, Rehoboth Beach, second from left, led the girls through a Dress for Success inspirational talk. With Harmon are Kelley Chandler, Berlin; Maddie DiNardo, Salisbury, and Ionice Murillo, Berlin. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary School

Students who attended Project Outreach and their parents were all invited back to Buckingham Elementary School recently. Parents and their children learned many fun and exciting math strategies. They also had an opportunity to work with their children on lap top computers while navigating through many different math websites. Above are Roland Hutchinson, Railin Hutchinson and Ursula Lockwood. ...READ MORE

Armed Assaulter Arrested

BISHOPVILLE - A Bishopville man was arrested this week after allegedly pointing a loaded handgun at his former girlfriend during an argument at his home. Following an investigation this week by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI), Walter W. Mumford, 26, of Bishopville, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault. On Tuesday, Mumford's former girlfriend reported to Maryland State Police that Mumford pointed a loaded handgun at her after an argument at his...READ MORE

Decatur Cagers Bow out of States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity basketball teams each made an early exit from the state regional playoffs last weekend with the boys' and girls' team bowing out in the first round. The Decatur boys' were the number-seven seed in the Class 3A-East region playoffs and hosted tenth-seeded Centennial of Howard County in the first round last Friday at home. Unfortunately, the Seahawks were overmatched against visiting Centennial and fell to the Eagles, 86-44, to close out their season. Decatur...READ MORE

Main Earns Player of Week Honors

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur varsity lacrosse standout goalie Austin Main has continued to shine as the keeper for Goucher College in Baltimore, collecting 15 saves in the Gophers' season opener to collect the NCAA Division III Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors last week. Main has gained a reputation as a solid shot stopper at Goucher. He followed his 15-save effort in the season opener against Greensboro with a 12-save performance last weekend against St. Vincent. Main...READ MORE

Seahawks Finish Second in Regionals, Prep for States

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity wrestling team stayed on a roll last weekend, finishing second in the state Class 4A-3A regional tournament with two individual wrestlers winning regional titles in their respective weight classes. Decatur finished with 102 total team points to come in second behind Old Mill, which finished the regionals with 134 points. The Seahawks beat Old Mill in the dual meet regional championship three weeks ago on their way to a first-ever state championship. Two Decatur...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

A few months ago, this paper suggested Commissioner Virgil Shockley take over the post of commission president for James Purnell, who was appointed to the position by his colleagues in 2005 after Sonny Bloxom stepped aside to seek a state Delegate seat. After much drama, including some heated private conversations among the commissioners and a couple accusations from residents that this editor is 'racist' for saying one particular white man would be a better leader than a particular black man,...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

One Take On Fire Company Compromise Editor: I totally agree with the editorial 'Compromise Is A Reasonable Solution' to the volunteer fire problem in Ocean City. The actual compromise: 1. Chief Chris Larmore withdraws his name from application for Fire Chief. 2. The President of Town Council, Joe Mitrecic, resigns from City Council. Reason: Joe Mitrecic wrote a document and expressed his feelings at a council meeting that the chief must owe total allegiance to only City Council, so he must...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 3205 Salty Way Captains Cove Sat & Sun 10-2 4BR/3BA Waterfront For Sale by Owner 410-365-8561 VIRGINIA Coulbourn Mill Road Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Decked Pool Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-4853 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Tues-Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 OCEAN PINES Canvasback Road Sat 11-3 3BR/3.5BA...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip Schlesinger Re/Max Premier Properties 410-520-8118 OCEAN CITY South Beach Boardwalk at 7th Fri-Sun 11-3 3&4BR...READ MORE

The Shark Moves To West OC With New Focus

OCEAN CITY - The Shark Restaurant will be returning today as it opens its doors at a new location in West Ocean City, bringing with it familiar faces and favorite menu items, but adding a new waterfront view of the harbor and some new twists to the restaurant. Owner Travis Wright and kitchen manager Nate Britko sat down with The Dispatch to discuss the new features of the restaurant, the return of old favorites and the excitement of the new, permanent home in West Ocean City. The Shark will...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area ...READ MORE

WOC Homeless Shelter On Life Support

SNOW HILL - Diakonia homeless shelter in West Ocean City will close its doors in April if Worcester County cannot come up with the cash to keep the shelter open. 'We are just now flat out of cash,' said Roy Frick, Treasurer and Vice President of the Diakonia Board. 'Everything is going up. Utilities have gone up. Staffing costs have gone up. Insurance costs have gone up. Every time I get a bill it's gone up.' The non-profit organization needs $65,000 from the County Commissioners to keep going...READ MORE

Friday, March 7 - Baltimore County Students Write About The Beach

BERLIN - When second graders at Berkshire Elementary School in Baltimore County were given a task to write descriptions of their favorite places, four chose to highlight their experiences in Ocean City, according to teacher Michelle Lescallett. Here's what they wrote: The Beach By Carleigh Wisner If you want to have an awesome vacation, go to the hot sunny beach. The huge waves are incredible to jump in. I hunt for colorful seashells to collect. Huge dolphins look like the clouds in the dark...READ MORE

Council Decides On Stone Revetment For Montego Bay

OCEAN CITY - A public hearing regarding the failing bulkhead along South Ocean Drive in Ocean City's Montego Bay community was held this week and reflected mixed emotions among residents of the community, resulting ultimately in the decision from the Mayor and Council to replace the bulkhead with a stone revetment. The 1,000-foot aluminum bulkhead along South Ocean Drive is structurally failing, according to City Engineer Terry McGean, who has been working for several years on plans to repair or...READ MORE

Major Improvements Underway On Assateague

ASSATEAGUE - Just about a month after ground was broken on a new visitors' center on Assateague Island, national parks officials this week announced other major improvements to visitor services are underway. Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Scott Bentley announced on Monday major renovations are underway at the Maryland end of the barrier island and that the work is expected to be completed before millions of visitors start heading to the park around Memorial Day weekend. New...READ MORE

Friday, March 7 - Old OC Library Closes Down

OCEAN CITY -The 14th Ocean City Library closed its doors this week, and although an official date has not been set for the opening of the new 100th Street location, the transition to the new library has begun as the books left the 14th Street location this week. 'Forty years are coming to an end today,' said branch manager Andrea Schlottman on Wednesday. 'We are closing our full services as of 6 p.m.' The full service use of the library officially ended at the downtown location on Wednesday,...READ MORE

Business Leaders Seek To Exploit Virtues Of Fishing

OCEAN CITY - For decades, it has been widely known the vast fishing industry in and around the resort is a major contributor to the local economy, and while its exact impact is not known, resort business leaders are beginning to recognize its value to Ocean City. Ever since the storm of 1933 cut the now-famous inlet between Ocean City and Assateague Island, creating easy access to the abundant waters off the coast, fishing has become synonymous with the resort. In the decades since, a vast...READ MORE

Convention Center Expansion Proceeds On Different Fronts

OCEAN CITY - Resort business leaders were in Annapolis yesterday to testify on a bill that would extend a funding mechanism for the proposed expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center while other efforts to expand the facility continue. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan told Economic Development Committee (EDC) members on Wednesday a contingent of resort officials was going to the capital on Thursday to testify on behalf of House Bill 1064, which, if approved, would enable the local...READ MORE

Fund Raising For NYC Subway Cars Off To Promising Start

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City's effort to ultimately obtain over 600 retired New York City 'Red Bird' subway cars for its ever-expanding artificial reef system off the coast is cruising along ahead of schedule with funds raised already for one-and-a-half barges full, amounting to nearly 70 cars. The Ocean City Reef Foundation, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is in the process of acquiring as many as 630 of the recently retired New York City subway dating back to...READ MORE

Pines Customers Could Lose Flush Tax Exemption

SNOW HILL - The exemption from the flush tax may end for Ocean Pines wastewater customers this year, after a mechanical problem slightly skewed nitrogen numbers for 2007. The Ocean Pines wastewater plant is the only wastewater treatment facility in Maryland exempt from paying the $2.50 per month flush tax into the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund because of the high quality of treated and discharged effluent. The county learned that the service area would no longer be exempt in mid-February. The...READ MORE

Real Estate Figures 'Good, Positive News'

OCEAN CITY - While the resort area real estate market remains sluggish, there is reason for optimism, according to local industry leaders who delivered their monthly update to Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) on Wednesday. Like just about everywhere else in the country, the real estate market in Ocean City and Worcester County has been mired in a slump for the last year or so, but there are signs it could start to rebound. Coastal Association of Realtors President-elect Ron...READ MORE

'A Day On The Docks' Festival Proposed

SNOW HILL - A new festival celebrating Worcester County's maritime culture and heritage will come to the West Ocean City harbor this fall, if some of the details can be ironed out. Worcester County Tourism Director Lisa Challenger, West Ocean City hotel owner Annemarie Dickerson, and Charles Petrocci, a Pocomoke resident, who runs a similar event for Cape Hatteras, propose to bring 'A Day On The Docks' to the north side of the West Ocean City harbor on Oct. 12. 'There's been no event or...READ MORE

Berlin Native Killed By Step-son In Pa.

BERLIN - A Berlin native and long-time Ocean City hotel and restaurant employee was murdered last week in Philadelphia, tragically gunned down by his step-son in a dispute about who did what around the house. Orphus Land, 47, who was born and raised in Berlin and attended Stephen Decatur High School, was shot to death in his suburban Philadelphia home on Feb. 25 by the 33-year-old son of a woman he married on the beach in Ocean City six months ago. Land worked at the Plim Plaza Hotel and the...READ MORE

County Backs Jolly Roger Bill

SNOW HILL - With draft legislation in hand on the tax credit for Jolly Roger Amusement Park, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to support the bill at their March 4 meeting. However, not all the commissioners felt that this was an appropriate time to pursue a tax credit. 'We heard the impending doom and gloom from the legislature. We don't know what's going to happen,' said Commissioner Judy Boggs. 'I think this is the wrong time to open the door to this, this year.' Boggs voted against...READ MORE

County Keeps Close Eye On Employees' Fuel Expenses

SNOW HILL - Worcester County exercises tight control over fuel access by county vehicles and equipment, Public Works Director John Tustin reported this week in the wake of the Wicomico County fuel thefts allegedly perpetrated by staff in that county. Drivers must use an electronic card to access Worcester County fuel, Tustin said, and each time fuel is pumped from the county's two fuel stations, the amount and the vehicle are recorded. The cards are standard amounts and only permit a certain...READ MORE

Double Stabbing Conviction Lead To Jail

SNOW HILL - Two brothers arrested in August for allegedly stabbing two other men during a fight in Ocean City had their days in Circuit Court this week resulting in modest amounts of jail time and fines. Joseph Franklin Hill, 27, of Laurel, Md., appeared in Circuit Court on Tuesday to face serious charges including two counts of attempted murder, two counts each of first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment among others. Hill entered Alford pleas on both counts of second-degree...READ MORE

Nutrient Management Strategy Outlined

SNOW HILL - The most cost-effective water quality improvement practices should come first, Worcester County staff recommended to the County Commissioners in a report on the Maryland Coastal Bays Nutrient Management Strategy. The new strategy came out of the most recent coastal bays policy committee meeting. 'The idea is to implement the CCMP [Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan] and give it a little bit more in the way of specifics,' said Worcester County Comprehensive Planning Director...READ MORE

OC Probe Ends With Pot Bust

OCEAN CITY - Resort police last week made a significant marijuana bust after a dealer was identified during a two-month undercover investigation. The two-month investigation ended last Friday night when the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Quick Response Team (QRT), executed a search and seizure warrant at the Parrot Lagoon townhouses on Philadelphia Ave. near 4th Street. During the search, resort police arrested Cory B. Greenhalgh, 23, of Ocean City, who...READ MORE

Officials Opt To Keep Same Half Marathon Course

OCEAN CITY - The route and date for the annual Ocean City Marathon has been set and runners will be crossing the Route 50 Bridge once again this year. The 2008 Ocean City Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, April 12, and runners will cross the bridge in the 13.1-trek from the Inlet parking lot to Assateague after initial plans were to keep the race on the island. The fate of the annual marathon was up in the air late last year as organizers for the event, Extreme Dream Events, made the...READ MORE

Rehabbed Seal Released In OC

OCEAN CITY - On a crystal clear morning with a big crowd on hand for the send-off, a rehabilitated seal found injured on the beach in Ocean City in early January was released back on the strand on Monday and quickly returned to the sea.. The now-healthy harbor seal, known affectionately to Baltimore Aquarium volunteers as 'Secca,' waddled out of her container on Monday morning, quickly made her way through the hundred or so well wishers and media assembled and made a bee-line for the ocean....READ MORE

Shockley Takes Over As County President

SNOW HILL - The top elected spot in Worcester County has a new face, with Commissioner Virgil Shockley taking over the presidency of the Board of Worcester County Commissioners from Commissioner Jim Purnell in a unanimous vote. Purnell spent two years and two months in the post, taking over in late 2005 from Commissioner Sonny Bloxom. The commissioners also unanimously re-elected Commissioner Louise Gulyas Vice President of the seven-commissioner body at Tuesday's meeting. 'Always the...READ MORE

Surfider Chapter Outlines '08 Plans

OCEAN CITY - 'Please Leave Only Your Footprints,' will continue to be the slogan around town in 2008, as the Ocean City Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation continues into year three of their five-year plan to keep the beaches clean. According to the Surfrider Foundation, 75 percent of Americans litter, and with an average weekday population of 155,000 in Ocean City during the summer, beach trash is a problem dealt with each year. In an effort to control the problem, the Surfrider foundation...READ MORE

"Sea Bay Lax Chix"

The 'Sea Bay Lax Chix' under-11 girls' lacrosse team recently completed a perfect season during an indoor league at the Crown Sports Center, going undefeated in six games. The team, made up largely of players from Ocean City, Berlin and Delaware, used teamwork, good sportsmanship and a positive attitude to compile the perfect 6-0 mark under Coaches Malcolm Van Kirk and Fred Yesko. The girls' have been playing outdoor lacrosse together for about four years, but this was just their second in an...READ MORE

Is Your Working Capital Employed?

BERLIN - Success hinges on how well you manage your company's day-to-day cash flow. You need to know you have the cash for inventory, employee compensation and debt payments. And you also need a cushion of cash to get you through those slow periods. But that's just for starters. In today's competitive landscape, you need to know your cash is always working hard for your business. That means that your working capital should always be providing you with a decent return - without jeopardizing your...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Local Dentist Lectures At Association Meeting BERLIN - Area dentist William Allen, DDS MAGD recently returned from lecturing to the Missouri Dental Association at its annual meeting. Allen taught the Missouri dentists 'Advanced Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry', which focused on the newest techniques to create beautiful natural smiles with an emphasis on porcelain veneers. Allen, pictured at right with Missouri Dental Association President Dr. Shanon Kirchhoff, DDS MS, early in his career...READ MORE

"I Don't Feel Like Dancing"

Happy people seem to dance quite often. Likewise, people who are dancing seem to always be happy. Did you ever see anyone that looks sad while they are dancing? I mean, anyone except Morrissey and Robert Smith from The Cure. I'm not a fan of dancing. Actually, I shouldn't say that, as I do like to watch people who do it well. The cringing that I do at the mere mention of the word dancing lies in the fact that I'm downright dreadful at it. Perhaps as a direct result, most of my critics think that...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Michael Thomas Baylis OCEAN CITY - Michael Thomas Baylis, age 42, died Monday, March 3, 2008. Born in New Jersey he is the son of Suzanne Baylis (nee Idell) and the late Thomas H. Baylis. He had worked in the restaurant business all his life and most recently had been the operations manager at Hooters Restaurant in Ocean City for many years. He had attended Wesley College in Delaware. In his early years, he played football and lacrosse. Along with his mother he is survived by a brother, Larney...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...READ MORE

Things I Like

Dinners at Stevenson Methodist Church The view of OC's skyline from Lighthouse Sound Using GPS instead of a road map Asparagus cut up in salad The new Shark in West Ocean City Watching my dogs chase squirrels in the backyard When there's an upset at the Oscars The first bite of great risotto Believing When thieves are caught in the act The final steps of a long run ...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Insider can't give to charities. He doesn't have enough money. By the time the governments (that's plural) finish taking his money, there's little excess left. If the governments (that's plural) would back off (fat chance), he would happily donate what he could to causes he honestly believes in. The first on his list would be Coastal Hospice. It's the one charity that is truly there when it is needed. Its cause is hopeless for the end is predictable. The death sentence has been pronounced and...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You could have some problems with doubters who don't share your enthusiasm for that new project you're supporting. But use the facts to win them over to your side. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Someone is impressed by how you managed to get your case to the right people, despite attempts to keep you on the outside looking in. Expect to hear more about this. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Good for you -- your gift for seeing both sides of a dispute helps cool down a...READ MORE

Compromise Is A Reasonable Solution

In many ways, compromise is the key to life. With government and public policy issues, it's essential to maintaining a balance and moving forward. Perhaps no better example is the current situation involving the current state of affairs with the fire service in Ocean City as well as its future. The scene at City Hall on Tuesday was not unlike others we have seen over the years. However, when there's standing-room only at City Hall, it usually has something to do with money. Indirectly this issue...READ MORE